Retire early

“I retired earlier this year after 20 years in law enforcement, concluding my career as a police sergeant. After years of chasing adrenaline, crazy calls, and nonstop stress, everything is suddenly very quiet and peaceful. And while that sounds great on paper, having nothing I’m required to do makes the success feel strangely hollow. I’m craving that adrenaline rush. I love my wife and kids and they’re my anchor, but beyond that Im having a hard time finding a purpose. My friends and coworkers are all still busy with work, and I’m just here, free to do whatever. Sometimes I even feel guilty for it, like I don’t deserve it, even though I worked hard for this.”

“I was financially prepared to be retired, but I definitely am not mentally prepared. The layoff stole all of the celebratory energy out of it. I've been struggling with quite a few negative feelings (anger, sense of failure, letting people down, not pulling me weight, etc.). I suppose (and hope) that with time I can enjoy this. I was definitely looking forward to it; I hated everything about the corporate grind.”