I’ve been retired now for about 2 1/2 years. I used to work at the North TX Veterans Hospital. I met some great people there and sometimes I really miss the camaraderie. I always used to think how wonderful everything would be when I retired and how life would finally open and shine on me!
Well, it didn’t exactly go that way.
Don’t get me wrong, being retired is a blessing, but it does take some adjustment. I just wanted to share with you some things I had to learn before I could really start enjoying retirement.
- How to put my own needs first. This is a big one. I raised a child as a single mother, so I got used to putting someone’s needs before my own. After 18 years of that, it’s amazing how hard it is to put that aside. I got married to my new husband in 2017 and he still has to remind me to do what I need to for myself. I’m always trying to make sure he is ok, but what about me? I’m blessed to have someone who cares about me and wants to see me happy!
- How to schedule my day. When I first retired, I found myself sleeping late, taking naps, and just basically waiting for something to happen (not sure what though!). But after doing too much of that, I began to feel defeated. I do suffer from depression, so this was something I had to change. I began by making small lists every day of things that I needed to get done. Even if it only had 3 items on it, at least when I completed them, I felt productive and satisfied.
- How to disconnect my WHO from my DO. If any of you listen to Joyce Meyer, that will sound familiar, because she is the one, I learned it from. People are always asking “so what do you do?” and now that I’m retired, sometimes I feel funny saying that. It’s like, do I really do anything important? Yes, I do! I take care of me and my family! I’m not LESS THAN because I don’t work outside of the home.
These are lessons I had to learn the hard way. You go through so many emotions after you retire. I never expected it to be so trying. I’m still adjusting, but I’ve come a long way. I thank God for this opportunity to find myself all over again!
What things did you struggle with when you first retired?
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Thank you so much for visiting! I look forward to returning the favor!
My mum retires in 6 months and has been so panicked about what she’ll do after. I have been helping her plan in advance – courses, alternate careers, a new career, joining my business, etc. Learning a new skill is something she is very inclined towards as well as joining a non-profit to teach the less fortunate (she is a teacher).
Not having a schedule or to-do list tends to send me spiraling down the depression way too. I try to plan at least one big thing even on the days I’m free from work so that I don’t give my brain too much free time to connotate problems.
I have a friend who is really afraid of retirement too. It can be challenging but retirement itself is like a job. I think if more people went into it thinking that way, the transition would be easier. You and your mum will be fine 😊 Just don’t expect too much from yourself too soon!
I think we’re so used to putting ourselves last that we forget what it’s like when you put yourself first and it starts to feel bizarre. I’m sure it’s quite an adjustment but at least it’s getting better!
It’s a hard habit to break!
I’ve been retired for 14 months and still struggle with time management. My partner works so I still have that 9 to 5 mentality and I need to get rid of that.
My husband still works too, so I know what you mean! 😃