Regretting retirement

by Steve

I chose to retire at the young age of 55. I thought I’d walk out the door from my job and fall right into happiness, far from it.

Six months after I retired, my wife filed for divorce. I didn’t blame her, because all I was doing was sitting around the house and becoming angry.

The divorce proceeding created a depression that was almost life ending. Couple that with the fact that I never figured out how to be retired, and I became a poster child for major depression.


My wife and I reconciled our marriage, so some of the depression immediately slipped away. About 3 months following our reconciliation, I started to become depressed with nothing to do.

I tried to volunteer at a local hospital, but watching everyone else working and having fun only made me more depressed. I then got a job at a local high school, but again, watching everyone working and enjoying their careers caused me to reflect back to my career and become depressed.

I now sit at home and look out the window wondering how I ever got into this predicament.

I wanted to take up golf, but I’m too depressed to pack up my clubs and drive to the driving range. I thought I’d go to the gym everyday and get a early morning workout, but again, no motivation. I can’t even muster up enough energy to make myself lunch. This is from a guy who used to work 60 hours a week and train for triathlons.

I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring, but I do know that there has to be something more rewarding than sitting in my easy chair.

I just can’t seem to put one foot in front of the other.

Wish me luck,

Steve

Wendy I hate reading this. I really do! Why oh Why does this happen to so many new retirees!!?

Please join my Retirement Transition group under Online groups to the left! Please talk to others who are going through the same transition...

This too shall pass!