Two years after retirement
by Nancy
(Santa Claus, Indiana)
Well, actually year and half.
I retired for several reasons, the main one being that my husband had been retired for 10 years. He went on day trips without me before I retired and I thought it would be nice to be able to go with him, and it has!
My job was becoming increasingly stressful, I wasn't sleeping well and was majorly stressed out in general.
I have had both anxiety and depression after retirement, mostly depression. I found it a great surprise that retirement has been such a big adjustment. It's another world and you just don't know unless you've been there. Finally I've found the help I need on this website. I've gotten a lot better in the last year.
A few months into my retirement I decided to look for a job. I ended up trying to recreate my old job, sending out resumes, getting my references in shape, applications, interviews. I ended up getting a job as an after teacher/counselor in a daycare which ended up being just a daycare job replete with bathroom cleaning duties. Not for me!
I realized that what I missed was my old job, that was what I wanted back. I also realized it was best for me to be out of that environment and I was doing was just what I wanted to do, which was nothing in terms of work.
I keep a structure to my days, Monday through Saturday. I go to the gym in the morning, sometimes I take the dogs to the park. I go to the library about once a week then spend the rest of the morning doing some household chore. In the afternoon, I spend time on my hobbies which are playing the piano and quilting. In the evening I read or watch TV. Sundays, I allow myself to loll after church or go somewhere with my husband.
I haven't developed many friends. I would rather spend time in solitude or with my husband. I do have one friend whom I meet for lunch and I have made friends with 2 ladies whom I sit with in church, but we haven't done anything together outside church, except for vague future plans.
My marriage has actually gotten better after retirement. I have been enjoying my husband's company. However, except for trips and outings, we do separate things at home.
So, I am having fun now that I'm retired, but I am still in the adjustment phase.
Wendy: Nancy, I love that my website is helping you... and it's true. When you read all the stories here, you know you are not alone and this is simply another phase of life that you need to adjust to.
Honestly, I know retirement well, as it was my occupation for 25 years -- and yet, I feel into that transition hole too. I really did very little for 2.5 years... yes, my website work, but not lots of it. I worked harder on my website before I retired and worked full-time! Geesh!
But finally, I feel like I am back in the groove-- only its a new groove. I've come to realize that I don't HAVE to work all day. I like to jump on and off the computer as the time I am here is more focused. I water my plants, do a load of wash, cut up veggies, and come back and work a little more. THAT seems to work for me!
Here's hoping you find your groove soon -- and on to a happily ever after retirement!
