Can I Afford To Retire?

by Danny A
(Goose Creek, SC USA)

I am quite sure that people love the fact that their misery has a lot of company. I found some sort of weird comfort just reading the headings of people just like myself whining about something they knew was going to happen, if death don't come first.

I am in my "whining" stage presently and no one understands the amount of depression I have put myself through. I had been more afraid of failure in my profession than I have been to die.

After being an orphan at 11 I found no connection with my self centered family, that tolerated me until I was 14 and left that "merry go round" of "care" givers. I quickly developed a "Survival Instinct" by an ephiphany that I was responsible for my own welfare. I grew to realize that nobody cared for me and I was not responsible for anyone but myself.

Retirement was forced on me by my health. I found myself feeling out of control of my life and had to depend on others.

I find myself constantly trying to find a purpose for the remainder of my life since I basically care first about my own life and happiness. A lot of people in my situation find comfort in their God. Others find it in drugs or alcohol. As luck would have it I don't drink to excess or do drugs and I am not religious.

I have read about retirement depression but have nowhere found a solution.

Please write about why we should feel ourselves fortunate and stop whining about our problems. Anyone that says "It's better than being dead! is never been through the hell some of us suffer. Please! Someone! help!!!

Wendy: Danny, I do know the "hell" some people suffer through retirement. I am soo fortunate to have missed that in my own retirement transition.. and pray you find your way soon!

I'm curious what your occupation was. Could you possibly share it on a blog? Help others to learn the job through your guidance? You write well...

Have you ever heard of CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates? You sound like you've "been there and done that" and might just be able to help kids who are living the same life you did. You might not be quite ready for that yet -- until you find some source of happiness or contentment in retirement -- but its an idea!

One immediate idea is Senior Pen Pals. Sounds odd, but these folks will write to you via email and share their thoughts. It's better than folks near to you, as they have no connection to you, and might give you a completely different perspective in life. Plus a few new friends to talk about every day life might help to take the focus off you too. Just think about it. Click to read ads already there, or add yours to be approved later this week!

If you want to contact me (use contact at bottom left), to tell me more about your work history, I'd love to help you with a blog or even a website for new income.

I hope others will give you their two cents too!

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