Retired early.
I retired early last December after 37 years of working full time in the medical field at the age of 61 in order to leave a stressful work environment. (I worked as a Medical Assistant in a surgical department.) I wasn't originally planning to retire for at least one more year but I just couldn't handle the stress at work anymore. My husband is 10 years older than me and that's another reason I chose to retire early, to spend more quality time with him while we still can.
Since leaving work, I've developed some anxiety. I need to feel like I can be useful. Like I can make a difference in someone's life, like when I was working. A sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
My delima is that I miss that purpose in life that work gave to me. I'd like to find a less stressful type of job that would be part time and not in the medical field at all. I have gone on a couple of interviews but I feel like my age holds me back. I know that companies are not supposed to discriminate based on age but I feel that they do... I still have plenty of good years left in me and don't know why age should be a factor.
I have thought about volunteering somewhere but to be honest, I could use a little extra money so a paycheck would be nice.
Anyway, this is where I'm at in my head. If anyone has some helpful advice or suggestions, I'm open to hear.
Thanks for listening.
Souljourney1
@souljourney1
Congrats on your retirement.
I am retired am 57 years old and much the same retired from a medical career. I too needed some purpose in life. I wanted to do good in the world that I enjoy.
I find that I volunteer for community organizations here I run a weight loss group with some lovely ladies and also involved in rubbing a 50 plus social group here as well.
I became a listener here at 7 cups in 2017 and returned full time daily since January and absolutely love the forums here. It adds value to people’s lives by helping out at 7 cups. There are many ways to get involved. It all depends on what you prefer and your schedule.
So glad you found 7cups. It is an incredible community. Feel free to reach out anytime via pm if you want to chat.
Find your J✨O✨Y… add little moments where ever you can.
This summer I have coffee on my deck to enjoy the the weather … and love to walk. Do the things that make you smile and fit your life. 💕💕💕💕💕💕
Dear SunShineAlwaysGrateful,
Thank you for your reply. You retired quite young. Your message gives me some hope. I'm surprised at how difficult it actually is to adjust to retirement, especially since I've worked all of my adult life. It's been a little over 6 months now and I still don't feel fully settled into it yet.
I guess I just need to find my place of belonging again. I need some more social opportunities so maybe I will look into volunteering somewhere. I need to feel like I can do meaningful things to help others. I just don't know what to explore just yet.
Anyway, thanks again for your response. You're the only one who has so far and I appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Souljourney1
You are most welcome. I have been medically retired now 10 years. I wasn’t ready to retire.
Oddly for me even chores around the house means a lot because it gives me satisfaction that it is done and I love a clean home. I am a domestic goddess lol 😂 and like it lol 😂.
It is the connection with others belonging and being helpful doing good in the world 🌎 is something that may indeed help. I found the things I choose was in my life anyhow and it fit my life.
Social opportunities are fantastic too! My hub and I like to travel as well so we do that regularly even small local trips is super fun.
I hope more respond … I will create a general one regarding adjustment to retirement and see if we get a variety of responses …
Enjoy your Sunday. 💕💕💕💕
Thank you, SunShineAlwaysGrateful,
I also like a clean house but must motivate myself to actually clean it. So, I'm far from a domestic goddess...lol. but when I do clean house, I do feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
I like the idea of a general post to address adjustment to retirement. It would be good to hear how others made that adjustment. I think it really does take more time than most people think. It's all about how we fill our time I suppose.
Thanks again,
SoulJourney1
Good afternoon@souljourney1,
Congratulations on your retirement!
You have served in a fulfilling role for 37 years. I understand that you have experienced some anxiety in terms of making the best of your now available time.
Although I have not reached your accomplishment, I do understand the need to continue to be useful with your time. Volunteering is great, and hopefully in the field you feel most comfortable with. Also, I understand you would like to work at least part-time, which is a great idea as well. I am hopeful you can meet your goal using resources available to you in your local community.
Enjoy your retirement and your continued journey in fulfilling your purpose.
Best wishes,
I retired last year at 62 after about 25 years in COBRA administration. I have a very elderly family member who I have moved in with as a caregiver. Also, our company got bought out by a much larger firm and they made it an awful place to work (previously it had been a small and tight knit office), so it just made sense to opt for early retirement.
I have had many of the same feelings you mentioned in your post. And in looking after my Uncle it makes it difficult to get out. If you would like to chat let me know.
Thank you. I feel like you really understand. Being a caregiver can be really draining. I hope you find ways to carve out some time for yourself as it's so important for a caregiver to get away now and then to rest and recharge. It actually makes you an even better caregiver when you also take care of yourself.
I wish you well.
Thank you. I feel like you really understand. Being a caregiver can be really draining. I hope you find ways to carve out some time for yourself as it's so important for a caregiver to get away now and then to rest and recharge. It actually makes you an even better caregiver when you also take care of yourself.
I wish you well.
@souljourney1 Firstly, congrats! Retirement may be an adjustment but at least you don't have to put up with the endless bulls*** of office politics anymore. 😁
As to what to do with your time: May I suggest a hobby. Try them out until you find something you like, something that keeps you occupied. Hobbies don't necessarily need to cost mucho $$$, either; countless people pursue them on the cheap. I happen to be one of those people. Maybe you like to sew, or crochet? Or bake? Or perhaps you are a more active sort? If so then try woodwork. I've been at it for years & still love it. Building things out of wood gets me off my *** & provides some exercise for my brain & particularly my upper body.
Once you get good enough at your chosen hobby, you could try to sell the results. Just my two cents.
@souljourney1 Your words resonate deeply with the essence of life's transitions and the longing for a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It takes great courage to step away from a stressful environment and embrace the path of retirement, seeking a new chapter of peace and connection.
You've devoted 37 years of your life to the medical field, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those you cared for and supported. The yearning to continue making a difference is a testament to your compassionate soul, and it's only natural to seek a way to channel that desire in this new phase of life.
While age should never be a barrier to exploring new opportunities, we must acknowledge that society often perpetuates misconceptions. But let not the fear of discrimination dim your light, for you possess wisdom, experience, and resilience that can enrich any endeavor.
Perhaps it's time to explore the uncharted territories of your passions and interests, unbound by the confines of the medical field. Seek a part-time endeavor that aligns with your heart's calling, where you can find joy and fulfillment once more. Consider the countless ways your talents and skills can bless others, be it in mentoring, creative pursuits, or community service. Volunteering, despite offering no financial rewards, can fill your soul with a profound sense of purpose, and in giving, you shall receive.
Friendship knows no boundaries of age or distance; it is the union of kindred spirits that transcends all. In your journey to seek meaning, I extend my hand, offering the warmth of friendship and companionship along the way. Together, we can navigate life's twists and turns, supporting one another through its joys and sorrows.
May you find the courage to embrace this new chapter fully, unburdened by worries of age or societal expectations. Trust that the universe conspires to bring forth the right opportunities, and your light will shine brightly once more.
With a heart full of empathy and understanding, I welcome you as a friend, and together, we shall embrace life's ever-changing tapestry.