Loosing myself

by Tye
(Atlanta, ga)

I retired at 51 with 30+years. I have been retired for 2 years.

Not old enough to attend senior centers (age limit is 55).

I had a job Lined up with a private business when I retired because I knew I needed to stay busy and have a reason to get up daily. Well business is not good and I have not been working steadily.

I am frustrated because I have nothing to do.. No family , just my dog and we walk 5 miles daily. But after that what....

I have gotten depressed. I have been looking for jobs but they seem to want younger workers. Retirement is overrated

Comments for Loosing myself

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Learning
by: Carmen Leduc

Maybe this is just the way I am, but nothing makes me feel better than learning something new. Evening courses are especially satisfying because there are more people our own age. And the people don't know others as much as they do during day classes so at breaks they all come to the same table.

Even when I was in my 20s and 30s I really enjoyed spending time with older people because I found that they were so down to earth and had so much to teach. They couldn't replace the people my own age but they really added something to my life.

You have no idea how much you still have to offer the world.

Retirement is overrated
by: Nancy

I agree, retirement is overrated. One of my acquaintances in my Al-Anon meeting told me before I retired, "Retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be."

Having said that, let me tell you that I found a new job when I was 58 and worked there almost 5 years before I retired.

So if you feel well, I bet if you keep trying you will find another job, that is if you want to work. I don't feel well enough to work now. I wish you all the best.

If you are new to Wendy's website, keep coming back. It is great here and is wonderful to commiserate with others going through the same thing.
Seniors Centre line-up
by: Joe W.

I don't know of any seniors that are younger than 55 and are 'chomping at the bit' to get into seniors centres.

To start with I would visit your local public library. There is a new revival at many libraries right now to get more people to participate in a variety of activities. Some have theaters for film viewing and public discussions. Others have 3-D Printing machines and book publishing centers.

The public library is a great starting point for lifelong learning opportunities and possibly getting you more motivated to check-out some possible options to pursue.

Joe W.
Volunteer
by: Anonymous

There is a lot of wonderful volunteer work. since you did not say what sort of thing you did in your former work I can not offer a specific organization. There is great satisfaction in volunteer work. MY husband did mountains of it and despite my lameness handicap I have done a lot too.

My husband is now 101 and still doing a few volunteer bits that are within walking distance and I am looking after a retirement home library.
Get Moving
by: Jeff

Ok, so now it's time to get off your butt and volunteer. So many groups need people just like you, and you need them.

Network and seek out employment. I have had many offers of employment and have turned them down for one reason or another. I have leg problems and cannot get around like I once did and so I do what I can when I can.

Feel sorry for yourself tomorrow get looking and keep moving while you can. Enjoy this time and the freedom.
Coping With Retirement Cynicism
by: Tom Damron

Tye:

Not to blow my own horn, but I'd like to direct you to my page and the Article relating to the above Title.

It may not solve your problems but it is a guide to how to utilize your time and avoid the cynicism you seem to be experiencing now that you're retired.

Just a suggestion but you may find a little light on the road to abate your boredom.

Tom

Wendy here is the article: Coping with Retirement Cynicism
I hear you and agree
by: Viper

I lost my identity when retired too. Very depressed. It is best to stay busy. I obtained a part time job at the local YMCA as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. I'm still depressed but mainly due to ongoing issues with cancer.

more information please
by: Michael Hertel

What is it that you did in the past?
Retirement
by: Carolyn

Tye: I found out the hard way too - although I retired at 62.

At first it was wonderful - I volunteered with the humane society, met friends for lunch, went to New York for a trip, went to lectures at the university, took hikes and sat in Starbucks having coffee - but after 7 months a family crisis happened which sent me into a depression - when the crisis was resolved, the depression wasn't and it was then I realized that I needed that structure, distraction, a reason to be.

After going through months of depression I am now planning to move back downtown because I will be closer to the action, friends, life; that is helping me and giving me a focus.

But I am still considering returning to work once that is done. I don't know if you live in a big city but if so there are lots of things to do including volunteer work and lots of job opportunities.

I wish you the best.
overrated
by: Anonymous

I agree retirement is overrated. Feeling useful and having a routing and getting away from home are positive things. However now you've done it so find groups (try meetup for your town on the internet) or start a new skill (classes?) or perhaps think of a way of starting a small business from home.

And you have your dog, wonderful friend and the long walks are keeping your body happy. So that's a great start.

Good luck with the next goals!

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