2 months in

by Ira
(New Jersey)

I am 2 months into retirement at 62 1/2. The first month was easy. I was doing some hiking, going to the beach with wife, going to the gym daily or every other day.

I am finding the full 2nd month to be filled with morning and afternoon anxiety.

I don't have the same push to get out all the time and feel there is a large gap as to what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Is this normal?

I don't feel ready emotionally to even think about looking for any PT work

There is supposed to be a volunteer fair at one of the local malls that I am going to check out. Hopefully something will stick.

Comments for 2 months in

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Re: 2 months in
by: NY

Your feelings of anxiety are normal after a life change as yours.

Mornings are quiet and allow the mind to think, sometimes too much allowing the negative thoughts to enter and set the mood for the day. My mornings were a killer not wanting to get out of bed. This was after losing my eye then a year later forced out of my job.

Doctors prescribed antidepressants but that did not help. While still working, I had been put on an ADD med which REALLY helped me at work when needed. Wish they knew of this disorder when I was young.

Now I get up out of bed, take my script every day, then it seems like not enough hours in the day to do all I want to do. The mind is now full.
2 months
by: Anonymous

I believe that is very normal and for me lasted for more than 2 months. It's quite an adjustment coming from working all your life to total freedom.

I've been retired for about 10 years and I still feel like I have to be productive and have become quite a hermit. It takes effort for me to get out of the house.

I have settled into a routine and am quite peaceful. Take this time to get to know yourself and what makes you happy.
Time heals all
by: Sandy

Ira - hello. We you and I are the same age - just kids!

As for your retirement feelings, as you can tell from the many posts here, they are so normal, but unpleasant and unexpected.

For me, it took literally years to come to a place of peace. I finally realized that I actually had a new job - the job of being happy in retirement. So I created a list of activities and things I wanted to do but never had time...and then I started doing them.

Being a very social person, I was very deliberate to ensure that I did not rely on social media too much; I needed real people interaction.

Some things I planned did not work out well, but others "stuck". I then continued to create my life in retirement, but it is constant work. I am not the type to relax with a book and do things around the house, so I am constantly on the hunt. Perhaps this strategy will work for you.

I hope that time and knowledge of others' experiences will help.
2 months in
by: Ned St Paul

do not know what your interests might be but there are lots of volunteer opportunities like your local Historical Soc , Library, church, your police or sheriffs departments, city recreation centers, Boy and girl scouts, even at achool... and most are very happy to have your help and you can more or less set your own times and availability.

gets one out of the house. meet some new friends. cultivate some new ideas.

enjoy your retirement and hope there are days you can say: I wonder how I had time to work?
but the best is one can say no and not get fired

What To Do?
by: Joe W.

What is your background?

What did you want to do but never had the time to do it?

Do you have any passions?

Have you ever spent any time in a senior center or your local public library?

If you don't answer some of these questions then you will probably find that your big gap could turn into an abyss.

Meditate & pray then take some action, any action and give yourself a chance to have some of your dreams come true.

Have only pleasant & prosperous dreams!
2 months in
by: Anonymous

Congrats and there is nothing wrong with you!

There is no set rule about when or if you want to work PT. If you are in a good place financially, don't rush into anything.

Go ahead and attend the volunteer fair. You never know what may be your calling. The great thing is, if you don't like it, you don't need to continue.

Just think about the things that make you happy until the light bulb clicks on!

This is your time to do whatever makes you happy and don't be afraid to take a leap of faith.😊

Best wishes

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