The Problematic of Time during Retirement: Qualitative Study of Free Time Problem among Retired Men in Tabriz City, Iran

For many people, entering into retirement is an important phase in life cycle with significant economic, social, demographic, and familial consequences. Transition from employment to retirement is an important role transition in the life course, but there are a little scientific researches conducting on this subject. The present paper examines problematic of free time among retired men in Tabriz and explore their coping strategies with time use in the post-employment period. Using qualitative approach and ground theory, we interviewed 23 retired men in Tabriz. The data analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Findings presented in framework of storyline (including 10 main categories such as hopeful-others, dualism of religious orientation, healthy retirement, generative-sportive socialization) and paradigmatic model. The results of the study indicate that retired men in Tabriz experience various time use strategies. In other word, retired men use different strategies for spending their leisure time and dealing with turmoil, but these satrategies always are not constructive. In fact, in spite of all gratifications and enjoyments which this period have, some of retired men may not be able to have a happy feeling and confront with decreasing material and spiritual capital.