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My Dad was an air traffic controller for over 30 years. Now, he's reached the age of mandatory retirement. He's in good shape and if it were up to him he would continue this job for several more years, but he can't.
I think he's feeling depressed. I guess when something is a part of your life for 30 years, it's hard to give it up. He can't bring himself to find other part-time work because he says it's not satisfying, but I know he wants to do something because he just feels useless. I don't want to see him feel like this in his twilight years after working so hard for me and the family.
Any advice on what I could say to him, or maybe something I could suggest he do? Like I say, being a part-time Wal Mart greeter or working for some punk at McDonald's are out. I think he needs to feel needed again and I'm trying to figure out how to make that happen.
He could always go back to school and get a degree in something he always liked. It's never too late and you are never too old to go back to school. It will give him something to do, something to aim for (so he's not going stir crazy at home), and in 4 short years, or sooner, he could have a brand new degree, and start using it. There's no reason why he couldn't start another career, no matter what his age is.
What about speaking at career nights for students about his 30 years in that line of work?
Volunteer work?
Is your mom at home all day? Has there been some adjustments she's had to make?
Are there grandchildren? Can he get involved in carpentry projects, building doll houses and rocking horses for them?
I too am a retired air traffic controller, just be supportive of him in whatever he chooses - I wanted to do something that made a difference in peoples lives - did that and very happy - tell him I wish him the very best and "rest life, squawk retired" !!
