Successful Career: Now what?

by Bruce R

Hmmmm... what to say really. Some of what I've read I clearly relate to. Although much of what I'm going through is both physical, psychological, emotional, financial and deeply personal, all at the same time.

I was a network tv news producer and after a long successful career, things went down hill some 5 to 6 years ago, and I've found myself reluctantly retired, chronically unemployed, dazed, confused and frustrated.

The hardest thing really, is understanding that no matter how seemingly insightful I may or may not be, and after researching, writing and producing hundreds if not thousands of segments, news stories, mini documentaries and the like, that I cannot seem to "produce" my way out of this new box I find myself in.

THAT is the greatest frustration ... namely self organizing and redefining a future that seems to be slipping past me like a tree limb in a fast moving river.

I've read all the books on Encore careers, albeit it works for some but I haven't figure it out.

I have volunteered or tried to volunteer and found the work unsatisfying if not outright demeaning, yet all the while trying to understand that my ego was not getting in the way.

This isolation, coupled with the new isolation of early retirement has been a deep and long haul...

It also comes amidst age related friends who ain't there yet, or even more so see me as a reflection in the mirror that might be their worst nightmare. Much of this is unspoken of course and plays out over the diurnal grind of putting purpose and continuity to each day.

Emails suggesting jobs as a bed pan cleaner, a senior assistant or such other crap abound. Self worth analysis that one has battled the perfect storm of the recession, age, and a changing marketplace are part of my situational analysis but it does little to negate the feeling that I have a great future behind me.

Still I remain undaunted in the belief that I can find a way to the new world, even if it means searching more internally than externally.

Lemme know if this makes sense to y'all

Bruce

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Wendy: Bruce, It really sounds like you've had the rug pulled out from under you (like so many retirees), and years later, you are still "stuck".

I think the longer you are "stuck", the harder to pull yourself out, psychologically. It's all in your head, self doubt or whatever, and that perpetuates itself... as you start running in circles mentally.

Please email me privately... write to me here: Contact Wendy.

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