Do you find congratulations on retirement ironic?

by Anonymous

Do you find congratulations on retirement ironic? Endure because if corrected, a well intended lecture to alleviate your misinformed perception begins?

My story: Health forced retirement from dearly loved job. Recuperated, but once retired that's it. Husband retired. Tolerate marriage as a divorce he opposes would likely alter assistance for autistic son. Plus, retired folks inherit the essential task to provide health care assistance for one another.

Maxed out on anti-depressant, lengthy personal and group therapy. No revelations. Practiced and taught much in my profession. Miss ethics of work peers group purpose, and daily structure.

Confession: Avoided retired people hungry for long conversations. Look who I've become.

Depression prevents me from contacting friends.

I do nothing so feel like a nothing. What news of interest can I possibly share?

Famous for even keel temperament now find intense rage released on objects, and struggle to maintain patience with son.

Great example for: money does not buy happiness. Difficult for many on its pursuit to comprehend.

Volunteered till virus. Husband ill so can't be exposed.

Inconceivable to adopt others view of retirement as an aspired cherished time. More like any opportunity to escape it's limits is a go.

Comments for Do you find congratulations on retirement ironic?

Click here to add your own comments

Some things to think about
by: Michael - Venice Florida

People congratulate us on retirement because they are happy for us, and hope that one day they too will be able to retire.

Some people choose to work their entire lives, and others choose to leave the workforce early.

I had a great-aunt who worked part-time until she was 96. She lived until 105.

No one knows what will happen when we no longer work, and it might not meet our expectations. Working keeps you busy. It keeps you engaged. It also provides a support system. It can keep you distracted from your problems and those things that bother you. And, it gets you out of the house.

With retirement (and now with COVID) we are sometimes put into the unfortunate situation of having to spend more time with our spouses. I often remind myself that we don't know how we will be when we are older (and retired) and neither do our spouses.

Do an internet search of "Ways to volunteer from home." My search listed many ways to do so. And, speak with your local social services agency to make sure you are getting the help you need in providing care for your autistic son. And, please visit with your doctor to make sure that your anti-depressant medications are the correct ones and at the right dosages. Make sure that you continue with therapy sessions as needed. And, most importantly, please exercise on a daily basis. A simple walk around the block will get you out of the house and help you to clear your mind.

Keep the lines of communication open between yourself and your husband so that you can be on the same page and make proper decisions for yourself and your child. Good luck.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Write Your Own Story Here (others can provide feedback).