Navigating a career change or preparing for retirement

: Published: 26 March 2026

Nicole Antonietti, specialised in career transitions and retirement

Nicole Antonietti, Psychologist and Career Counsellor, has worked in both the private and public sectors in Switzerland, as well as in several of Geneva's international organisations. She tells us that this experience has given her a solid understanding of the realities, expectations and challenges faced in different professional environments.

What has been the inspiration?

I trained as a psychologist in the 1990s, with a specialisation in Occupational Psychology. At the time, I worked in professional reintegration with long-term unemployed individuals. This experience was incredibly enriching and taught me a great deal about both the resources and the barriers linked to employability.

Some years later, after having worked abroad (UK and NZ), in translation and, later, as an English teacher for adults, I felt the need to update my professional skills. In 2017, I completed a two-year Master of Advanced Studies in Human Resources and Career Management. This academic journey allowed me to envisage returning to career guidance both for individuals and organisations.

Have you been working on this idea forever?

It grew gradually. I was juggling several professional roles at the same time and I wanted to build on what I truly enjoyed: teaching, guiding, and working with people. During my studies, I discovered an approach focused on career transitions and the search for meaning in both life and work. This resonated deeply with me.

Transitions are powerful moments and when you move towards something that aligns with your values and needs, the direction becomes meaningful. I wanted to support and assist people in navigating these significant phases.

What is the main service you offer and why?

My services focus on transitions, whether between jobs or between one’s final job and retirement. I am particularly interested in the retirement phase. Retirement is a major life milestone, yet often overlooked.

Around me, many people are retiring or preparing to do so. Some feel excited; others feel worried or uncertain. My role is to help each person re-write the next chapter of their life story, and build a project that truly reflects who they are today.

Retirement is a time when established bearings begin to fade, and you need to become the author of your own “story”. That is where my guidance can become valuable: helping you explore what comes next.

What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

At a later stage in life, believing in myself and persevering. Applying the very concept of meaning to my own work and life, has been a strong source of orientation and motivation. Asking myself “What do I want to be doing now?” and moving from reflection to action was essential.

What are your plans for the future?

My aim is to develop more counselling sessions and to make these services even more accessible, particularly for English-speaking individuals. The work landscape is evolving rapidly, and transitions can feel overwhelming. My objective is to offer support that brings clarity and meaning during uncertain moments.

Whether you are changing careers or entering retirement, your values, motivations, and experiences can guide you towards a new chapter, one filled with purpose, coherence, and a renewed sense of identity.

What clients are saying about Nicole Antonietti

"Nicole Antonietti propose l’accompagnement qui m’a permis d’aborder plus sereinement la nouvelle vie qui s’offre à moi. La méthode proposée permet d’aborder, sans brusquer, les sujets sensibles à l’âge de la retraite et de s’écouter enfin. La présence discrète mais attentive de Nicole rend la démarche possible. Je recommande cette expérience à toutes celles et ceux qui souhaitent faire le point sur leur passé et préparer au mieux leur avenir. L’exercice est exigeant, mais profitable." Serge Baehler

“The support provided by Nicole helped me take a step back and reflect on my professional and personal journey. I was feeling a little lost as I am now approaching retirement, with the sense that I will have to turn a new page without knowing what lays ahead. Thanks to the discussions, tools and exercises, I was able to clarify what truly matters to me, identify my sources of motivation, and look forward to this transition with greater peace of mind. Today, I feel better prepared and, above all, more confident in my ability to shape a retirement that suits me.” Marielle L., Geneva

Whether you are navigating a career change or preparing for retirement, I would be delighted to support you through this meaningful transition.