Our brilliant advice columnist Bel Mooney has responded to thousands of letters from readers over the years. But what if the rich and famous came 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 we’ve (ironically) made up for her. In turn, Bel will take the letter at face value, just as she does with all those that appear in her famous column each 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 will step out from behind her character’s shadow after fifty years of high drama and some low-level antics.
Dear Bel,
They say you shouldn’t let your job define you, but I fear it may have done just that. For the last 50 years, I have been in the same career as an actress, in fact, in the same role. I know you should move and broaden your horizons, but I couldn’t separate myself from the people and the street that I identified with.
In that time I have participated in explosive plots, from my husband being a serial killer to a teenage pregnancy and a life insurance scam.
So you’d think I’d be well equipped for the emotional rollercoaster of leaving, but I feel like the last 50 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 for the last 50 years.
How can I leave behind the role that defined me and assume the new role that will accompany me for the rest of my life?
HELENA
Bel Mooney responds: What is it like to become a national treasure? Gail Platt is known to millions, but now Helen Worth will step out from behind the shadow of her character after fifty years of high drama and some low-level antics. There’s still a way to go, and regular viewers are already speculating about the nature of the story that could finally say goodbye to the crazy, lovable and complicated Gail. But it doesn’t hurt to look forward. Of course,
The important question for the future is how to distance himself from the spotlight he is sure to lose. Whether you choose to call it retirement or not, you are facing one of the biggest changes that can occur in anyone’s life. For someone well known (in any field) it can be really problematic when the spotlight finally goes off and you find yourself in the shadows, something you never imagined possible. And for people who aren’t well known, retirement can still be very difficult. Even shocking. After all, each of us can feel lost without the role we play throughout our working lives. Our roles may be small compared to yours, Helen, but they matter enormously in any individual life.
I think it’s key to start making plans before the break comes. At least you’ve put yourself in charge of the decision, while for those who involuntarily face dismissal (or worse, the shock of being fired), helpless discouragement can take hold. It can be a terrible time. But choosing to end wonderful work done over decades provides a useful period of preparation. In her case, it is essential to realize that the famous role was far from the whole “truth” and the real Helen Worth is the one who counts. She’s the one who needs to flex her metaphorical muscles now and stand her ground. She is the one who needs to be creative on her own terms.
Gail (Helen Worth) marries Martin Platt in 1991
That means making plans. Don’t let change (when it comes) sideline you. We must all see our lives as a series of stages and remain active during all of them. 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 there was never time for before, or dedicate real time to important charitable work, or finally take Spanish lessons… you have to occupy your time. I think retirees also have the right to be a little selfish: why shouldn’t you think about yourself after a lifetime of working? The next stage is YOUR moment, but don’t let it drag on into emptiness when the time comes. How exciting that the next script is yours to write. I predict you’ll make yourself happier by being busier than ever, finally finding your true self, and having the confidence to love that role above all else.
