What will I do?

My job was eliminated at age 65, with a 6 months severance package. I have lots of hobbies, but found myself in a depression and very anxious.

I have seen a psychologist, and am on anti-depressants/ anxiety medication, and am a little better. However, I still have a great need to have a job (part time) and to make some extra cash, even though I have dozens of things that need to be done at home.

I started doing some volunteering, but find myself NOT wanting to stay at home, something I enjoyed greatly when I had some time off from work.

Of course, I am impatient to restore my normal emotional state - anxiety and depression are very debilitating.

Any thoughts? Thank you for your support.

Comments for What will I do?

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Too Old to Die Young
by: Anonymous

I retired 6 months ago. I will be 65 in a couple of weeks. I loved it at first but now I feel lost and that the world is going along all around me but I am not part of it!

I hate the feeling but you can't work until you drop dead. They were ready for me to leave my job.

All I think about now is dying and wonder how long I have left. I am miserable!
cjambrook@aol.com
by: Anonymous

I am going through exactly what you are going through - its almost scary how identical we feel. I too am on medication for anxiety - trying to get out and do the right things - volunteer, meet friends for lunch, yoga, but I find I don't enjoy being at home much of the time as its no longer special. And I'm just sad a lot of the time as if such a major part of who I was has gone.

I have not felt myself for months and wonder - will I be me again? I never expected this to happen but you're in good company.

Wendy: WHO do you want to be now? You need a new identity -- the work identity is gone, fine, now what? There is lots more you can do... can you use your former occupation online now to help others? Can you volunteer or work part-time in the same field?
Changes
by: Anonymous Calgarian

I have had a similar experience although in my case I elected early retirement. The biggest change was the extra time I had after employment to reflect on my life. Many of the issues that came up for me had been masked by burying my head in my work to keep at bay the changes I needed to and unconsciously wanted to make. In a sense I stopped running so fast and my life caught up to me.

It gets better. It comes and goes. The medication is a wise choice. Talking to safe people is even better, in my experience. Many places provide 4 or 5 free counselling sessions. It's a good way to get perspective. And the chores around the house? They aren't going anywhere - maybe cut yourself a break and just take care of yourself.

You are not alone in feeling this way.
What I did.
by: Jeff

On the advice of a friend, I took one day off and did nothing but enjoy myself fishing. I had a great time, it was restful and just fun.

The next day I went to work rebuilding my life for the new life I would be living. Take time to think about what it is you really want to do.

Like you, I had the ups and downs and now things are starting to level out. Today, I am happy, enjoy my friends and time to myself. I feel good about myself and am going to the gym three times a week to drop lots of weight.

My goals are simple and my days look good. All of this sounds so nice, it only took me a year to get here. Take time, enjoy life, and remember things change.
Comments for What will I do?
by: Nancy

I've been retired for almost 3 years. The first year I retired, I also felt like I should be doing something. I brushed up my resume, got my references in order, and started looking for a job.

I got my teaching license renewed, which was a chore because I had to take and pass CPR. I was planning to substitute teach if I couldn't find a job. I did find a job in a preschool as an after school counselor/teacher. I worked there one day. The director failed to tell me I had to clean bathrooms!

Then when the school year started, I found I was dreading subbing, and I decided since I'm retired, I don't have to dread stuff like that anymore.

What saved me was a hobby which I see you have. I immersed myself in quilting and that was what saved me.

I still miss working, kind of. I am so used to not working now. It will happen to you, too.

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