Tag Page CareerTransition

#CareerTransition
DreamDrifter

From Army to Engineer: Struggling With Office Politics After Military Life! 😫

Four years ago, I was leaving the Army with just $50k to my name, unsure of what civilian life would bring. Now, at 27, I’m about to graduate with a net worth of $200k and no debt, thanks to the GI Bill and the financial discipline I learned in the military. But honestly, transitioning to my new engineering job has been way harder than I expected. The office politics, unclear expectations, and constant competition are so different from the straightforward structure I was used to in the Army. I find myself stressed out, second-guessing my decisions, and feeling like I don’t fit in. Has anyone else struggled with this kind of transition? How did you handle the workplace drama and find your footing? I’d really appreciate any advice or tips you have. 🙏 #JobCareer #CareerTransition #OfficePolitics

From Army to Engineer: Struggling With Office Politics After Military Life! 😫
EpicElytra

Fired at 52 After a Lifetime of Hard Work—What Now?! 😰

I'm a 52-year-old woman who just got laid off after decades of climbing the corporate ladder. My husband and I have no kids, and while we've managed to build up about $470k in net worth (half in investments, half in home equity), I can't help but worry about what comes next. I only got serious about investing in my late 30s, and sometimes I regret not starting sooner, but I don't regret the amazing travel experiences and memories we've made together. Now, facing unemployment in my 50s, I'm overwhelmed by anxiety about job hunting at this age, office politics, and whether I should pivot careers or double down on what I know. I feel lost and honestly, a bit scared. Has anyone else been through this? What would you have done differently in your 40s? Any advice on navigating this tough spot would mean the world to me. 🙏 #JobCareer #Career #CareerTransition

Fired at 52 After a Lifetime of Hard Work—What Now?! 😰
RadianceRiddle

Retirement is like swimming in a pool, you try hard but you catch nothing

Lately, I've been wrestling with the idea of retirement, and honestly, it's keeping me up at night. My husband and I have worked hard—he's in IT, I'm in healthcare—and we've managed to save up a decent nest egg. But every time I think about stepping away from the daily grind, I can't shake the fear that I'm missing something crucial. What if our calculations are off? What if healthcare costs skyrocket? What if boredom sets in and we regret leaving our careers? We’ve run the numbers, checked the calculators, and on paper, it looks like we’re set. Still, the thought of leaving a stable paycheck behind is terrifying, especially for my husband, who knows it would be tough to find another job at his current salary. I could probably go back to work if I keep my certifications, but is that really what we want? Has anyone else felt this anxious about retirement? How did you finally make the leap? I’d love to hear your stories or advice—because right now, I’m stuck between excitement and pure panic. 😅 #RetirementPlanning #CareerTransition #WorkplaceAnxiety #JobCareer

Retirement is like swimming in a pool, you try hard but you catch nothing
MajesticMint

Lost My Job at 59—Now What? Advice Needed! 😬

So here I am, 59 years old, and just lost my long-term self-employed gig. My net worth sits around $3 million (including home equity and 401Ks), with about $1.2 million actually liquid. My wife still works and brings in about $135K, including health benefits, but she’s dreaming of retiring soon. We’re still helping two kids through college (they could take some loans if needed), and our youngest is just 14. No big debts besides the mortgages, which I’ve already factored in. But honestly, I don’t see myself landing a decent job at this age—especially since I’m not exactly a team player. I’m good at solving problems and negotiating, but working for someone else? Not my strong suit. I’m feeling pretty lost and stressed about what comes next. Have any of you been in this boat? What would you do if you were me? Any advice would mean the world right now. 🙏 #CareerTransition #RetirementPlanning #JobLoss #JobCareer

Lost My Job at 59—Now What? Advice Needed! 😬
CrimsonCascade

My Sister Regretted Early Retirement—Will I Make the Same Mistake? 😰

I'm about to retire soon, and honestly, I've been counting down the days. For years, I've put off hobbies, travel, and even simple joys because work always came first. But lately, I've been haunted by my sister's experience—she was forced into early retirement with barely a month to prepare, and it hit her hard. She spent a year feeling lost, unable to find hobbies or routines that stuck, and eventually ended up taking part-time jobs just to fill the void. Now, I'm starting to worry: will I end up missing the structure and purpose that work brings? Or will my plans and projects really be enough to keep me fulfilled? Has anyone else felt this anxiety before retiring? What did you miss most, and how did you fill the gaps? I’d really appreciate any advice or stories you can share. 🙏 #RetirementAnxiety #CareerTransition #WorkLifeBalance

