[TOMCAT]

Originally Posted by maggie1

I worked 27 years as a state trooper and the day I left I had those feelings of "What have I done?". Yet, I knew it was time to retire from that job, because the average time lapse between when a police office retires from his job and dies is five years. I knew several of my colleagues who did just that - they pulled the pin, felt they had no purpose, and died a short time later. I did take employment after the first retirement, and worked another 17 years, but then retired full-time when I turned 65.

What I'm reading in a few of these posts is that some people feel they have lost their identity - work was who they were. I urge you to get over those feelings, and consider a few of your options:

1. Seek part-time employment here in The Villages - they are always ready to hire.

2. Become involved with some of the social groups we have here - there are hundreds to choose from.

3. Do some volunteer work at any one of the hospitals, charities, or shelters in the area.

4. Start your own business from home. It doesn't need to be a big moneymaker, but it occupies idle hands. A few weeks ago one of TV residents invented a device that makes rolling up the sides of the cart enclosure easier - it was made of PVC pipe.

That's about all I can think of, but believe me, you might miss work more than the company misses you. I hope I didn't ramble too much, but I don't want you ending up like some of the five-year retired cops I once knew.

Thanks so much for your advice. Right now I am working part time in Long Island. Have to move to the Villages first. I keep changing my mind back and forth about moving. I know my husband wants to go. I am just going to miss some people here