My last day of work was November 7, 2024. I had rotator cuff surgery, I fell 12/14 and tore two other muscles in the same shoulder and knocked the humerus enough out of whack that a total reverse shoulder replacement was needed in February, 2025. My FMLA expired, and I had 12 weeks of recovery and physical therapy to look forward to. I applied, fought legally for and obtained SSDI, then in August, I got VA Disability. I won't say I was exactly "forced" into retirement, but I had no real choice but to accept it. My depression before "retirement" had gotten to a dangerously low level, to the point of 2 ED visits. After decades of productivity and providing for my wife and family, the rug was violently yanked from under me. I felt inadequate, a bad husband and father and having essentially nothing to do for the rest of my days terrified the hell out of me. It's still very hard to deal with at times, I get so bored, so easily and it's difficult to fill the gaps in the days. Like so many others, I used to look forward to Fridays, now, they're all either Mondays or Fridays, except for the weekend when my wife Melissa is off from work.

Sorry, that was a long and rambling reply to your question, but that's basically how I write here for the most part.

I'm sure California must have a CareerLink and maybe even one in San Diego. They help with training, polishing up your resume and job searches, courtesy of the State, no charge. I never found any job that really lasted all that long, but long enough to keep food on our table.

Best wishes for you!