Two weeks into retirement, I'm feeling exhausted and out of balance

I chose to retire at 62 after teaching Art and Cultural classes for over 20 yrs and before that 15 yrs of various other jobs I had....I couldn't wait.

I had all these plans but into my second week I started feeling disoriented in my life not to mention feeling exhausted....how can this be I'm not working anymore?

I should feel rested and relaxed..... something is passing over me and I'm waiting to adjust and move on.

Comments for Two weeks into retirement, I'm feeling exhausted and out of balance

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Retired last week
by: Cathy

I’m so grateful for this. It’s exactly what I’m feeling. I retired last week from a very high stress/demanding job. I figured I was living on adrenaline. I thought I would get so much done this week but I am absolutely exhausted.
Exhausted
by: sue/St Clair

I just retired 2 weeks ago - I was a records officer and was always on the go - gym 2 - 3 times a week - and feeling good - now that I’m just retired, I’m exhausted and falling asleep in the afternoon!!!

I’m so glad that other people are experiencing the same feelings I am - good luck to you all!

Wendy: Sue, Give yourself a break. Time to recover from hustle of work life. You might even suffer from burnout, it's ok, relax and let your body and mind heal.
RN
by: Stephanie

I just retired two weeks ago and am exhausted. I was a nurse for 35 years and recently was sent to covid ICU. Now that I have retired I have no energy.

Had a recent nightmare of doing CPR on someone who was talking while we were doing CPR.

I'm hoping my energy returns soon.
Retired last week and have no energy
by: Ruth in Dallas, TX

I was so glad to see this page of postings because I retired last week after working 39 years and I am so exhausted.

Despite sleeping at night and taking naps, I am just completely exhausted.

I had a high-stress job where I was working 24/7 as a teacher. I don't miss the job but I think I was living on pure adrenaline for the past several years.

I am 63 years old. Not sure how long this will last?
Relieved !
by: Fiona/ Australia

I have just retired from teaching and was feeling tired and lethargic after a very enjoyable 37 year career .
Deep down I expected to give myself time to adjust but it was very comforting to hear others express similar sentiments.

As a teacher , I was always a nurse , teacher , mentor etc etc and coped - I have plenty to friends and things to do but it was a great career which finished abruptly due to bullying in my workplace .

Thank you for sharing your comments - it helps to share common concerns . Enjoy - you have all earned this new life .
Exhausted
by: Lisa in Oakland

I have been retired for two months, and every afternoon I feel so exhausted, all I can do is lie down and fall asleep for an hour.

I have lots of things to do -- friends to catch up with, house and garden projects, an adorable dog who would love to go for walks, a loving partner -- but everything is a huge effort, even fun stuff.

I hesitate to make plans because I'm worried I will not make it through dinner before I want to go home and get in bed. I don't have any health problems, and I'm not depressed. I'm just exhausted!!

It's so good to hear from others that this is normal for some people -- I want to allow myself time to restore without feeling guilty, or that I'm somehow wasting my precious days. In fact, I want to see these days as a gift -- so many people never get this chance to rest after a long work life.

Now, about that nap . . .
Two weeks into retirement....
by: Anonymous

Thank you all for responding to my post and your advise.

Iam starting to adjust now and finding myself in a different role.....which is ok...... I'm not as exhausted and feeling a bit more settled.

Thanks again
Take Time To Adjust
by: John A / Tyler, Tx

Everything pervious posts say is true. Get plenty of sleep and take time to adjust to NOT working.

Here's one other suggestion. Why not volunteer at a hospital, school, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, etc? Volunteering will keep your mind occupied, put you into contact with other retired folks and teach you new skills for another job in the event you want to jump back into the work force.

The most important aspect of this is to give you a sense of purpose. If you don't have a sense of purpose, you'll give up on life or become depressed. Depression will lead to a lack of sleep or always sleeping. That's not a good position to put yourself into at this juncture of life.

What you are experiencing is normal. It's how you handle things is what is important.

Good Luck!
Give yourself TIME!
by: Kata/Albuquerque

I have been retired since mid-Dec. 2014. I loved my job but sentiments were not mutual from the work force. A condition of which seems to be happening more often.

Fortunately, i was able to retire and save my mental/physical/spiritual health.

Took me several months to 'decompress'. Noticed the unseen/insidious stresses that multiplied over many years, starting to abate. I rejoiced in this 'loss'. Didn't dwell on 'how i got there'. Just that i was healing and able to heal were all such blessings.

Though i did lots of financial planning prior to retirement, like set up a living trust, funeral arrangements, etc. i did wait for more than a year to change some other finances. Didn't want to feel rushed in making such decisions. I gave myself TIME.
Noticing retirement (for me) is a process.

The most recent development has been i decided to upgrade the windows in my house. Bottomline: Enjoy my house NOW. Part of my retirement 'gift' to myself. I am so pleased.

I did lots of downsizing/decluttering prior to retiring but feel i still have too much! So, going thru everything again. Even donated lawn mower/blower/big pieces of furniture to Animal Humane thrift. Didn't want the temptation to put myself in jeopardy of injury/safety. Feels great.

So, there is lots of 'taking care of myself' happening. No more getting thru...the day for the next. The philosophy while working.

These days, being more present in the moment. No more treadmill. Roller-coaster. Fear of retaliation and other negative things.

I wish the best for you in your quest...of finding happiness/joy in your newfound life and direction(s).

Be well.
Adjustment Time
by: Nancy

I can relate. I work 2 days a week right now and soon to be fully retired. I don't think anybody realizes how much a routine helps us to be organized and balanced.

It helps us go to bed at proper times and to get up and get things done. With a routine broken... you tend to sleep different. . . get up when you want and go to bed when you want.

You may be napping??? Napping will mix up your sleeping habits too. There's also "a let down time" after retiring. The big word here is ADJUSTMENT. Hope this helps. Write me back if you'd like to exchange emails.

Take care!! Nancy
Don't rush it
by: Bob Lowry/Satisfying Retirement

Give yourself at least 6 months to fully process the changes to your schedule and self-identity. You have several decades of stress to release. Many folks take up to a year to begin to adopt a retirement lifestyle.

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