As of 7/6 it’s official…..after 34 years as a medic, 28 1/2 years fire service with rank of Captain as shift commander and 15 years of regional SWAT team medic, I have made it out alive! Pension checks start next month. Bittersweet to do it but it’s time. Im not getting any younger especially in this job environment….but at age 57 it’s all good. One of my guys on shift bought a gun store last year and now, he, is my part time boss a couple days a week while I figure out what’s next. I can feel the stress lessen slowly away….but honestly, am scared at the same time and feel a loss of identity to a degree….I guess there is a natural adjustment period? My SWAT guys gave me a plaque and got me drunk…..I’ll really miss working with them!!
________________________ Those who trade liberty for security have neither
I can feel the stress lessen slowly away….but honestly, am scared at the same time and feel a loss of identity to a degree….I guess there is a natural adjustment period?
Congratulations!
Yes there is an adjustment period. The loss of identity is common. But you have a new identity, which is retired Medic, fire Captain, etc. For me, one of the initial feelings was of not being on the inside anymore. While I still knew a lot of people I'd worked with, I wasn't allowed into the inner sanctum any more. Another hurdle is watching others continue to advance. There can be a lot of "I could do that" when you see someone else accomplishing in your old career.
But retirement is fantastic! Just relax and enjoy the time.
Posts: 9460 | Location: On the mountain off the grid | Registered: February 25, 2002
