Was unfairly dismissed
a year before I was to retire

by Jeanette
(Lancaster, PA)

I worked with developmentally challenged individuals for 14 years. I worked in a group home and also in a day program where I served individuals. I loved my job. I loved and respected those I served.

I was unfairly dismissed because a supervisor lied during an investigation because one of the clients cut her hair. I was not even in the room, but got blamed for neglecting her because I did not have someone else watch her while I was out of the room. I did ask someone to watch her, but he and the supervisor lied during the investigation.

Now I am feeling as tho I no longer have an identity as a caretaker. I want a part time job, but am not ready.

I collect SS and Medicare now. I am 65 years old. I am generally feeling a loss of identity.

Had I retired when I was ready I might not feel so bad. But I was forced to because of 2 staff lying.

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Wendy First, please please don't let "Was unfairly dismissed a year before I was to retire" become your story.

Don't allow yourself to fall into the "poor me" syndrome -- you loved your work, and like a variety of older adults, lost your job recently (due to downsizing, layoffs, disability, or being dismissed). Please don't let this one incident, as mean as it was, affect the rest of your life.

You must be a strong individual to have worked with the disabled in a group home... offer to volunteer somewhere, but only 2 days a week, or 3 half days.. whatever. You might pick a hospital, day care (seniors or children), your church, another group home, the place doesn't matter but giving back does. Find yourself a new volunteer identity and being JOY to a new community out there!

Find a new hobby and a friend to share it with... do some artsy crafts, or a book club, crochet, something to get your creative self flowing! Fun Fun!

P.S. Even if you had retired voluntarily, you easily could have felt the same loss of identity... many of us do!