Tag Page careertransition

#careertransition
TwilightTrekker

Retired at 46, Now I'm Lost Without a Purpose! 😕

I hit all the big milestones: graduated, landed a solid job, bought a house, started a family, and built a career. By 46, I managed to retire early, thinking I’d finally have time to enjoy life. But now, I feel like I finished the main quest way too soon, and all that’s left are side missions that don’t excite me. I’ve tried picking up new hobbies and traveling, but nothing fills that sense of purpose I had while working. I even considered running a marathon, but honestly, that’s just not me. My friends suggest volunteering or community service, but I’m not sure where to start or if it’ll give me the fulfillment I’m searching for. Has anyone else felt this way after leaving the workforce? How did you find a new sense of direction? I’d really appreciate your advice. 🙏 #JobCareer #Career #CareerTransition

Retired at 46, Now I'm Lost Without a Purpose! 😕
NebulousNymph

56, Laid Off After 30 Years in Tech—Retire or Try Again? 😰

After 30 years in the tech world, I just got laid off at 56. My head is spinning. I’ve saved up about $1.5 million in cash and investments, plus $500k in retirement accounts, and there’s another $500k if we sell our house. I’ll get a small pension too, but honestly, I’m scared it’s not enough if I live another 30 years. My partner and I have always lived pretty frugally, and thankfully, we have no debt. But living in the Bay Area is expensive, and I’m not sure if I want to jump back into the corporate grind. The thought of starting over somewhere new is both exciting and terrifying. Has anyone else been in this spot? Should I retire now, or try to find another job? Any advice on affordable places to live or ways to make our savings last would mean the world to me. I’m really struggling with what to do next. 🙏 #JobCareer #Career #CareerTransition

56, Laid Off After 30 Years in Tech—Retire or Try Again? 😰
EpicElytra

Fired at 52 After a Lifetime of Hard Work—What Now?! 😰

I'm a 52-year-old woman who just got laid off after decades of climbing the corporate ladder. My husband and I have no kids, and while we've managed to build up about $470k in net worth (half in investments, half in home equity), I can't help but worry about what comes next. I only got serious about investing in my late 30s, and sometimes I regret not starting sooner, but I don't regret the amazing travel experiences and memories we've made together. Now, facing unemployment in my 50s, I'm overwhelmed by anxiety about job hunting at this age, office politics, and whether I should pivot careers or double down on what I know. I feel lost and honestly, a bit scared. Has anyone else been through this? What would you have done differently in your 40s? Any advice on navigating this tough spot would mean the world to me. 🙏 #JobCareer #Career #CareerTransition

Fired at 52 After a Lifetime of Hard Work—What Now?! 😰
CuriousCamel

Burned Out in My 40s: $3M Net Worth, Kids, and Ready to Quit? 😩

I'm in my late 40s, living in a high-cost city, and I've hit a crossroads. With a net worth around $3 million (including $700k in home equity), two kids in middle school, and a spouse who still plans to work, I'm seriously considering stepping away from my $500k/year corporate job. The grind is wearing me down—endless meetings, office politics, and the constant pressure to perform. Our family spends about $250k a year, so I know we’ll need to rein in some of our lifestyle habits. My wife will bring in about $60k, but I’m anxious about what life will really look like if I pull the trigger on early retirement. Has anyone else been in this situation? How did you handle the emotional and financial transition? I’d love to hear your stories and advice. I’m feeling pretty lost right now. 😔 #JobCareer #CareerTransition #EarlyRetirement

Burned Out in My 40s: $3M Net Worth, Kids, and Ready to Quit? 😩
PrismPhantom

Laid Off at 50 From Tech, Now Facing Early Retirement Dilemma! 😱

I just turned 50 and, out of nowhere, got laid off from my tech job last week. Honestly, I had been toying with the idea of early retirement for a while, but getting fired first was a shock I wasn’t ready for. My spouse is still working, so at least our health insurance is covered, and we have about $6 million saved up, plus $20K monthly from rental properties. Our kids are mostly set—one in high school, one in college, and one already working. Their undergrad expenses are handled, but grad school might mean loans. Now, I’m torn: I’ve started bootstrapping a startup, planning to invest up to $60K by year’s end. If it doesn’t take off, I might just retire for good and focus on hobbies. I’m feeling lost and anxious about this sudden change. Has anyone else faced something similar? What would you do in my shoes? Any advice would mean a lot right now. 🙏 #JobCareer #Career #CareerTransition

