Retirement Decompression Time

[Rogue187]

For those of you who are about to retire or those who are freshly retired what was or is your time to decompress and get out of the mindset that most LE personnel have?

I am looking at retirement and it's opened it arms cause I've reached the end of the tunnel and waiting to disembark the train.

I'm concerned about breaking the ritual that I've maintained for many years.

Any helpful advice?

You can PM me or you can share it here.

Appreciate it!

[Dirtlaw]

Originally Posted by Rogue187

For those of you who are about to retire or those who are freshly retired what was or is your time to decompress and get out of the mindset that most LE personnel have?

I am looking at retirement and it's opened it arms cause I've reached the end of the tunnel and waiting to disembark the train.

I'm concerned about breaking the ritual that I've maintained for many years.

Any helpful advice?

You can PM me or you can share it here.

Appreciate it!

My closest friend deals with this type of issue. He's a light colonel chaplain. A movie is being made about his life. BTW I'm going through a similar journey.

[Rdelling]

Took me 24 hours and I came to the conclusion that I had made the best decision of my life. Retirement rocks, don't over think it. Take six months to play around have fun and then evaluate what you wanna do for the next part of your life!

[Rustlin’ Jack]

I have been out of the game for a while now, so my opinion doesn’t meet the criteria of “freshly” retired, but here’s my take. Everyone will tell you that you look like you are 10 years younger, all of a sudden.

There’s two types of retirees, those who have lost their identity and importance, and those who are fine with turning over the duties to the younger generation. Some have to go back to work to feel needed, some enjoy the free time and cannot understand how they ever had time to work.

If you have done your time, be good with it and begin the next chapter.

[74c5]

I went to a desk job (light duty) on midnights from working motors (no real supervision) and being a swat operator. That was my culture shock.
Many have an issue with no longer being the person everyone looks to to solve their problems. You become anonymous and that can be difficult. On the other hand, you get to snicker at the poor guy who everyone looks to to solve their, now very petty, problems.

[BigStiCK]

So I retired in December 2021. I hit 50 and couldnt stop looking at the door. Had a few instances at work and was asking myself why I was still putting up with that S***. Wifey was all for it. Financially we took a hit but it was all play money so we're fine.

The real question is the mental transition. I do miss the peeps, being part of the "Blue-Crew", rollin' with tha boys. Thats real. Another part is the "WTF do I do now?" issue. I'm currently homeschooling my youngest so that is a major endeavor. I'm also jumping back into my passion which is Aviation. Seems there is a real shortage of Pilots everywhere so my timing is excellent.

For most I think its a problem of finding that thing that gives you the satisfaction of accomplishment & service, either to family or community or both. I'd look hard at LEO specific retiree groups in your area as these are a great way to make new friends & expand your horizons (i.e. contacts for future adventures).
My 2 cents.

[veeklog]

I am four months to hit eligibility but have no plans what to do next; I want to work but I am done with LE. I am probably going to stay another year or two and then retire after I have all my ducks in a row

[SharedShots]

When retirement time came around it was simple, work was just one less thing to do. Life was never about the job, the job made a lifestyle possible.

If you are even close to retirement the transition, if it hasn't been worked out, get on it. The day after retirement should be just another day except instead of going to work you do the other things you've been doing, you just have more time to do them.

Look around, the ones who had no plan or didn't figure it out really quick - they didn't last but a few years. Just the way it works out. Don't be that guy.




.

[Fastattack]

It took me about six months to get used to not having to get up and go to work. Engineering for me, not LE. Anyway, I felt like I somehow let down my fellow engineers down, even though I knew better. I miss the intellectual challenges and friendships but not the grind and artificial deadlines. Never regretted it.

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

[TrailerparkTrash]

I can’t wait to be gone. I’m only “semi-retired (IOD) at the moment and then gone. I have so many plans, including a move out of state when I’m finally off of the “city payroll.” I don’t miss anything work related except the fellas.

I’ve never been one who needs to “identify” as a cop. The job isn’t what it used to be 32 years ago when I started. I’m glad to be getting out.

I just need to heal some serious injuries first!

[micro911]

I retired in Jan 2016. I kept busy with a lot of things.

My son married in July, my daughter married in September, and I took on a 2 month road trip in October driving around every single state for all 48 states, driving 15,000 miles. I did not need any special adjustment period for retirement.

I started counting down my retirement from 1,610 days, and it came sooner than I realized.

[JCHavasu]

I retired in 2018 after 29 years. We hung around CA for a few years while my daughter was in college but when covid hit and school shut down we decided it was time and bailed. I still do some traveling and consulting work but most of my time is spend on my 10 acres with my chainsaw and tractor. Hey, the shooting range and zip line aren't going to build themselves! The wife and I go into town once a week or so for shopping and lunch.

As someone said, there are always guys whose entire identity revolves around the badge. They are also usually the ones who are two or three times divorced, drinking too much, and still trying to talk shop. It was a job, a fun one most of the time, that allowed us to do some good. Move on with something else. I do sometimes miss the adrenaline and the camaraderie but life is about change. Let the young hard chargers do their part.

[dno]

It took the drive home from the station and I was decompressed. whatever that means. Don't over think it, you earned retirement, now enjoy it.

[rcslotcar]

Plan your retirement!!! Talk with retirement personnel to make the best plan for You. Don't let your agency just let you fall thru with out specialized assistance. By doing this you can add several hundred dollars a month to your retirement fund, which will translate to thousands a year. I earn a lot more retired than when I was working. Enjoy a well deserved retirement and live long and prosper!!!!!!

