[Madelaine Amee]

One thing no one has mentioned is the organization that encourages retired professionals to help people in start up companies, and now I cannot remember the name - is it Shine?

There are probably many of you here who would have great information for people wanting to get into business.

[TOMCAT]

Originally Posted by gap2415

When I reluctantly retired from a business, I left behind friends, a sort of family, my home which was part of it and much income. They are all losses, like little deaths. My children grew up and moved away. I also realize I’m a senior citizen so I left behind my youth as well as the other necessary losses. We build a life, hit plateaus, then as we age learn well or badly, the art of letting go. It’s easier for some than it was for me. Swings of depression are felt now and then. I realize it is time to fill the space with something new, something fulfilling, especially if you are alone. It can be work at the beginning to find adventures small and large but we do need meaning and worth, not in other’s eyes but our own. I used to think going back to that work was the answer but for me it is not as I would just be trying to fill a mental space and not learning to live right here, right now. Old dogs can learn new tricks and The Villages is a good start.

I am not quite a senior citizen yet as I am only 59. Will be 60 in February. You are right. Have to make it down to the Villages now and build a new life for me and my husband. It is the waiting around as we are waiting for my son to get married in April which is delaying us. Making me change my mind back and forth if we are making the right decision.

[perrjojo]

I don’t think I will be remembered by my friends and family for the work I did. I will be remembered for the impact I had and still have on their life. If you have no family find someone who needs a family and make a difference in a life. The best cure for depression is finding someone else to think about. I hope you can adjust and enjoy our beautiful life in. TV. We all need something to look forward to. Make a plan for moving forward. It may not be easy but I wish you well.

[TOMCAT]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

You spent more time at work, than with your family. Work was your second family. The Villages is the best place for your next chapter and enjoying your years of hard work.

Yes exactly. My coworkers became my family. And sometimes there are disputes in families. I was unhappy about not getting my promotion like others were getting. Felt it was a little favoritism going on there also. Got annoyed with that. As we get annoyed with family members also but have to realized not everyone is your friend or going to like you.

[TOMCAT]

Originally Posted by perrjojo

I don’t think I will be remembered by my friends and family for the work I did. I will be remembered for the impact I had and still have on their life. If you have no family find someone who needs a family and make a difference in a life. The best cure for depression is finding someone else to think about. I hope you can adjust and enjoy our beautiful life in. TV. We all need something to look forward to. Make a plan for moving forward. It may not be easy but I wish you well.

Thank you so much.

[Abby10]

Originally Posted by Fredster

I think that getting all or most of your feelings of self worth
from a job or work is a mistake, that will make retirement
hard to deal with!
Many years before retirement I lost a job that I had for many years, and it took me quite awhile to land another.
During the long time I was out of work I came to the
realization that I was still a useful, worthwhile
human being even without a job!
I also realized there were other ways to aquire good feelings about your life, such as hobbies,
other interests
and even helping others!
One big thing that I personally feel helped was, just prior to retirement asking God to help and guide me to
find useful and healthy activities to fill the free time I would have!
Then, keep an open mind and try different activities!

Excellent post, and IMHO, the highlighted section is the real key. Helping others has the ability to not only alleviate depression, but can often give one purpose in life.

My husband and I recently had the discussion about what we think our retirement life in TV will be like. We've already met many wonderful people and know we will not lack for friends or things to do, but we are realistic enough to know those 2 things alone will not completely fulfill us. We plan to look for opportunities to be of help to others, whether inside TV or out, in order to complete the circle so to speak.

Hoping you find joy in your retirement, Tomcat. It appears as if you are seeking direction in all the right places.

[Abby10]

Originally Posted by perrjojo

I don’t think I will be remembered by my friends and family for the work I did. I will be remembered for the impact I had and still have on their life. If you have no family find someone who needs a family and make a difference in a life. The best cure for depression is finding someone else to think about. I hope you can adjust and enjoy our beautiful life in. TV. We all need something to look forward to. Make a plan for moving forward. It may not be easy but I wish you well.

Before posting, I had not read to the end to see yours, perrjojo. Another great response. As my husband always says, the most important part of life is relationships.

[Retiring]

Originally Posted by TOMCAT

I think my problem is I should never had retired in the first place. Why fix it when it is not broken as they say.

It is a major decision, and you said it best above.

