Summary In this episode of the Humans vs Retirement podcast, I get to have a great conversation with Victoria Barker, co-founder of Beyond Your Career. Beyond Your Career is a programme led by a skilled team of expert coaches, psychologists and neuropsychologists to help ensure a smooth psychological transition from a demanding career, which includes workshops and insights from world-class experts and a supportive community of peers navigating the same transition. We discuss the challenges of transitioning from demanding careers to retirement, the importance of early planning, and the psychological aspects of identity and purpose. Victoria shares her journey of co-founding Beyond Your Career, driven by her observations of the struggles faced by individuals, particularly men, during this transition. Our conversation emphasises the need for community support, understanding one's identity beyond work, and the significance of preparing for retirement well in advance. Victoria and I explore the themes of career transitions, rediscovering passions, and the importance of values in shaping one's purpose. We discuss the courage required to pursue new paths, the common tendency to follow societal expectations, and the significance of introspection in finding fulfillment. Our discussion also highlights the impact of the book 'The Why Cafe' on understanding purpose and the necessity of values as a foundation for personal growth and decision-making. Key Takeaways The transition from a demanding career can lead to identity crises. Planning for retirement should start years in advance. Community support is crucial during the transition process. Many individuals struggle with mental health after leaving their careers. Understanding personal values is key to a fulfilling retirement. The disconnect between research and real-life experiences is significant. Men are particularly at risk of struggling with retirement transitions. It's important to explore who you want to be, not just what you will do. Life reviews can help identify themes and desires for the future. Crafting multiple identities can aid in a smoother transition. Reflecting on past aspirations can lead to fulfilling new paths. Courage is essential for making bold career decisions. Many pursue roles they think they should, rather than what they want. Introspection is crucial for understanding personal desires. Transitioning from full-time work can be gradual and beneficial. Purpose can be found through exploration and experimentation. Values serve as the foundation for identity and purpose. Asking difficult questions can lead to deeper self-awareness. The journey to purpose often involves trial and error. It's important to recognize and avoid paths that don't resonate.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Beyond Your Career 04:29 The Journey to Co-Founding Beyond Your Career 08:38 Understanding the Transition Process 12:34 Planning for Retirement: The Importance of Early Preparation 18:50 The Disconnect Between Research and Reality 21:46 Identity Crisis: Who Are You After Retirement? 27:57 Crafting a New Identity Post-Career 31:18 Rediscovering Passions and Aspirations 34:49 The Courage to Change Paths 38:13 Questioning the 'Shoulds' in Career Transitions 41:58 Navigating the Transition from Full-Time Work 44:17 The Y Cafe: A Journey to Purpose 55:38 Values as the Foundation for Purpose Links Beyond Your Career  The Why Cafe