The Second Retirement Equals Wellness

The Second Retirement

I woke up today, March 1, 2024, and retired for the second time.  In 2017, I retired for the first time.  The difference is the second retirement means my wellness is a priority.   Let’s call it a retirement makeover because I made a vital wellness decision.   Let’s delve into a backstory. 

My first retirement was not an easy decision and transition because of the turmoil in my previous job.   Let’s say I was pushed into that decision.  It was a horrible time professionally, and my career suffered greatly.  Emotionally, occupationally, and personally, I was broken into many pieces.  For a while, I was lost and unsure how to handle everything coming at me.  However, at the time, I’m thankful my savings carried me through a dark time. 

Upon retiring for the first time, I discovered I wasn’t financially prepared for retirement.  Healthcare was expensive, and I wasn’t yet eligible for Medicare.  House repairs like a roof replacement or car repairs were costly, too.  I quickly realized I needed to bring in extra income.  I needed a job!

Job Hunting Over 50

Looking for a new job is challenging for a woman over 50.  I applied for many jobs, and my applications went into the infamous black hole.  Finally, in December 2018, a former colleague offered me a job with an educational, not-for-profit organization.  The job was part-time, but it was a chance to start over.  It was an opportunity to use my skills and experience in a new capacity.  I was excited about new beginnings.  Eventually, the role became full-time.

When I initially retired, one plan was to travel the world.  The second plan was to become a solopreneur.  Retirement meant I had the time and freedom to build a business.  It was a dream of mine for many years; however, I lacked the confidence to become an entrepreneur.  A person can have all the knowledge, skills, and experience in the world, but having confidence matters.  In my mind was how to pay the mortgage, healthcare insurance, and living experience.  Therefore, the dream was deferred again. 

In Survivor Mode

Fast forward to 2023, I had five years on the job, and during those years, I survived breast cancer and the pandemic.  Survival mode carried me through losing my best friend to small-cell lung cancer, caretaking, and losing my parents.  Co-workers were supportive through all of the setbacks.  Finally, I felt like significant hurdles were a thing of the past until November 2023.

Life was on an upswing because I prioritized self-development and professional development.  More importantly, I made my wellness a priority.  Then, on November 13, 2023, I had retina detachment surgery.  The vision in my left eye was at stake.  It was a scary time!  Even as I write this post, the healing journey continues.   I’ve had to make many physical, emotional, social, occupational, and environmental adjustments through this process.  However, a setback is just a reset. 

Making a Wellness Decision

I returned to the office after two months of FMLA leave from work.  What I did not expect was the toll the healing process took on my body and mind.  Working was exhausting because my vision was still unstable, my sensitivity to light, and my depth perception were off.  I was mentally exhausted when I arrived home each day because my brain and right eye worked overtime.  One day, I awoke and said, “I can’t do this anymore!” The next day, I informed my superiors of my decision to retire.  Then, a sense of peace came over me. 

From the day of the announcement of my second retirement, I looked through journals and notes of my ideas and brainstorming notes that chronicled my desire to build a business.   It’s interesting to recognize how the possibility of losing my vision brought about such clarity.  At that moment, I  could see how much I had missed by not pursuing my passions and dreams. 

It’s a New Beginning

On March 1, 2024, I woke up to freedom and burden-free.   It’s difficult to explain how free and at ease I feel.  I will miss my colleagues, but I know how to reach them.  While an illness made me realize my wellness matters, confidence helped me to decide to leave my job. At 62 years old, it’s a new beginning. 

The second retirement means wellness to me.  While I am still healing from my retina detachment recovery, I don’t have to rush the process because I’m worried about work projects or PTO days.  I can plan my days to work on business building, write blog posts, and attend doctor visits.  Creativity can flow without obstructions because I have clarity and peace of mind.  Travel planning is more accessible now because I don’t have black-out dates.  I have time to stream movies and read or listen to books.  I can heal, smell the roses, and focus on my wellness.