Preface
In the public eye, we seem to rarely see retired cadres at or above the department level. It seems that the moment they retired, they chose to "evaporate from the world" and disappeared from people's sight.
Retirement, for many people, is an important turning point in life. This turning point is particularly significant for cadres at and above the senior section level who once held leadership positions. During their tenure, they are the backbone of the organization and society, holding decision-making power in their hands and shouldering important responsibilities. Once they retire, they withdraw from these dazzling halos and return to the status of ordinary citizens.
Why do these proud leaders "disappear" after retirement?
For cadres at or above the department level, retirement is not only a change of position, but also a profound change in identity and role. Zhang Hua (not his real name), for example, was a well-respected bureau chief during his tenure, but after his retirement, he chose to live away from the public eye. When Zhang Hua was in office, he was the decision-maker, the commander, the core of the team, and the role model for his subordinates. His words and deeds can often affect the development of an organization or even a region.
After his retirement, Zhang Hua's role changed radically, from a decision-maker to an ordinary citizen, from the core to the periphery. This change of identity has brought a huge psychological gap to Zhang Hua. He may feel lost and lost and don't know how to reposition himself in retirement. During his reign, he was accustomed to the busy and intense pace of work, and was used to being needed and relied on. After retirement, this state suddenly disappeared, and he felt at a loss, and even had a feeling of abandonment.
Zhang Hua's story is not unique. Many retired cadres face the challenge of rebuilding relationships after retirement. During their employment, their interpersonal relationships are often based on working relationships, and their interactions with colleagues and subordinates are often tinged with the color of their positions. After retirement, the relationship may change and even be disconnected.
Why do retired cadres choose "stealth"?
There are many reasons why retired cadres choose to be "invisible", but in the final analysis, they are all related to the psychological and environmental changes after their identity change. As mentioned earlier, retired cadres face a change in roles and identities after stepping down from leadership positions. They may find themselves having difficulty adjusting to life where they are no longer at the center of decision-making, and this discomfort may lead them to choose to reduce their public appearances to avoid unnecessary embarrassment and discomfort.
In addition, during their tenure, leading cadres will inevitably establish contacts with various people, some of which may involve personal exchanges. After retirement, they may want to avoid dealing with these complex relationships, especially those that can bring up sensitive issues.
In addition, retirement provides opportunities for cadres to reflect. They are beginning to realize that power is not only a duty, but should be used to serve the people, not as personal capital. This new understanding may push them away from an environment where they may abuse their power. Although retired cadres have contributed to society, they may face financial pressure after retirement, especially if the retirement benefits are not sufficient to maintain their standard of living. This pressure may force them to choose to live a low-key life in order to reduce their expenses.
Insufficient attention to retired cadres may make them feel neglected. Lack of due respect and care may make them more inclined to choose a reclusive life and avoid attracting unwanted attention. Retired cadres may pay more attention to the protection of personal privacy and choose "stealth" to avoid unnecessary interference and trouble.
Awareness of power
Power can make or break a person. Retired cadres often have a deeper understanding of this when they look back on their careers. They recognize that the use of power requires great caution and wisdom, and that the slightest carelessness can have negative consequences.
A moral person, no matter how powerful he is, will not abuse it; And a person who lacks morality, no matter how little power, can cause harm. No matter how high the position or how powerful it is, there will always be a day when you will step down. This realization makes them cherish every minute and every second of their work and pay more attention to making substantive contributions to the people and society.
The helplessness of retired cadres
While enjoying retirement, retired cadres are also facing some helplessness and challenges. These frustrations are not only at the individual level, but also related to the social environment and institutional arrangements. Some units do not pay enough attention to the treatment of retired cadres, which affects their quality of life. Pensions may not be enough to cope with the rising cost of living, especially the increase in medical costs. This financial pressure has made retired cadres feel helpless and has also affected their mental health.
Retired cadres may experience a loss of social role after leaving their jobs. They were once important members of society, but they may retire and feel that they are no longer needed. This transition from the center of society to the periphery has brought them a deep sense of loss. Some cadres may find themselves in less contact with old colleagues and friends. This estrangement from interpersonal relationships makes them feel lonely and helpless. At the same time, it takes time and effort to build a new social circle, which is a big challenge for some retired cadres.
As they get older, the physical health of retired cadres may decline. Some chronic diseases may affect their quality of life and even limit their social activities. The decline in physical health, combined with the monotony of retirement life, can leave them feeling helpless and frustrated.
Retired cadres may also be worried about the future. They worry about the adequacy of their retirement funds, about the adequacy of health care, and about the future of their children. These worries, while normal, can also cause psychological stress for them. Retired cadres who have lost power are not without value, they should also be cared for by society.
Are you aware of this "strange phenomenon"?