And sometimes further back than that. It sucks getting old.....

I look back at those years and it's kind of shocking to me now how much responsibility I had.

I went from a wild and selfish teenager to being responsible for another human. Mortuary school was only a two year degree and it provided a quick entry into a career.

I look in the mirror now and I think, oh my god. I cannot believe that I did all of that.

Cheers my friend. I hope you are having a good weekend.

for programming while working 3 part-time jobs. I worked in IT for 35 years while raising the girls. I don't know how I did it either. Now I am lucky if I am dressed by 11am....

Sweat pants and t-shirts are my new dress suits.

I don't know how you did it with two kids. It takes superhuman strength to be a single parent, let alone doing it while going to college and working.

It's often a headline about a movie or a song turning 20 or even 30 years old that makes me stop and shake my head. Where the hell did all the time go?

You need a hobby? I'd recommend volunteering. You felt you were making a difference working in a funeral home. You could be having the same impact as a volunteer. You'll brighten others' days. It's your call to decide the capacity that works best for you and how many hours a week you'd devote to it, so it's not draining your batteries too much. It is rewarding!

I feel like my career and parenting let me "hide" from the real world.

I always had a reason for not getting out and dating or visiting friends. I was on call for work almost every day for so long. I took the "first call" when someone died, so I had my phone on constantly.

Im so freaking awkward. Kinda feel like the old man on Shawshank Redemption who got out and couldn't deal with the outside.

I will say that I do like going to bed at night and not setting an alarm.

Sometimes I go back to sleep when I get home.

Im just bored. Bored with absolutely no energy or motivation.

Coming to terms with the reality that the "now me" is different than the "then me".

Things I took for granted about myself, for years. What I "knew" about myself. My likes and dislikes.

I formed patterns and they became like an exoskeleton, defining a "me" presented to the world AND myself.

So now I'm testing all that stuff. I don't like such-and-such? Really? Well, it's been decades since I've even TRIED such-and-such. Let's see if that's still true.

I "always" do this-or-that? Why? Is it still necessary? Do I even really enjoy it anymore? What happens if I don't?

I've given myself permission to explore.

It's a little unnerving sometimes.

But on the whole, it's rewarding. I'm discovering stuff about myself, and getting comfortable with it.

interestedly,
Bright

An exoskeleton! That's exactly how I feel too.

Ive let "single working mom" and "mortician" define me for so long.

I'm completely different now.

I've turned into a hairy-legged hippie!

and now ... not terribly shockingly ... divorced in my early 50's.

I never had the capacity to be anyone but ... Mr. L. To do much different apart from 'what I wanted to do'.

I admire people who can put 'themselves' aside for years and years, and get lost in responsibilities and child-raising and marriages and such.

I never really could. Born an only child (though I had 2 half-brothers, but not til I was 12/14 yo, and I never lived w/them, though I love them dearly), and having moved all over growing up, never in the same place > 3.5 years, ever ... both parents worked ... HARD ... I always felt it was ... just me. Doing what I do. Made it really hard to 'settle down' and I didn't do a great job of it, obviously.

I wish I were different. I wish I were more like you, honestly. Be proud of who you are, and what you did with your life. The alternative isn't necessarily better. Trust me.

You'll figure what to do ... I know your kinda folk, and that's what you do

The girl I once was, was like that. I really enjoyed exploring EVERYTHING. Just going with the flow and doing whatever I felt like doing. (Usually up to mischief). A gypsy soul.

Honestly, having a kid probably kept me from being too wild.

I think I want a piece of that girl back.

Welcome to DU.

Change is good.
You did a good job in the first stage of your adulthood. Now you are ready for the second stage and whatever that will entail. Good luck on choosing the next path!

You're right. Change is good and that's how I need to look ahead. Watch out!

I taught off and on for almost 40 years. The last position was 20 years in the same district. While I was relieved to be free of responsibility, I did feel lost for a long time.
I have never found another hobby or interest to fill up my days. I just keep muddling through. It’s really great on snowy days though, knowing I don’t have to drive!

I hope you find your way and now you have time to enjoy your family and other interests. Best wishes to you.

I was not ready to retire. I was the first female funeral home general manager in my county. (Not a huge deal, but it's definitely a traditional men's profession)

I actually loved my job. To be able to comfort people in their darkest hour was such an honor. That was what kept me sane and able to endure the physical and psychological challenges daily.

Now I'm kinda looking around thinking "now what?". I went from superwoman to disabled so quickly that I didn't have any time to adjust.

DU has become a bit of an addiction lately Lol.

We'll just muddle on together!

I retired from Planned Parenthood after a career of some 10 years fighting for reproductive rights for women. That was both and elation and a deflation for me but I was still taking care of my mother's affairs long distance and there were other responsibilities. When my husband had to have 2 back surgeries I had even more caregiving duties.

But that was when I decided to make a study of art history. I had finished up a Masters Degree and knew I loved doing research, so I did that. Then I wrote little trivia challenges for DU, then I got down to researching and writing those art essays for publication here at DU. They were well received and my daughter and I conspired to put them in a book, for which she is doing layout and design, and is finishing up now. And so I am looking for my next research/writing project!

My reason for telling you this is to show how you can stumble on or find all on your own other paths that open up for you. I did some travel also during those years, going primarily to Italy, France, Britain and the Netherlands. I took ten trips and loved every one of them. I made new friends on those trips and visited many art museums and churches that held great art. That was a very rewarding time of my life.

And yes, DU was my addiction, too! Why not?Trust me, other opportunities will present themselves to you and you will be very happy. Your background in a caring profession will always be a source of pride for you...I know my career raising money for causes that I believed in really makes me feel fulfilled at this point in my life (late 70s). My kids are grown and have kids themselves so I go visit them and it works out very well.

As it will with you I am sure!