The abrupt transition into retirement, amplified by the unprecedented global circumstances of early 2020, presented a unique set of challenges for Dr. George F. Walker, a distinguished professor emeritus from Brock University’s Department of Dramatic Arts. Drawing a parallel to the theatrical villain Zastrozzi, who finds solace in purposeful distraction after a thwarted revenge plot, Dr. Walker has embarked on a deliberate journey to cultivate meaningful occupation in his post-academic life. His experience, detailed in a reflective account, underscores the critical importance of proactive engagement for maintaining mental and social well-being during retirement, particularly in an era where traditional social structures have been fundamentally altered.
The Unexpected Severance and the Search for Purpose
Dr. Walker’s retirement was not a gradual winding down of his illustrious career but a sudden departure. On March 6, 2020, coinciding with the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, he left his professorship at Brock University in southern Ontario to return to his family and home base in Edmonton. While he continued to work remotely for a period, the complete retirement necessitated a significant recalibration of his daily life. His only ongoing connection to academia has been through his emeritus status, allowing him to participate in a collaborative research project.
This abrupt severance from the structured environment of university life left him feeling "stranded," as he described it, struggling to forge new, meaningful connections. The physical act of dismantling his extensive academic library, with the assistance of a former graduate student tasked with cataloging and shipping select volumes, symbolized the profound shift. Books deemed to have lingering purpose were retained, others were dispersed, and some, sadly, were discarded. This process, while practical, underscored the emotional weight of detaching from a career that had defined a significant portion of his identity. The immediate aftermath of his retirement was marked by a deep introspection, with his mental health emerging as his primary concern.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Social Connection
The subsequent lockdowns and restrictions imposed by the pandemic severely limited opportunities for face-to-face interactions with family, friends, and former colleagues. As an individual who identifies as an extrovert, thriving on personal encounters, this enforced social distancing presented a significant hurdle. His established relationships were compelled to migrate online, a digital pivot that, while functional, lacked the richness of in-person engagement.
During this turbulent period, a novel form of connection emerged: weekly online jam sessions with his sister’s partner. This shared musical endeavor, involving keyboard, guitar, and vocals, became a "significant weekly activity" that continues to this day. Prior to retirement, Dr. Walker’s academic career had been all-consuming, leaving little room for the development of extensive hobbies. However, he had occasionally picked up the guitar. The online jamming sessions provided a much-needed "safe haven" during a time of widespread uncertainty and isolation. Utilizing resources such as Ultimate Guitar, they meticulously compiled a repertoire, demonstrating a structured approach to pursuing this newfound passion.
Finding Community Through Music
Buoyed by the increased confidence gained from his online musical collaborations, Dr. Walker sought to expand his social circle through music. He joined a guitar group at a local seniors’ center, an environment where lyrics and chords were projected, and participants took turns selecting songs from a vast database. The format, wherein the chosen singer would lead the verses while others accompanied and sang the choruses, fostered a sense of collective participation and safety in numbers. The blending of voices and guitars created a harmonious atmosphere, and with consistent practice, Dr. Walker observed improvements in both his vocal performance and guitar playing. This pursuit provided another vital source of "meaningful occupation."
The group’s welcoming ethos extended to incorporating new members’ contributions, and Dr. Walker actively suggested new songs, advocating for an environment that embraced evolving group dynamics rather than rigidly adhering to long-established norms. He referenced B. Tuckman’s seminal essay, "Development Sequence in Small Groups," suggesting that true welcoming involves an acceptance of change as new members collaboratively redefine the group. The positive feedback he received, with some members privately expressing their enjoyment of his contributions, further solidified his sense of belonging.
Deepening Musical Engagement and Creative Exploration
During the summer break, Dr. Walker extended his musical engagement by inviting two members with similar musical tastes to continue playing together. They utilized available rooms at the seniors’ center for weekly meetings, dedicating time to refining their song selections. This focused practice was evident to the larger group upon their return in the fall, with their rendition of the 1950s hit "Kansas City," enhanced by the addition of a harmonica, proving particularly popular. This momentum has led to continued weekly meetings at their homes. The combination of playing with the larger group, the smaller ensemble, and online with his friend, along with home practice and online learning, now occupies "10 or more hours per week." His musical journey continues to evolve, offering a rich and meaningful social outlet.
