Retirement is a big change!

by Cheryl
(Lanham, MD)

I first retired about 2 years ago (2014) from the Government. I decided to retire since I was tired of the hassle of the financial world and after 40 years decided it was time.

I wasn't prepared for the anxiety and depression that hit me shortly after I retired. I was so upset that I made a mistake retiring.

I looked for part time jobs and found one being a "shampoo" girl at a beauty shop. It was fun getting out and meeting people, but they only needed me maybe once a week or less, so it left a lot of time for me to be alone.

I'm not married, so I am alone at home. After about 2 years I finally started enjoying retirement and got used to having a lot of free time. I'm a Christian and had been praying that a part time job would come through and IT DID.

I got an email that NASA (which is right around the corner from my house and where I worked previously) was looking for part time help. I got the job and am very happy. I'll tell you though, I was getting used to staying home before I got this job!

All I can tell you is if you're feeling anxious and depressed after you retire just give yourself some time and expect that you will feel emotional.

You've spent most of your life working and it will feel very strange for a while, so expect it.

SIGN UP: Retirement Insider