Anxious

by Theresa
(New Jersey)

I have made everyone sick to death listening to me about my concerns about retiring...I am 65..there I said it...so all decisions rest on me...

I have worked in nursing for more years than I like to think about..everything is starting to ache...but mostly one of my feet and my other knee..so its difficult to stand all day and walk and do my job without my thinking that I am further damaging my body...

There are no part time positions in my office..believe me I have written the letters and asked my manager...So ..I either continue to stay on my feet and possibly further injure myself or retire and ????......

I can get Medicare and pay for supplimentals (another dizzying concern, which one to choose?) but because I worked half the year, I have to pay back Social Security if I retire even at this mid year mark..I will reduce my Social Security benefit even if I retire in December! So I am told..I wish I had answers...

I feel stuck and anxious and afraid to make a decision..of course, what will I do with myself after working all my life?

Wendy: Make an appointment with Social Security -- talk. Ask questions (write them down before you go, don't get distracted and forget some). Get those answers so you can wipe one concern off your list.

Then look into Medicare next month, that means you understand your options in two areas. Right?

Finally -- what will yuo do? Only you can answer that. Start day dreaming about what you mgiht like to do. Do you read? Is there a library nearby? Do you know what it costs to do a matinee movie? Would you visit the senior center? Join a club? Friends to do lunch with?

Lots of options... just need to take SOME action, little by little. There is no rush.

Comments for Anxious

Click here to add your own comments

A small hint
by: Phil

Supporting what everyone else is saying just adding that in your approach, focus on what you can do - not what you can't - anymore and you will be surprised how exciting the future is.

Good luck,

Phil
You'll Get Over It Quickly
by: Anonymous

I too was quite anxious about retiring even through I started crossing off the days at the 6 month mark! Each day for those 6 months I looked forward to crossing off another day.....feeling that the day would never come.

Then, one day I got up and realized-it was my LAST DAY! The drive in felt the same, I was surprised-I expected to be standing in the seat looking through the sunroof.

The day at work would have been a normal day-except my wonderful co-workers had a fantastic party for me at lunch time with a card stuffed full of cash! My employer gave me a nice plaque and a nice check for a parting gift.

At the end of the day, I shook hands with many and walked out the door for good after 40 years of service. Forty years that's a long time to be anywhere.

Even though my first few weeks seemed just like I was on vacation, I did feel a little anxious, a little odd. But now-just two months in-I'm loving it and the days just fly by.

I have found plenty to keep me busy and you will too. Trust me, before you know it, you'll be loving it!
anxious
by: Theresa

Thank You all for your advice.. believe me when I say it has helped alot ! Theresa
Everything will fall in place
by: Plp

I to was very anxious...now it has been six months and I am so happy....so glad I retired...and not everything has turned out like I expect it but glad I retired anyway....
Library Source of New Beginnings
by: Joe W.

I agree with Wendy. The local public library is probably the best source today to get some of the answers for your specific questions.

I started my research work for my new book in the public library at the age of 60. Today, the libraries are more inter-active. This is a great opportunity for self-discovery and planning for your retirement life.

Joe W.
scared to retire
by: Anonymous

I read the comments of the lady in new jersey and remember very well last year when i was somewhat in the same position as her and very scared. i stumbled upon this website and started reading the stories and it took the fear away...hopefully it will for her too.
DREAMS DO COME TRUE
by: Sharyn~~~CANADA

Dearest Theresa,

LOL... YOU, my dear, MUST make a BUCKET LIST!

Think about every dream you have ever had, seriously!
What you would do, when, with whom & WHY ~ where ???

EVERYONE HAS DREAMS. YOU have dreams- l know you do. THINK THINK ~ IMAGINE ~ IMAGINE ~

This is going to require "BABY-STEPS".

There are adventures out there in this complicated world, adventures can be & are so very much fun!

YOU just have to decide on which 1 or 2 or 3 -
you want to go for.

Trust me when l tell you " Life begins after RETIREMENT "

One doesn't require lots of money, just enough & a very good imagination...

GOOD LUCK THERESA

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Anxiety Before Retirement .