[mlazarus5388]

There's a reason police K9 dig up the yard and engage in other destructive behavior. Some types find going from 60 to zero difficult. It's the sudden stop. Find a way to feel productive if that's your problem.
A word of caution, retiring can be like winning the lottery. Not that you are suddenly wealthy, but rather, people report that upon winning the lottery, folks come out of the bushes with ways to spend their money. With retirement, folks will appear with ideas on how to spend your time. Be judicious. Your time is limited and valuable. Spend on something that gives you the return you want. I spend most of mine teaching. It feels productive and like I'm doing something valuable.

[PeteH]

I look at this as a two part equation. I see most retired as still with the "condition yellow" mindset-if you hear rounds going off you're going towards it, not running away and hiding. I don't see that going away. The other part-for myself I see a lot more time for hobbies etc. I'll be skydiving a lot more-see you at the dropzone!

[gumby]

I retired in '06 after 30 years and never looked back. Just turn the corner guys, no different than a hobby. Boy, am I ever cynical :-)

[NATEWA]

I’m not LE and hope it’s ok to post here. I have a family member who recently retired at 50. He has a part time job with his dept. Think he can’t work more than a certain number of hours He’s making more money and has less stress. He is spending more time with family and pursuing hobbies. He seems to be doing really well. Good luck.

[Rustlin’ Jack]

Originally Posted by NATEWA

I’m not LE and hope it’s ok to post here. I have a family member who recently retired at 50. He has a part time job with his dept. Think he can’t work more than a certain number of hours He’s making more money and has less stress. He is spending more time with family and pursuing hobbies. He seems to be doing really well. Good luck.

This sums up a common scenario. Suddenly, you transition from “have to go to work” to want to go to work.” No pressure. After retirement, I was a substitute teacher at a private school (no credential needed) for five years. As soon as I decided it was time to move on to the next thing, that’s what happened.

[joefrank64k]

Originally Posted by dno

It took the drive home from the station and I was decompressed. whatever that means. Don't over think it, you earned retirement, now enjoy it.

This.

It's just a job. You put in your time, now it's time to move on and make room for the younger set to take the reins.

[TrailerparkTrash]

Originally Posted by joefrank64k

This.

It's just a job. You put in your time, now it's time to move on and make room for the younger set to take the reins.

Yup.

[TrailerparkTrash]

Originally Posted by NATEWA

I’m not LE and hope it’s ok to post here. I have a family member who recently retired at 50. He has a part time job with his dept. Think he can’t work more than a certain number of hours He’s making more money and has less stress. He is spending more time with family and pursuing hobbies. He seems to be doing really well. Good luck.

All good. Of course you’re welcome.

[yzErnie]

Originally Posted by Rogue187

For those of you who are about to retire or those who are freshly retired what was or is your time to decompress and get out of the mindset that most LE personnel have?

I am looking at retirement and it's opened it arms cause I've reached the end of the tunnel and waiting to disembark the train.

I'm concerned about breaking the ritual that I've maintained for many years.

Any helpful advice?

You can PM me or you can share it here.

Appreciate it!

Been retired 10 years now. I did 34 years and at first it just seemed like vacation. Then, it took me exactly two weeks to realize I never had to wear the uniform or the star again and I got busy working on projects around the compound and checking off bucket list items.

Here's the deal for me, being LE makes you aware of everything around you and after 10 years I still have that mindset, especially as this state has emboldened the criminal element. IMO, that should never leave you. I still miss the fun stuff from work and some of the people but I sure don't miss the BS of the job. I go to some of the retirees luncheons and I don't talk to the people I didn't like and get caught up with the people I did like. I haven't looked back and continue to focus forward. There's a lot of life to live and things to experience outside of the job.

[Rogue187]

yzErnie..

Thanks for your input.

I have about 37 more working days. Still have SL to burn.

32 Years and I've paid the toll with my body and health.

Excited to be able to travel and explore.

[SDNative77]

I'm dreaming of the day gents. I have 4yrs 9months until I'm 50. Won't do a full 30, but 27hrs in this environment is plenty for this guy. I'll take my wife and California pension to a free state. Maybe learn to be less jaded and pessimistic LOL

[yzErnie]

Originally Posted by Rogue187

yzErnie..

Thanks for your input.

I have about 37 more working days. Still have SL to burn.

32 Years and I've paid the toll with my body and health.

Excited to be able to travel and explore.

An old timer told me years ago, when you retire you must keep your mind and body busy. Not busy like running marathons, unless that is your thing, but staying active in mind and body is essential for retirement longevity. He retired at 60 and recently passed away at 91. On his 90th birthday he and his wife were doing a 180 day around the world cruise. Once that short transition period passes, you'll end up adding more to your bucket list!!!

[Dirtlaw]

Originally Posted by Rogue187

yzErnie..

Thanks for your input.

I have about 37 more working days. Still have SL to burn.

32 Years and I've paid the toll with my body and health.

Excited to be able to travel and explore.

PM me. we are on a similar journey. Want to share?

[Ron-Solo]

Just make sure you have something to keep you busy. Hobbies, travel, anything.

I’ve been retired 11 years now, and wonder how I found time to go to work. I don’t miss the job, but I miss the people. Several of the units I worked have monthly lunches or breakfasts to swap war stories. It can be fun.

[M76]

Congrats, you earned this.