gnussen623

Comments

• Thank you for the very timely article and helpful responses. Per my “Fear of the unknown” post a few weeks ago, I find myself in the exact situation as Jeffrey. Over the past several weeks I have been exploring various lower paying, but potentially rewarding roles to pursue once my severance runs out. This includes visiting local places like the bank, library, supermarket, hardware store, Town Hall, etc. and observing the people at work. How old are they? Do they look happy? Could I see myself doing this? I have also been asking if there are any licenses or specific qualifications required so that I can pursue them while still receiving severance. This research has given me purpose and revealed some interesting results. At 59, I do not think that I am ready to veer too far away from the finance/investment field that I spent my career in, at least not yet. But there are plenty of ways to leverage my experience and help people, provided I get properly licensed. Yesterday I picked up Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) for Dummies at the library and based on my initial review of sample questions, I have my work cut out for me!

  Post: How Did You Find Paid Work After Retiring from Your Primary Career?

  Link to comment from August 6, 2026

• Thank you “Dunn” (very clever)! I especially like your point about giving myself permission to slow down and take proper time to reflect and recharge. This will be a challenge for me as well, but it is sound advice that I will absolutely try to follow.

  Post: Fear of the Unknown…

  Link to comment from July 23, 2026

• Excellent advice, especially the part about including my wife. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

  Post: Fear of the Unknown…

  Link to comment from July 23, 2026

• Thanks Mike. Interesting perspective that I will have to give some thought to if the situation presents itself.

  Post: Fear of the Unknown…

  Link to comment from July 23, 2026

• I suspect you are right. However, I have already made a list of the things that I would like to avoid in my next pursuit (including my long commute) and those restrictions alone would likely stop me from finding an equivalent role in terms of compensation. Per my original post, this is more about replacing my sense of purpose, and that is where the real challenge lies for me.

  Post: Fear of the Unknown…

  Link to comment from July 23, 2026

• Thank you for responding and sharing the story about your Dad and your own feelings about work. As advised by the HD community, I am going to challenge myself to take this opportunity to try and find something that gives me a sense of purpose other than the work I have done for the last 38 years.

  Post: Fear of the Unknown…

  Link to comment from July 23, 2026

• This is very inspiring and the bible reference makes your advice hard to ignore. Thank you for taking the time to respond and challenging me to think differently. Much appreciated.

  Post: Fear of the Unknown…

  Link to comment from July 23, 2026

• Thank you Mike. I appreciate the thoughtful input and suggestions. My Dad also delivered Meals on Wheels and found it very rewarding. I have given a lot of thought to consulting and will take a shot at making the list you suggested.

  Post: Fear of the Unknown…

  Link to comment from July 23, 2026

• I completely agree and challenged it with the assistance of an employment attorney. Sadly, this seems to be popular now and generally difficult (if not impossible) to change.

  Post: Fear of the Unknown…

  Link to comment from July 23, 2026

• Exactly David. I’ve worked in the asset management business for almost 40 years. The future is in overall financial planning and advice.

  Post: Fear of the Unknown…

  Link to comment from July 22, 2026