Tag: careertransition - Page 4

#careertransition

StormStrider

Early Retired at 35 - Now What? Losing Friends & Purpose 😰

Hey everyone, I need some serious advice here. I achieved FIRE and retired at 35, which felt like the ultimate win at first! 🎉 But now, three months in, I'm struggling more than I expected. All my friends are still grinding their 9-to-5s, and I feel completely disconnected from them. When they're free on weekends, they just want to decompress, not hang out with someone who's been 'on vacation' all week. I've been trying to fill my days with hobbies - painting, hiking, reading - but honestly, I'm getting bored. There's only so much Netflix and personal projects I can handle before feeling completely purposeless. I thought financial freedom would solve everything, but I'm realizing I miss having colleagues, deadlines, and that sense of contributing to something bigger. Has anyone else experienced this post-retirement identity crisis? How did you find meaning again? 😔 #FIRE #EarlyRetirement #CareerTransition

GenuineGlow

Retired at 60 But Feel Lost - Is This Normal? 😕

Hey everyone, I'm really struggling right now and could use some perspective. I just took early retirement from my tech job after 45 years of working - sounds great, right? Wrong! 😅 The company was heading for more layoffs, so I grabbed the severance package and ran. At 60, I can financially afford to retire, but mentally? I'm a mess. Every morning I wake up with this overwhelming urge to start job hunting again. My husband thinks I'm crazy - he's still working until next year. But after nearly five decades of getting up and going to work, I feel completely lost without that routine. Is this normal? Did anyone else feel this weird after retiring? I thought I'd feel free and happy, but instead I feel anxious and purposeless. What did you do to adjust? 😰 #EarlyRetirement #CareerTransition #WorkplaceAnxiety #JobCareer

FreeSpiritNomad

Retired Industry Leader Lost on LinkedIn—Do I Still Belong? 😕

After decades as a leader in my field, retirement has thrown me into unfamiliar territory—especially online. I find myself scrolling through LinkedIn, watching former colleagues and competitors climb new heights, while I sit on the sidelines. Should I keep lurking, or is it time to step away? Sometimes I wonder if reading industry news even matters anymore. Has my expertise become outdated, or do I still have something valuable to offer? The uncertainty is unsettling, and I’m honestly struggling to figure out my place in this new chapter. I’d love to hear your advice: How do you use LinkedIn after retirement? Is there a way to stay connected and relevant, or should I just let go? Your thoughts would mean a lot to me. 🤔💬 #RetirementLife #CareerTransition #LinkedInTips #JobCareer #Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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