Retirement from Educational Setting

Loved my career of teaching for 32 years, but due to stress outside of the work environment I felt I was not able to give 100% required to do a good job so I retired in January of 2015.

It was a heart felt decision I made, but I believe it was the best for my well being.

During the first two months I went on extended Florida vacation and gave myself permission to rest. Returning in the spring provided so many things to do and freedom I have never had before that it was thrilling. Just going to the grocery store during a time when it was not crowded was a simple pleasure.

However once back in former surroundings, I started to lose regular contact with friends who are all still working, and that depressed me. I think the real culprit is late menopause hitting at age 58 that has put me into a tail spin.

I'm very depressed and tired most of the time, feeling that life has lost a lot of the joy I once knew. I signed up to substitute a few days a month and that has helped with colleague connections, but energy is still low and depression is paramount.

I think when a physical issue coincides with retirement it blurs the lines between what is retirement depression and a physical malady.

Getting ready to downsize and move is another huge burden at this stage with the extra physical and emotional energy required to quote Disney "LET IT GO", so I have put that on hold and allow myself time to adjust physically.

Allowing time to adjust is important; the spring of life was wound tightly and it takes time to release it slowly.

Comments for Retirement from Educational Setting

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Stress More Stress
by: Joe W.

It would be interesting to know what your stress is outside the work environment.

For many new retirees it's usually the job stress that triggers early retirement. Job stress can lead to physical, mental & emotional problems as we age.

However; stress outside the work environment is another kettle of fish. This outside stress needs to be handled by yourself after the main problem has been identified and put in the proper perspective.

Joe W.
Seniorpreneur
Coming to terms with Sweet Liberty
by: Anonymous

Elna Nugent's comments to your current plight, largely hit the nail on the head, I could not have summed your particular crisis any better - I have been there and understand full well what you are going through - it took time for me to adjust, a considerably long time to adjust if the truth be known - I simply could not function after retirement whatsoever, thus rising early each morning as I had done for more years than I care to remember - yet, instead of making for the workplace.

I endeavoured to remain involved with the community by spending long days in establishments ranging from the gymnasium to the library, (Not a wise alternative, with the benefit of hindsight) - eventually returning to my house at the end of each day, inanely and mentally reciting to myself as I unlocked the front door, some words from 'Dante's Inferno' ergo; "Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here"- a dreadful period it must be said.

However, you may one day, very soon, be utterly astonished how things can move round, the turn of a corner, a chance meeting or even an otherwise routine appointment - can bring with it unexpected hope and an unforeseen transformation of no equal.

I am forwarding to Wendy this evening, a piece of work that I scribed fairly recently - would you kindly do me the honour of reading it and then get back to me - I have shared your melancholy and sympathise fully - but sympathy is not the answer - finding direction certainly is.

Gordon G. Kinghorn.
London
UK
All is Well
by: Elna Nugent, Lenox, MA

Dear "Retirement from an Educational Setting":

Retirement is a huge transition for most. Perhaps mainly because we have lost the continuous distraction of routine and daily connections.

The biggest adjustment is often having to get to know ourselves and who we really are. Most of us run away from looking in the mirror and asking Who am I ...really. We have been able to ignore that for decades when we are on a work schedule.

As a child, when you were growing up, did you ever have a dream of what you would love to do or be. Now is your chance to take that dream off the shelf and take classes in something that really turns you on and helps you meet others.

You have developed many skills and talents through the years and these can be used to help other people who need what you have to give. We can't give what we don't have. So first it may help to have counseling that can help you get to know yourself and what a wonderful life you can have ahead of you.

All is well. Believe it. Blessings.

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