Kathy Burke
Region: US
Tuesday 25 August 2026 16:04:35 GMT
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debbie.hurt :
I’ve been retired for 20 months now. I worked as a forensic social worker in state hospitals for 34 years. I was used to fixing things, solving problems, handling crisis situations on a daily and advocating for patients and staff alike. I was part of a team who looked up to me and valued my skills and knowledge. When I retired, that version of me suddenly was gone. My identity had shifted. I didn’t know who I was anymore. Things that used to excite felt heavy. My motivation disappeared. I had all this time and freedom in my hands and didn’t know what to do with it. I found myself instead sitting and wasting time and feeling guilty and asking myself why am I being so unproductive. What was wrong with me? After many months I realized I needed to give myself permission to relax and enjoy life. It was ok to sit and do nothing, to read a book, to go for a walk, to sit with my cup of coffee and listen to the birds sing. I didn’t have to structure my day by filling it with a lot of busyness. I now had the opportunity to be present in the moment and to enjoy all the little things in life that I never had time for. It was ok to slow down and experience a new way of living. Them
2026-08-27 08:49:05
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Valerie Morgan Mervine :
I don’t regret it but I feel adrift at times. Like I should be doing something but I have nothing important to do.
2026-08-28 16:07:07
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Bee :
I just retired this July from a university. No regrets yet, but I’ve been keeping myself busy going to the gym, lunch with friends and taking care of my grandkids. I’m loving it. I think the key is to keep yourself busy.
2026-08-26 03:29:06
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.nova44 :
I have had regrets. Retired may 1st and it’s weird. My husband has been retired from FDNY for 4 yrs now. I don’t have a pension. Worked as an office manager for 44 years but I do have IRAs and plans but can’t touch it yet. I’m 59 so technically next month I can. Doing certain things lately I’m kinda like oh shit we can’t spend money on that and then shit I shouldn’t have retired yet. We need that paycheck. Just yesterday I had this conversation with my husband that we need to take money out of his plan to have some $ to play with and go out to dinner with because I’m always thinking about the bills even though I know we’re ok. That’s my biggest thing. Being financial but not accepting that I am. My job I miss my patients and the interactions but I’m getting used to it
2026-09-12 17:32:08
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Willow :
My friend told me “if you think you must have a job to have value, then make your JOB improving yourself”. She meant exercise. Good advice.
2026-09-12 15:32:38
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Kristi :
I’m worried about what my husband will feel. His identity is so tied up in being a nurse and really loves the adrenaline rush of a serious situation. He’s physically tired of the bedside so I asked if maybe being a nurse in a family practice could help the transition and he said “that sounds really boring “. He’s switched to part time to help but he keeps picking up extra shifts so ???
2026-08-28 13:41:31
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Randy :
I am retiring at the end of the year at 52 yrs old and will purchase healthcare from the marketplace. Totally fine with that.
2026-08-30 15:51:44
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azgirl1963 :
Same. Been retired a little over a year and I definitely do not regret it, but it’s a process to get into your rhythm. I’m also in Phoenix so during the summer it’s too hot to be outside so much. Can’t wait for our winter so we can get back outside! We do have a few trips planned over the next 12-18 months as well. I read, I go to the gym, i cook more and I am a new grandma so I do spend some time with my grandson too. I had to learn that it’s ok if some days all I do is read, watch tv and nap! 😊
2026-08-25 16:37:08
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pawpawnez :
Same here figuring it out. Retired 3 years. Retired at 65
2026-09-14 22:35:02
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Diane Treat :
I love reading stories from people that dedicated their lives in the healthcare field especially, who can finally have some time to themselves, or family time. I’m looking forward to that. I will have health insurance through my husband’s pension. I’m thankful for that and now that’s a barrier for many others.
2026-09-07 17:27:18
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PlantBasedSue :
No regrets!!!!! But I did virtually nothing at first. Took well over a year to come down and let my nervous system recover.
2026-08-25 16:51:09
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Lori Atkins :
Everything you said…
2026-09-11 11:49:44
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DrBear22 :
I retired 5 years ago from a career in healthcare. I’m still adjusting, but do not regret it. I spent the last 4 years caring for my elderly parents, so think that my adjustment was somewhat delayed. If I hadn’t retired I’m not sure how I would have handled it.
2026-08-26 19:12:58
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rotad4 :
My philosophy is: retirement doesn't mean you don't work, it means you don't have to work. That is the true freedom!
2026-09-11 13:04:24
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Connie | Boss Digital 🎀 2.O :
Absolutely love your glasses. Where did you get them from?
2026-08-26 16:26:01
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Talia Whitmore :
I am retired and having fun.
2026-08-29 09:38:55
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pdxwatcher2020 :
Travel 💯💯💯
2026-08-25 16:28:59
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debbie.hurt :
I’ve been retired for about 20 months. I worked 34 years as a forensic social worker in state. .
2026-08-27 07:37:21
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Manifesting MONEY :
Having studied my step for many years what I would some strongly suggest is that you have a passion that you were calm the occupied part of your time. Our purpose here in this life is to contribute and to grow and if we’re not doing either of these this is why such a high percentage of people who retire a lot of times their mental and physical health slip
2026-09-17 13:18:57
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DMill :
I knew I liked you, retired nurse too after 40 years. It does take at least a year to settle into retirement.
2026-09-22 17:27:03
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deedee5863 :
I’m struggling so I regret it
2026-09-13 22:13:46
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bswilson12 :
Do not regret retirement at all!! Learning to relax and enjoy my time is what I am struggling with.
2026-09-02 21:53:09
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Cindy :
I retired at 60 after 32 years of nursing. I’ve created a peaceful, satisfying life for myself. I volunteer once a week at a local hospice, walk my dogs leisurely, do yoga, and talk to people when I want to. I have zero regrets.
2026-08-31 23:53:51
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frenchiefineness :
Retired bridal shop owner here. Sold my shop after 40 years. It’s a great time for me and my husband. He still works but not my days are filled with whatever I decide to do. It’s a change for sure but enjoy it!
2026-09-14 13:19:39
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maryclark :
❤️
2026-08-28 20:59:21
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