Retirement marks a major life transition, one that not only signals the end of a career but the beginning of a new and blank-slate phase of life. Increasingly, experts are recognizing this period as its own distinct life stage—a time of potential, reinvention, and challenge. Programs at Stanford, Harvard, Notre Dame, and the University of Chicago offer structured ways to navigate this transition within a small cohort group; but one of the most accessible (and much less expensive) strategies lies closer to home: participating in a small group of peers to support one another.

The loss that accompanies retirement can be jarring. As the leadership consultant William Bridges notes, transitions (in business or our personal lives) involve three stages: loss, a neutral zone of ambiguity, and eventual rebirth. For many retirees, the loss of a career means more than just the end of work—it’s the loss of an identity, a sense of purpose, and often a network of relationships.

During your transition, small groups can be a lifeline. Here’s why:

• Rediscovering Connection: When careers end, many social connections often end with them. A small group provides a chance to rebuild meaningful connections. Sharing experiences, challenges, and hopes can foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Creating Accountability and Purpose: Many retirees struggle to fill their days with activities that really fulfill them. Small groups offer perspectives and accountability, encouraging participants to explore new hobbies, volunteer opportunities, or even encore careers.
• Navigating the Emotional Journey: As people in the “neutral zone” grapple with their changing identity, a small group offers a safe space to process emotions. Listening to others’ stories and sharing your own can provide clarity, reassurance, and sometimes even solutions to shared problems.
• Discovering New Perspectives: Retirement brings the freedom to explore parts of yourself that a career might have overshadowed. A group with diverse experiences and interests can spark ideas and encourage exploration, helping you embrace this phase as a time of growth.

Tom Schreier, director of Notre Dame’s Inspired Leadership Initiative, observes that many people are drawn to these formal ‘small group’ programs after recognizing what they’ve lost—their professional identity, the camaraderie of colleagues, the sense of being “in the flow.” Small groups help fill that void, offering the recognition and connection we all crave.

So, as you plan for this new chapter, ponder the power of community. And consider coordinating a small, informal group of individuals whose timeline is similar to yours to discuss retirement plans and concerns.

Your individual path may be uncertain, but with the right group of people by your side, it can also be full of opportunity.