RETIREMENT PREPARATION AND ADJUSTMENT AMONG PERSONNEL BEFORE AND AFTER RETIREMENT: A CASE STUDY OF PRINCE OF SONGKLA UNIVERSITY, PATTANI CAMPUS

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1) examine pre-retirement expectations and concerns and post-retirement adjustment experiences across economic, social, psychological, health, and life-satisfaction dimensions; 2) compare the consistencies and differences between pre-retirement expectations and post-retirement experiences, including variations across five employment statuses; and 3) propose institutional guidelines for retirement preparation and transition support. A qualitative comparative case study using a temporal cross-sectional design was conducted at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus. The 34 participants comprised 14 personnel who retired in fiscal year 2025 and 20 personnel approaching retirement in fiscal year 2026, covering five employment statuses. Participants were purposively selected using maximum variation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The interview guides were developed from the research objectives, a five-dimensional conceptual framework, and relevant literature, and were reviewed for content coverage, clarity, and consistency before use. Information adequacy and saturation of the major themes were achieved. Data were analyzed using hybrid deductive-inductive thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was established through credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The findings revealed that: 1) most pre-retirees were practically prepared but remained concerned about income, health, role loss, and benefit clarity, whereas retirees reported reduced work-related stress, greater control over their time, and new routines involving family, continued work, and health care; 2) expectations and experiences converged regarding reduced income, the importance of family, health, and autonomy, but differed in emotional intensity and benefit access. Employment status shaped the initial resource base, while debt, household obligations, health, benefit information, and continued-work opportunities produced variation within the same status; and 3) the university should establish a continuous four-phase support system offering individualized benefit information, one-stop counseling, and post-retirement follow-up. The study synthesized a four-layer model comprising resource base, conditioning factors, adaptation strategies, and perceived outcomes, with accurate and timely benefit information functioning as a key linking mechanism.