What Happens After We Let Go of All That We Hold Today?
Understanding the Inevitable Transition
At some point, every one of us will have to step down from what we currently hold — a position in an organisation, a business we built, or even our role as the primary decision-maker at home. The transition may be planned or sudden, but it brings with it an undeniable truth — the recognition and respect we enjoyed were often tied to our position, not entirely to who we are as individuals.
That moment of relinquishment can create a sudden void — a feeling of being invisible, of losing significance. It’s a phase that many find unsettling. Yet, it’s also a natural, inevitable process in life’s journey.
Avoiding the Void — Living a Life of Relevance
Is there a way to prevent this void from consuming us? Yes — by consciously choosing to live a life of relevance. A life that serves others, adds meaning beyond ourselves, and creates value that lasts even after our formal roles are over.
To understand this better, let’s consider a real-life example of a man I once met during a train journey between Bengaluru and Pune. At first glance, he appeared to be an elderly, reserved gentleman — possibly in his late seventies. But as the journey progressed, a conversation revealed a fascinating story.
An Inspiring Encounter
He was a practitioner of traditional medicine, specialising in helping individuals struggling with personal health issues. Decades of experience had made him an expert in his field, and even at that age, his commitment to serving others remained unwavering.
A few years later, by sheer coincidence, I saw him again — this time at a quiet railway platform in the middle of the night, waiting for a train to another city where he travelled every month to attend to his patients. His eyes reflected calm determination, not fatigue.
Here was a man who had long crossed the age of professional retirement, yet continued his journey — not for financial gain, but for purpose and relevance. His life carried meaning, and that meaning filled the space where the void could have existed.
It made me realise — when our relevance continues, the concept of ‘retirement’ loses its weight. Work may end, but purpose must not.
Building Relevance Before Relinquishing Roles
- 💡 Begin exploring areas of purpose early — mentoring, teaching, volunteering, or consulting.
- 💡 Stay connected to communities that benefit from your knowledge and experience.
- 💡 Learn continuously, even after formal responsibilities end.
- 💡 Find joy in contribution rather than control.
Relevance doesn’t come automatically; it’s cultivated. And those who begin this exploration early — while still active — transition into their next phase with peace and fulfilment rather than emptiness.
Valuation & Reflection
We often define our worth by titles, income, and status — yet, the true measure of life’s success is how meaningful our presence remains when those titles are gone. Living a life of relevance ensures that even after relinquishing everything, we continue to matter — not because of what we had, but because of what we gave.
Life Takeaway
Derivatives and Nifty Expert Gulshan Khera, CFP®, who is also a SEBI Registered Investment Adviser, observes that just as in investing, relevance in life too comes from compounding — not of wealth, but of purpose. To live meaningfully beyond professional life, one must build value that continues to serve others. Read more reflections at Indian-Share-Tips.com, which is a SEBI Registered Advisory Services.
Related Queries on Life Purpose and Relevance
- How Can One Avoid the Void After Retirement?
- What Does It Mean to Live a Life of Relevance?
- Why Purpose Is More Important Than Position?
SEBI Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment or life advice. Readers must perform their own due diligence and consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or personal decisions.