While music addressed his artistic inclinations, Dr. Walker’s creative and playful spirit yearned for further expression. He drew inspiration from his late colleague and friend, Carl Leggo, who consistently sought to find the poetic in the everyday. Leggo’s approach, both literal and figurative, served as a model for Dr. Walker as he navigated the space freed up by the absence of academic administrative duties. His mind, now unburdened by such "administrivia," began to explore new avenues of creative output.
He is currently compiling a series of what he terms "car poems." As he travels, he actively seeks inspiration, composing and memorizing short, haiku-like verses that capture and interpret everyday observations. An example provided is a mother and child awaiting a school bus on the first day of a new academic year. This practice, influenced by Leggo’s philosophy, is fostering an increased "creative disposition" that has expanded to collecting lyrical phrases from everyday conversations, some of which he has transformed into songs, two of which have been introduced to his larger guitar group.
A Philosophy of "Lifelong Being" Over "Lifelong Learning"
Dr. Walker articulates a deliberate eschewing of ambitions for publication or public performance, preferring to maintain the freedom from "dead-line demands" and the "treadmill mentality" often associated with academic productivity. He questions the conventional notions of "lifelong learning" and "practicing," viewing them as future-oriented constructs that place purpose in upcoming events. Instead, he champions the concept of "lifelong being." While acknowledging that learning and growth are inherent to this process, he emphasizes that the primary motivation is present enjoyment.
This philosophy aligns with the principles discussed by Francisco Varela and his co-authors in "The Embodied Mind," particularly the concept of "laying down and walking." This perspective suggests that while the present moment prepares one for the future, this preparation is emergent and not rigidly pre-planned. For Dr. Walker, "being occupied" is synonymous with residing in the present moment, appreciating experiences for their intrinsic value, free from the pressure of self-validation. This resonates with John Dewey’s educational philosophy, which advocates for viewing education not merely as preparation for later life, but as the "full meaning of the present life."
Re-engaging with Theatre: A Stepping Stone
In another endeavor to find occupation, Dr. Walker returned to a dormant hobby: acting. He took on a significant role in a one-act play with a seniors’ drama club. However, he discovered that this pursuit no longer held the same appeal it once did. His career had evolved towards researching, directing, and co-writing plays that addressed social issues, and he found that the traditional theatre process and content no longer aligned with his current interests. While this activity provided occupation, he recognized that continuing down this path would have been more of a "time-filler than a passion."
Serendipity and Strategic Positioning: The Path to New Opportunities
Despite this realization, the acting experience proved to be a valuable "stepping stone." It occupied a period of his time and, crucially, "paved the way to better-suited opportunities." This involvement led to his election to the South East Edmonton Seniors Association Board. It was during his tenure on the board that a request arrived for assistance in writing a play about elder abuse. Dr. Walker found himself "in the right place at the right time," a serendipitous convergence of his skills and a community need. This experience reinforced his understanding that even activities initially perceived as "filler" can be integral components of a larger process.
He likens this approach to fishing, where one strategically positions oneself in "semi-meaningful places" to patiently await appropriate opportunities. More recently, while attending a guitar jam, he observed a poster for a writers’ group, which he promptly joined, adding it to his growing collection of engaging pursuits.
The Interplay of Creativity, Playfulness, and Well-being
In conclusion, Dr. Walker posits that mental and social health are intrinsically linked to maintaining a creative and playful disposition, both in solitude and in the company of others. This requires a conscious and sustained effort, including actively seeking out opportunities and kindred spirits, strategically positioning oneself where opportunities are likely to emerge, and proactively creating new avenues for engagement. For him, retirement has not been a preordained state of leisure but a continuous, step-by-step creation of a fulfilling existence. His journey underscores that the pursuit of meaningful occupation in retirement is an active, ongoing process, one that requires adaptability, a willingness to explore new avenues, and a deep appreciation for the present moment. The implications of his narrative extend beyond his personal experience, offering a valuable framework for others navigating the complexities of post-career life in an ever-changing world.
