BEL MOONEY: I’m leaving my job after 50 years. How will I define who I am now?
Our brilliant advice columnist Bel Mooney has answered thousands of letters from readers over the years. But what if the rich and famous turned to her for unparalleled advice on their own problems?
Each week we invite Bel to look behind the headlines and reflect on an imaginary celebrity dilemma that we’ve put right for her (tongue firmly in cheek). In turn, Bel will accept the letter at face value, just as she does with all the letters that appear in her famous column every week.
She will give an honest answer – so celebrities and politicians, listen up! This week we imagine what Helen Worth, who plays Coronation Street’s Gail Platt, might write in a letter to Bel.
Gail Platt is known to millions as a much-loved character on Coronation Street
…but now Helen Worth is stepping out of her character’s shadow after fifty years of drama and some low-level shenanigans
Dear Bel,
They say you shouldn’t let your job define you, but I’m afraid I may have done just that. For the past fifty years I have had the same career as an actress, even in the same role. I know you have to move and broaden your horizons, but I couldn’t separate myself from the people and the street I identified with.
During that time, I’ve participated in explosive storylines – from my husband as a serial killer, to teen pregnancy, to a life insurance scam.
You would think that I would therefore be well equipped for the emotional rollercoaster of leaving – but I feel like the last fifty years have flown by and I don’t think the fact that I’m leaving has fully sunk in yet.
I know many retirees feel the same way, but few have done the same job in the last fifty years.
How can I move beyond the role that defined me and into the new role that will guide me for the rest of my life?
HELEN
Bel Mooney replies: What is it like to become a national treasure? Gail Platt is known to millions, but now Helen Worth is stepping out of her character’s shadow after fifty years of drama and some low-level shenanigans. There’s still a way to go, and regular viewers are already speculating about the nature of the storyline that could finally say goodbye to the crazy, sweet, complicated Gail. But it doesn’t hurt to look ahead. Naturally,
The serious point for the future is how to step out of the spotlight that you will definitely miss. Whether you call it retirement or not, you are facing one of the biggest changes that can happen in anyone’s life. For someone who is famous (in any field), it can be really problematic when the spotlight is finally turned off and you find yourself in the shadows – something you never really thought possible. And for people who aren’t familiar, retirement can still be very difficult. Even shocking. After all, any of us can feel lost without the role we have played throughout our working lives. Our roles may be small compared to yours, Helen, yet they are of great importance in each individual’s life.
I think it’s important to make plans before the break arrives. At least you’ve put yourself in charge of the decision – while for those who unwittingly face layoff (or worse, the shock of layoff), helpless despondency can take over. It can be a terrible time. But choosing to dedicate time to a wonderful job that has been held for decades provides a useful preparation period. In your case, it’s essential to realize that the famous role was far from the whole ‘truth’ – and that the real Helen Worth is the one who counts. She’s the one who now has to flex her metaphorical muscles – and stand strong. She’s the one who has to get creative on her own terms.
Gail (Helen Worth) married Martin Platt in 1991
That means making plans. Don’t let change (if it comes) push you aside. We all need to see our lives as a series of phases and stay active all the time. Whether we want to grow begonias, or catch up on the complete works of Charles Dickens, or finally learn to bake bread, or fall in love with the dog that never had time for before, or spend real time doing meaningful charity work, or finally take Spanish lessons ….the time must be filled. I think retirees also have the right to be a little selfish. Why wouldn’t you think of yourself after a lifetime of work? The next phase is YOUR time, but don’t let it run dry when the moment comes. How exciting that you can write the next script. I predict that you will make yourself happy by being busier than ever, finally finding the real ‘you’ and having the confidence to love that role above all.
