Marc Dauphin
Sep 5, 2018 · 1 min read

Oh, how I can relate to your father! After an out-of-the-ordinary succesful career, I had to stop at 60 for health reasons. Although quite secure financially, for the next five years, I tried (in vain) to find a new purpose in life comparable to the one I was forced out of. I was so desperate I even tried politics. Now, at 65, I have come to accept my lot. I am a fair writer (6 published books) and a passable artist but nothing will replace the passion I left behind. Even the satisfaction of having attained many enviable professional goals (https://medium.com/personal-growth/why-getting-everything-you-want-can-make-your-life-worse-9b32671c4ea0) and getting recognition for it has left an empty feeling inside. No, I am not depressed, but there is an emptiness that is difficult to replace. Thanks to my wife for sticking it out. I am much better now, but, to quote you : “… it sucks to lose your job. It hurts. It’s emotionally debilitating. The psychological suffering caused by being laid off, being forced into early retirement.” You nailed that one right on the head. All my best to your dad.

    Marc Dauphin

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    Retired physician, Afghanistan veteran, granddad, novelist, artist, and wannabe philosopher.