When retirement doesn't go as planned

Send us a text

With what seems to be an uptick in first responder suicides recently...a topic not talked about for MANY years and one we are still fighting to break the stigma of...I felt this episode was important to share.

A common goal for MOST in Law Enforcement is making it 20+ years to retirement. Retirement and the promise of a pension is often referred to as the "golden handcuffs," and keeps those burned out, mentally and/or physically struggling, or just no longer enjoying the job, feeling STUCK. "If I just make it to retirement then..."

We act as though retirement will be this magical time in life where all the shit we've seen, heard, and dealt with will disappear and we will get to ride off into the sunset with our fat retirement checks and finally have time to spend with our family...we will have finally MADE IT and can be happy.

Sadly, that is NOT often how retirement goes and in this episode I chat with Kim Colegrove about how her husband's retirement did NOT go as planned. Just three months into retirement, after serving for 30 years, her husband died by suicide. Kim talks about the "signs" she missed and how even though she knew he was struggling with retirement, she never saw suicide coming.

Kim has found a way to turn her pain into purpose by founding Pause First Academy, an organization dedicated to supporting first responder resilience, wellbeing, and work-life balance. She has also authored several books for our first responder community.

Make sure to follow Kim on both Instagram and LinkedIn, and visit her website at the link above. 

If you are struggling and need help....FIRST, you are NOT alone, and second...here are some resources, including a couple of First Responder specific resources:

1. First Responder Crisis Support Helpline - 1-844-550-HERO (4376)
2. Copline (vetted prior LEOs) - 1-800-COPLINE (267-5463)
3. National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988

The world is better with you in it...I promise. Reach out and talk to someone. We NEED you here. Your story matters. 

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.

See you Next Shift