Overcoming the Biggest Surprises in Retirement: A Nurse's Journey

As a nurse with 44 years of experience, I had envisioned a very different retirement life. However, the transition was filled with unexpected challenges and realizations. This article shares my experiences and insights, offering valuable perspectives to other retirees looking to navigate the journey ahead.

The Initial Dream of Retirement

For many years, I dreamed about retiring at age 55 and stepping into a life where I could enjoy reading my collection of novels, indulge in my little garden, and travel for leisure. My career had always been demanding, but my dreams centered around the freedom and enjoyment that retirement might bring.

Despite these visions, I ended up retiring at 60. To my surprise, I found that these old dreams didn't fully materialize. Each morning, I woke up wondering what I should do besides these activities. I felt the days stretching too long, partly because I lived alone and faced fewer domestic responsibilities compared to my peers who were busy with family and grandchildren.

Interestingly, when the opportunity to return to work came, I took it. Seven years later, I am still working. My intention is to persevere as long as possible, both to maintain a sense of purpose and to continue contributing to society.

Early Unexpected Insights

One of the biggest surprises was realizing that my small town was bustling with people during the day. I had always worked 9-5, and my perception of daytime activities was limited to work. However, I discovered that many people were out walking, shopping, or engaging in other activities during the day. This revelation was eye-opening, as it challenged my assumptions about what people were doing with their time.

Another turning point was when I began to feel a twinge of guilt for not being in the workforce. I felt a deep sense of unease when I saw fellow workers rushing to accomplish their tasks, as if they deserved my thanks for keeping the world running. This feeling of indebtedness was overwhelming, and led me to engage in part-time and volunteer work to help me adjust to the new reality.

Rebuilding a Sense of Identity

My identity and worth were deeply rooted in my career. Being a mentor and trainer, I played a crucial role in helping RNs and ensuring compliance with various standards. It was a significant blow when I retired, as I no longer felt the same sense of being "needed."

After a bit of adjustment, I realized that I needed to find a new role that would make me feel valuable again. Driving for LYFT became a fantastic job, and I truly enjoyed the stories my passengers shared. Unfortunately, the job was cut short due to the pandemic, but I still harbor thoughts of returning to drive again one day.

Challenges of retirement are often unexpected but extremely valuable in shaping one's life. These experiences help in recognizing the deeper aspects of retirement and the need for a new sense of identity without a traditional career.

For those looking to navigate the complexities of retirement, these observations can provide a starting point for discussing and finding meaning in post-retirement life.