Retired after 35 years in law enforcement

by David

Greetings.

While I am sorry to hear of the anxiety and depression that others have experienced, it's good to know that I am not alone.
After an active 35 year career spanning operations to management, I retired thinking that I was ready.

The feelings of anxiety I have suggests that I was not.

I have a number of interests but just cannot muster the motivation to pursue anything yet.

Like some of the others I feel a loss of identity, status and value.

One of the things I am doing to try to cope is to research the experience and advice of others.

Best wishes to my fellow retirees. Hope it gets better soon.

Comments for Retired after 35 years in law enforcement

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Thank you
by: David

Thanks for all the helpful comments and advice.

It is very encouraging to know that you have found ways to assist with the transition and are willing to share.

Regards
I get it
by: Nancy

I can understand why you would have a loss of identity, status, and value from leaving your career of law enforcement. Seems perfectly normal. I still have that issue myself.

I guess it has taken longer for me than others. I have to constantly remind myself that I am not in my career anymore, which was counseling, and my identity is retiree now. What I do is act "as if" every day. Put one step in front of the other.

Don't get me wrong, I love my life and have a wonderful life. I have hobbies. The best thing you can do is be here, as you said. Reading what others have been through too.

Thanks for sharing.
Life is a journey
by: James

Yes 'loss of identity, status and value' is a big change for many, including myself. It takes time and effort to adjust, I'm afraid.

I retired from working in a city to a rural area three years ago with my wife. It is peaceful and the people are friendly. I took up gardening, walking, yoga and a few other things. But, from time to time I have yearnings for my working days. Luckily, I'm in good health and try to stay so.

Just takes time to adjust. Life is a journey, as they say. Good luck.
To Retired after35 year
by: Elaine/PA

David,

Like any big change in our lives this will take time for you to adjust and be comfortable with your new lifestyle. 35 years is a long time to be in a certain routine.

I'd suggest that you keep busy in some way until you focus on some interests. Give yourself time. It may help if you touch base routinely with those you worked with.

Elaine Dougan
WELCOME
by: GOLDIE aka "The Good Witch"

Welcome David !!!

A new beginning takes time.
Click on the right side of the page
"Friendship Here" and join us online.

You are not alone!
TRANSITIONING
by: Anonymous

Life is filled with transitional challenges and when we are able to dig down deep and burst out of our comfortable/secure bubbles and open up to the new/different challenges, we usu prevail and sometimes even triumph.

Onward/Upward. L!
Yes
by: Rose Raintree Arlington Wa.

Yes, it is comforting to discover that we are not alone in this retirement journey and after 35 years in a career I loved and devoted most of my adult life to, I also found myself staggering the first year.

But I decided as I have in the past when faced with challenges to keep moving and fighting and rediscovering me and all that is still out here for me. And three years into retirement I can truthfully say while it has not been an easy task and at times felt like I was doomed to live in this non existent state the rest of the way, but I a happier than I have been in many years. I have discovered things about myself that got lost in all those working years, and I like what I am discovering.

I find each day a joy to wake up and wonder what God will we do today. And while my life is quieter, and much more simple than it used to be the peace and deep down joy I now feel is a result of the quietness and I am embrace it and can only say keep moving, don't give

up, get up and show up even if you don't feel like it. As many don't realize the feeling comes after the effort is made.
Find Your Way In Retirement
by: Judy R.

Getting a small part-time job really helps, even if you don't need the money - It can be "Play Money" - This gets you out and about and wipes away loneliness, anxiety and depression! (I have been doing this for the last 8 1/2 years.)

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