Laid Off at 50 From Tech, Now Facing Early Retirement Dilemma! 😱
CelestialSprite

Unexpected Early Retirement After Military—Now I'm Lost and Overwhelmed! 😱

Hey friends, I never thought I'd be in this situation. My wife and I both served in the military, and she's already separated while I'm just about to finish my contract. We recently found out that with our combined VA benefits, we'll be bringing in around $6,500 a month after taxes—way more than we ever expected. We just paid off our car, have no kids, and our monthly expenses are only about $2,500. I had a job lined up for after my separation, but my wife keeps urging me to take a break for my mental and physical health. The idea of not working sounds exciting, but honestly, it's also terrifying. I'm struggling with the thought of losing my sense of purpose and routine. Has anyone else faced this? How do you fill your days and find meaning after leaving a structured job? I could really use some advice from those who've been here before. 🙏 #CareerTransition #MilitaryToCivilian #WorkLifeBalance #JobCareer

Unexpected Early Retirement After Military—Now I'm Lost and Overwhelmed! 😱
RaspberryRider

I Hit Financial Freedom at 35—Now I'm Lost and Need Advice! 😵‍💫

I’m 35, single, and I’ve reached financial independence with about $3 million saved up. My real estate brings in $100k a year, and my business pulls in $500k to $700k annually. On paper, it looks like I’ve made it, but honestly, I feel completely lost. Work used to be my whole life. I hustled nonstop, dealt with endless office politics, and pushed through burnout just to get here. Now, without the daily grind, I’m struggling to find purpose. I don’t even enjoy the things I used to—partying, dating, or even spending money. Should I just settle down and start a family because I have nothing else to do? The only thing I’m excited about is traveling, but even that feels like a distraction. Has anyone else felt this way after leaving the rat race? I’d really appreciate your advice or stories. 🙏 #CareerTransition #WorkplaceStruggles #LifeAfterSuccess #JobCareer #Career

I Hit Financial Freedom at 35—Now I'm Lost and Need Advice! 😵‍💫
GlimmerGazer

45 Years at One Company—Now Facing Retirement Anxiety! 😰🎉

Just four more hours left at my job, and I’m officially retiring today after 45 years with the same company! You’d think I’d be over the moon, but honestly, I’m feeling a bit lost and anxious. For decades, my life has revolved around work—dealing with endless meetings, office politics, and the constant pressure to perform. Now, as I pack up my desk, I keep wondering: What if I can’t adjust to this new chapter? I’m excited for hobbies and travel, but I’m also worried about losing my sense of purpose. Has anyone else struggled with this transition? How did you cope with leaving behind the routine and the people? I’d really appreciate any advice or encouragement. Tonight, my wife is taking me out for an early dinner to celebrate, but right now, I could use some words of wisdom from those who’ve been here before. Thanks in advance! 😊 #RetirementAnxiety #CareerTransition #WorkplaceStories #JobCareer #Career

45 Years at One Company—Now Facing Retirement Anxiety! 😰🎉
StarlitSorcerer

FI Achieved, Then Laid Off at 51—Now What? 😱

Just months after my wife and I celebrated hitting our financial independence number, I was blindsided by a layoff at 51. My wife, 48, left her job years ago to care for our kids, one of whom has special needs. Financially, we’re set, but mentally, I’m nowhere near ready to retire. I always thought I’d work until at least 55, maybe longer, especially until our youngest is off to college. Now, job hunting feels like a whole new world. The market is tough, and honestly, I’m not as sharp as I used to be. I’m struggling to find motivation since I know we’re financially secure, but I can’t picture myself outside my tech executive role. Hobbies like reading, hiking, and cooking are great, but I can’t fill my days with just those. Has anyone else faced this crossroads—financially able to retire but not ready to step away? Did you find your way back into the workforce, or did you eventually embrace a new chapter? I’d love to hear your stories and advice. I’m really struggling with what comes next. 🤔 #CareerTransition #FinancialIndependence #LaidOff #JobCareer #Career

FI Achieved, Then Laid Off at 51—Now What? 😱
GenuineGlow

Retired at 60 But Feel Lost - Is This Normal? 😕

Hey everyone, I'm really struggling right now and could use some perspective. I just took early retirement from my tech job after 45 years of working - sounds great, right? Wrong! 😅 The company was heading for more layoffs, so I grabbed the severance package and ran. At 60, I can financially afford to retire, but mentally? I'm a mess. Every morning I wake up with this overwhelming urge to start job hunting again. My husband thinks I'm crazy - he's still working until next year. But after nearly five decades of getting up and going to work, I feel completely lost without that routine. Is this normal? Did anyone else feel this weird after retiring? I thought I'd feel free and happy, but instead I feel anxious and purposeless. What did you do to adjust? 😰 #EarlyRetirement #CareerTransition #WorkplaceAnxiety #JobCareer

Retired at 60 But Feel Lost - Is This Normal? 😕