Hi, I’m John. I’m 60, living in Liverpool, and I’ve been struggling with retirement. I worked as a police officer for over 35 years, and now that I’m retired, I feel lost and purposeless. I thought retirement would be a time to relax and enjoy life, but it’s been anything but.
I miss the structure and camaraderie of my job. Being a police officer was my identity, and now that it’s gone, I don’t know who I am. I wake up every day with no purpose, no direction. The days blend into each other, and I feel like I’m just wasting time.
The isolation is the worst part. My colleagues were like family, and now I barely see them. My friends are all still working, and my wife has her own activities and social circles. I feel left out, disconnected. I’ve tried joining clubs and volunteering, but it’s not the same. The sense of loss and loneliness is overwhelming.
I’ve started seeing a therapist, which helps, but it’s a slow process. Some days are better than others, but the bad days are really bad. I feel like I’m drowning, like I’ll never feel normal again. The depression is crippling, and it’s hard to find joy in anything.
If anyone out there is struggling with retirement, I'd love to connect and make new friends.
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