I Retired for This?
/I Retired for This?
By: Kimberly Stratman
Did I work 30 years for this? Did I leave a job I loved for this? Did I leave my friends and coworkers for this? Did I leave a respected position for this? Did I turn in my uniform for this?
I loved being a lieutenant in the Dallas Police Department patrol. It was by far my favorite assignment, but the admin or support assignments mattered too so I always gave it my best. Committee appointments were good and bad; nothing worse than “solving” the same problem over and over. I enjoyed being part of the Baker to Vegas Women’s Relay Team back in the day. Running with the DPD Women’s Running Team and then the DPDNPW 5k Team was both exciting and emotional.
Witnessing my officers promote was awesome. They have so much talent, passion and dedication.
Leading classes at the Academy, in-service and basic, was an honor. I always wrote my personal cell number on the board and made the promise that I would help anyone who called me, and I did. Sometimes it was a serious situation that required additional support. Sometimes the officer just needed someone to bounce ideas off. Sometimes they needed a, “What the heck are you thinking? You know better! Let’s fix this.”
But, rookies younger than my boys were on the streets. I was being called, “ma’am” off duty by folks who didn’t know who I was. That last footchase at 50 years of age was a bit rough. The cameras and other technology were intimidating. My back was hurting more than it wasn’t. The losses were getting harder to compartmentalize. It was exhilarating being at the same scene with my SWAT husband! But only after I knew he was OK. Does that even make sense? Apparently not to my gut, because that was getting a bit stressful too.
One of the classes I was invited to lead at the Academy was “Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace” and included Chris Hogan’s “Retire Inspired.” We all must retire someday, so I put emphasis on the “Inspired.” As I interacted with the weekly class members over the two-year TCOLE cycle, I noticed that some officers had a plan and were excited. They had ideas of how to spend their time after they retired. Others expressed a feeling of concern and even overwhelm, while others stated they couldn’t even think about retirement. When leading this same type of class for officers/employees of various agencies, I saw the same reactions. Which group seemed most likely to retire confidently? I decided to have a plan. It was time.
What did I want to do if I wasn’t a cop? I wanted to do our oil business full time. I wanted to work with plants. A solid workout schedule was a must! I wanted to attend a ladies’ daytime Bible study. I wanted to build and strengthen relationships with other women. I wanted to read for fun and garden.
Even with some great opportunities, and with great pay, I knew I did not want to put on another uniform. I did not want to drive in rush hour traffic.
My plan came together rather organically. Sharing my ideas came naturally because I was excited! Valuable advice and suggestions were offered.
I retired! The pandemic and the riots proved that I was not in control. But my plan was still solid. It was not a ridgid schedule but more a list of, “I want this in my life.”
Even when “life is good,” things change. Who knew that I would find the need and the time to do more? I added Yin Yoga to be still and slow down my brain. I enrolled in various online classes to challenge myself. I realized I missed a more active role in serving others. Seriously missed serving others. While I didn’t miss the Job, I missed my people.
Again, an organic plan fell into place once I identified/acknowledged what I wanted to do. I am a Certified Life Coach and a Certified Retirement Coach specializing in Retirement Longevity.
What? Yes! I help first responders, and others, retire confidently so they can live the life they worked for. Topics discussed include health, hobbies and fun, relationships and support systems, career, future endeavors, an action plan and more. I am called to this service because life after “the job” can be, should be, full and rewarding. We can each find our purpose, no matter what that might be.
Should you approach retirement with a well-thought-out plan that focuses on your mind, your body and your spirit? I would strongly suggest you do so.
Yes, I did retire for this.
Kimberly Stratman retired as a lieutenant from the Dallas Police Department after an exciting and fulfilling 30-year career. She and her husband, an active SWAT officer, have two grown sons and two dogs that get lots of attention. Kimberly is the owner of To the Point Coach, a Certified Retirement Life Coach and Certified Life Coach service that focuses on first responders. Her goal is to ensure our law enforcement community thrives. She can be reached @ tothepointcoach.org