My Sister Regretted Early Retirement—Will I Make the Same Mistake? 😰
JovialJuggler

Retiring Soon But Terrified - Who Am I Without My Job? 😰

Hey everyone, I'm reaching out because I'm honestly freaking out right now. After 35 years in corporate finance, I'm being pushed toward early retirement due to some serious office politics 😔 For my entire adult life, when people asked "What do you do?" I'd proudly talk about my career. Now at 62, facing forced retirement in six months, I'm having panic attacks thinking about it. My identity has been so wrapped up in being the go-to financial analyst that I don't know who I am without that title. The worst part? Younger colleagues are already treating me like I'm invisible, and my boss keeps hinting that it's "time for fresh blood." I feel like I'm being erased before I even leave 💔 How did you handle this transition? Did anyone else struggle with losing their work identity? I'm desperate for advice on how to reinvent myself because right now, I feel completely lost. #retirement #workidentity #careertransition

Retiring Soon But Terrified - Who Am I Without My Job? 😰
StarlitSorcerer

FI Achieved, Then Laid Off at 51—Now What? 😱

Just months after my wife and I celebrated hitting our financial independence number, I was blindsided by a layoff at 51. My wife, 48, left her job years ago to care for our kids, one of whom has special needs. Financially, we’re set, but mentally, I’m nowhere near ready to retire. I always thought I’d work until at least 55, maybe longer, especially until our youngest is off to college. Now, job hunting feels like a whole new world. The market is tough, and honestly, I’m not as sharp as I used to be. I’m struggling to find motivation since I know we’re financially secure, but I can’t picture myself outside my tech executive role. Hobbies like reading, hiking, and cooking are great, but I can’t fill my days with just those. Has anyone else faced this crossroads—financially able to retire but not ready to step away? Did you find your way back into the workforce, or did you eventually embrace a new chapter? I’d love to hear your stories and advice. I’m really struggling with what comes next. 🤔 #CareerTransition #FinancialIndependence #LaidOff #JobCareer #Career

FI Achieved, Then Laid Off at 51—Now What? 😱
TwilightTrekker

Retired at 46, Now I'm Lost Without a Purpose! 😕

I hit all the big milestones: graduated, landed a solid job, bought a house, started a family, and built a career. By 46, I managed to retire early, thinking I’d finally have time to enjoy life. But now, I feel like I finished the main quest way too soon, and all that’s left are side missions that don’t excite me. I’ve tried picking up new hobbies and traveling, but nothing fills that sense of purpose I had while working. I even considered running a marathon, but honestly, that’s just not me. My friends suggest volunteering or community service, but I’m not sure where to start or if it’ll give me the fulfillment I’m searching for. Has anyone else felt this way after leaving the workforce? How did you find a new sense of direction? I’d really appreciate your advice. 🙏 #JobCareer #Career #CareerTransition

Retired at 46, Now I'm Lost Without a Purpose! 😕
SereneSerpent

Facing Age Gaps and a Toxic Office While Planning My Exit! 😩🏢

Lately, I've been feeling completely out of place at work. Most of my coworkers are much younger, and honestly, it makes me uncomfortable to admit I'm nearing the end of my career. The company has changed hands so many times, and the atmosphere has turned really negative. People are leaving left and right for better jobs, and it’s hard not to envy them. I’m planning to leave within the year, but I don’t want to tell anyone I’m retiring. I just don’t want to draw attention to my age or have awkward conversations. But I also don’t have another job lined up, so I’m not sure what to say when I give my notice. Has anyone else dealt with this? How did you handle it? I’d really appreciate some advice from anyone who’s been in my shoes. 🙏 #WorkplaceStruggles #CareerTransition #OfficeLife #JobCareer #Career

Facing Age Gaps and a Toxic Office While Planning My Exit! 😩🏢
PrairiePanda

From College Freedom to Corporate Chains: Surviving My 9-5 Shock

Honestly, I thought juggling university deadlines was tough—until I started my corporate internship in downtown Chicago. Three days a week, I’m clocking in at 9, pretending to know what I’m doing, and by 5, I’m wiped out. It’s like my first day of school all over again, except everyone expects me to be a grown-up. The pressure to join wild after-work parties is real, but clubbing isn’t my thing. I barely know anyone, and every little mistake at work feels like a disaster. How do people just switch from the freedom of campus life to this office routine without losing their minds? If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it till you make it, trust me, you’re not alone. I’m still figuring it out—maybe we all are. 😅 #CareerTransition #InternLife #WorkplaceStruggles #JobCareer

From College Freedom to Corporate Chains: Surviving My 9-5 Shock