In my field there is no going back, retirement is permanent. I was going to retire 2017 (55yo) but I backed out at the last minute. It is just too soon for me, too soon psychologically. I may wait another 2 years, which will give me the 30 yrs of service that I need to receive full retirement at my company. I will still go ahead and build in TV as desirable lots are not as plentiful as they once were. Once in TV I will pursue volunteer work, and there is no other 55+ community in the country that offers more distractions. I’m not a golfer, my reason, almost entirely, is the number of clubs available. I see TV as a non-stop distraction, which is what I will need. Also, one can’t forget the volunteer opportunities at church, if you’re so inclined.

[TOMCAT]

Originally Posted by Retiring

It is a major decision, and you said it best above.

In my field there is no going back, retirement is permanent. I was going to retire 2017 (55yo) but I backed out at the last minute. It is just too soon for me, too soon psychologically. I may wait another 2 years, which will give me the 30 yrs of service that I need to receive full retirement at my company. I will still go ahead and build in TV as desirable lots are not as plentiful as they once were. Once in TV I will pursue volunteer work, and there is no other 55+ community in the country that offers more distractions. I’m not a golfer, my reason, almost entirely, is the number of clubs available. I see TV as a non-stop distraction, which is what I will need. Also, one can’t forget the volunteer opportunities at church, if you’re so inclined.

Yes I should of backed out at the last minute. Retirement is a major decision. My government job was offering an early retirement incentive and I had a chance to pull out but was a day late. If I went day before I would still be working. Somehow I think I screwed up. I tried to get back but I also knew contract was expiring and I heard there might be major changes. That had a lot to do with my decision also. If only I was given more time to think. I should never had taken it because I had my doubts but too late now. Psychologically I was not ready also. I have another job right now that helps me a little. Also moving to another state has me filled with anxiety as my husband and I wanted to move to TV for years. A lot of stress for me. Leaving a job and a home that I lived in for over 20 years.

[Allegiance]

Originally Posted by TOMCAT

Yes I should of backed out at the last minute. Retirement is a major decision. My government job was offering an early retirement incentive and I had a chance to pull out but was a day late. If I went day before I would still be working. Somehow I think I screwed up. I tried to get back but I also knew contract was expiring and I heard there might be major changes. That had a lot to go with my decision also.

Once you experience the villages life there will be no regrets. None, NOTHING but happiness.

So many opportunities to have fun, help others, put skills to use.

[Abby10]

Originally Posted by Allegiance

Once you experience the villages life there will be no regrets. None, NOTHING but happiness.

So many opportunities to have fun, help others, put skills to use.

I second this post.

Tomcat, have you been to The Villages yet? If not, maybe that's just the boost you need.

[TOMCAT]

Originally Posted by Retiring

It is a major decision, and you said it best above.

In my field there is no going back, retirement is permanent. I was going to retire 2017 (55yo) but I backed out at the last minute. It is just too soon for me, too soon psychologically. I may wait another 2 years, which will give me the 30 yrs of service that I need to receive full retirement at my company. I will still go ahead and build in TV as desirable lots are not as plentiful as they once were. Once in TV I will pursue volunteer work, and there is no other 55+ community in the country that offers more distractions. I’m not a golfer, my reason, almost entirely, is the number of clubs available. I see TV as a non-stop distraction, which is what I will need. Also, one can’t forget the volunteer opportunities at church, if you’re so inclined.

Also before I went to work full time when my son was small, I did volunteer as a religion instructor for a good 9 years and also volunteered in the office at the school. I guess working made my mind change a little because I did not care if I worked at that time.

[TOMCAT]

Originally Posted by Abby10

I second this post.

Tomcat, have you been to The Villages yet? If not, maybe that's just the boost you need.

Yes I have been there quite a few times. That is all I thought about. Watched the video every week. I don’t know maybe anxiety is affecting me. I just wanted to move to the Villages. I talked about it all the time. I guess it is my nerves speaking out now.

[TOMCAT]

Originally Posted by Allegiance

Once you experience the villages life there will be no regrets. None, NOTHING but happiness.

So many opportunities to have fun, help others, put skills to use.

Oh thank you. It is the major move that is frightening me. Leaving behind and starting new.

[Allegiance]

Originally Posted by TOMCAT

Oh thank you. It is the major move that is frightening me. Leaving behind and starting new.

Everyone here did the same and we all have each other here, like one big family.