Retirement Depression

by John A.

Oh Lordy, is this one of the things I have to look forward to in my early retirement in years to come? I retired in 2009 after 30 years in corporate American and after just a few months I became depressed. The hustle and bustle of the work place and my colleagues were missed, I lacked a sense of purpose and felt my identity gone.

Now it's 2012 and I still feel the same way I did nearly three years ago. To compound the problem, the economy has taken its toll on my savings and I constantly worry about having enough money at the end of the month. The bills are being paid and there's no problem there....yet. But, I don't have enough to get out and do some of the things I'd like to do.

At 60 years of age, I feel there's still a lot of fire in the furnace and think I could be a great asset to any organization who is looking for someone to fill a position. But, age and gray hair count against me and employers don't want to pay for a seasoned professional who they think may want the high salary once had before retirement. Heck, if they'd offer a job paying just enough to help make ends meet and give me a little peace of mind, I'd be happy with that. That hasn't happened and helps promote the depression I experience.

One of these days I hope to get to the point where others are and be content with retirement. I think I'm still far from that line of thinking and struggle with my decision to retire.

I do volunteering for two different agencies to stay busy. But, I view that activity as "peeing in your pants". It give me a warm feeling for a short while and then wears off very quickly.

Perhaps when I start to collect social security the financial concerns may ease up some and can begin to enjoy life; provided social security is still around in two years and to government doesn't screw things up more.....yeah right.

Well, that's my $0.0000000000000000002 worth of thoughts and opinion.

Comments for Retirement Depression

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Former teacher/tutor
by: Monica

Wow- I am 65 and have taught school or worked full time for over 30+ years.

We had a fire and flood in our home in 2010 and 2011. Both ordeals set us back emotionally and financially. I took some time off from work and I found it difficult to go back to work full time. The technology that was expected of us on a daily basis was causing me terrible stress and I felt I could not keep up. I loved my time teaching the kids!

This past year I tutor 13 hours weekly-but I have had panic attacks and depression all year. I have no grandkids and my husband works full time. I feel like a women without a purpose and am quite lonesome.

Pre-Retirement Blues
by: Anonymous

I should be so happy after 33 years of service and a great pension on the way. Why do I feel so lonely and scared to start my retirement in the fall? I keep thinking 57 is too young.

Wendy: Very common.. I retired with 36 years and at age 55, and yes, it really is too early. However that doesn't mean to stay employed where you are -- there is a whole world out there. Got any ideas? New opportunities? New Adventures? Think out of the box, a completely different job - new field, something FUN!

Thank you
by: LoreV

Hey Joe W/Seniorpreneur! Thanks for the info about your site and for your advice. I will definitely set a calendar to check in with you soon. Take care!

John A, thank you
by: Lore V

John A, thank you for making me feel like I'm way off base in how I feel. I too am dealing with depression and anxiety since I retired 3 years ago at age 57 in order to take care of my husband.

We live on his Veteran Disability and my pension, so we too have enough to pay the bills but not too much more. The retirement I'd thought would be one of traveling, taking up a hobby that I'd never had time for just isn't going to happen.

I had good jobs but when hubby got sick and then the economy tanked, we lost most of our savings. I remember the old Peggy Lee song "Is that all there is?" and now understand it.

We were unable to have children, so that avenue of people to visit is not there. I feel alone and know that no one has my back as my husband has physical and psychological disabilities, so it all falls to me. He has been ill for 10 years and before that I had taken care of my mother for 23 years after a massive stroke.

I feel guilty for feeling this way, but had good jobs and they made me feel that I accomplished something/helped someone, and the "friends" I had at work have all now disappeared without so much as an e-mail.

If anyone has some answers/suggestions, I would deeply appreciate them. John A, hang in there, as you have company out on the limb.



Wendy: Lore, I have made you a page so that others might comment back to you... it's under What's NEW (top left) and then it's called "Retirement: Is That All There IS?"

Retirement Depression
by: Seniorpreneur

In my research I found that your present chosen lifestyle in retirement is normal for most new retirees.

However; there is change in the air and as a result there are more Seniors before retirement age that are looking for something more meaningful to work on.

I suggest that you come up with one or two things that you are passionate about that you can focus on when you receive your Social Security. If you are interested I have more ideas on my website.

Joe W.
Seniorpreneur

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