期刊名称：International Journal of Ageing and Later Life
印刷版ISSN：1652-8670
出版年度：2017
卷号：11
期号：1
页码：37-67
出版社：Linkoping University Electronic Press
摘要：In this article, we argue that we will reach a deepened understanding ofwhat the retirement process means for individuals if existential meaningis the centre of attention. The data consist of qualitative interviewsconducted in Sweden. A selected type of employee whose work wedefine as a ‘‘calling’’ is examined to analyse the existential meaning ofwork and how it is formed and challenged in relation to the retirementprocess. Before their retirement, the interviewees had developed threemainstrategies for handling the process of de-calling: developing a ‘‘callingon standby,’’ exploring self-improvement activities and listening to callingsfrom other social spheres. After their retirement, three main strategies arosefor dealing with being de-called: conserving the calling, learning to becomea self-oriented subject and redefining the calling. In the case of conservingthe calling, we show how this may result in experiences of economicexploitation and existential frustration.
