Retirement: An Adventure in Life
by Carolee
I was "encouraged" by member(s) of management to accept the Buyout package and to consider it as an "early retirement".
I took a couple of retraining courses to pursue a different career path. The 1st training adventure was interesting but I couldn't afford to live on below minimum wage paychecks. I came home and fortunately found some work. That job opened my eyes to things that the public isn't aware if and some questionable business and legal right situations.
I once again entered another training program. That is when I experienced age discrimination, shocked and dismayed I was offered some work at the previous job. I was anxious to quit after I returned to that job. I then was offered some retraining programs through the job that offered the buyout. I quickly left the job I had returned to.
Through a series of events, I sought counseling and it was there that I learned of a potential career opportunity once I complete my advanced degree.
Reviewing my life, I like to remain busy. I do have some type of schedule, go to school (a form of therapy for me) and adopted a couple of rescue/shelter dogs.
I occasionally experience bouts of depression... I have realized that my depression is a form of anger turned inwards. Action is the magic word for me. Feel depressed, clean the table top, still depressed, then clean it again. If I am still depressed - go outside and pull some weeds or call a friend. Then go and do some homework.
Social skills outside of work is one of my weaknesses. I am working on it versus ignoring it.
I also keep a journal on my resues. I dabble in writing.
Where do I go from here? No idea, but i will search for an answer.
