I took early retirement. I thought I could get rested up and I would feel better. Sometimes, I think I should have kept working. I feel no more rested than I did and have nothing to get me out of bed. It has been about 2 years now. I am finally getting myself together. It is a hard change. Harder than I ever thought it would be. I finally had to schedule early morning exercise classes to get me up. Some days, I still dont make it but I feel better with a schedule and I accomplish more. I know what you feel. I was lost and really kind of disoriented! I tried the early morning restaurant scene with other retirees but felt like I was just wasting time. I was kind of bored. I also think I was getting a little depressed. Volunteer work has helped. I am better mentally now. Maybe not so good physically. Try going back to work and see how it goes. Part time might work if you can afford it. Good luck to you.
Mary Ann

Thanks, Mary Ann. I thought every day at home would feel like a weekend, but of course it doesn't. Getting on some type of schedule would probably help. Right now if I don't feel well I lie on the couch and alternately nap or watch daytime TV. There's nothing like Jerry Springer and Maury Povitch to bring on depression.

Very glad you posted this-- I am really struggling with what to do, I am being considered for a serious promotion in my former business. It's a job I would like, but not as much as what I went to school for-- and it's full time, and the whole idea of going back to school was to learn a new career and work part time and take it a bit more easy.

It really does seem like the choice is between making-- on a bad week-- about $9 an hour and making more than three times that, and sometimes I think either way I'll be exhausted so why not go for it?

I'm definitely going to try to pass my second exam first, but this is all just kind of stupid. I really don't feel that good, I'm definitely too sore to work out even at the level I did a year ago, and my energy is really dragging. I got a big energy bump when I quit drinking and smoking weed, but you can only do that once.

Maybe if I stopped taking pain meds and everything else I'd be in agony but I'd just have lots of energy. Maybe that would be better. Maybe it would be worse. Maybe I wouldn't be able to tell the difference-- which is probably most likely, and existentially terrifying.

Good thread, glad you guys shared your experience.

Hello everyone,

Catalytz, I would definitely take the exam; it is motivating and another opportunity to be proud of the accomplishment. One consideration for accepting a full time position is how accommodating the organization would be if you were unable to work for a few days.

I went on disability struggling with quitting school and the fact that I was fired from my job the day I returned from being on FMLA (Family Medical Leave of Absence). When I spoke to an attorney, I was told that I would probably get my job back but the employer could make my time at work miserable. I agree with Mary Ann about creating a schedule to follow; however, my head Is still spinning from all of the negative circumstances that have branched out. The best thing for me to do is focus on ANY positive aspect that I can find to help me better deal with other aspects of my life.

Patricia

Patricia, they fired you the day after you returned from FMLA?! That's awful! But it probably happens more than we know. :(

Catalyzt, Maybe this is a temporary downturn and your health will improve again-? Not knowing what you'll be capable on doing next month or next year makes it really hard to plan anything. And the uncertainty is a huge energy drain.

I'm not so good with being at a crossroad in life anymore. So many uncertainties and choices. I can't fight as hard but don't want to give up and have choices made for me yet either!