I Saved for 40 Years and Almost Didn't Live to Use It

What happens when you follow all the rules—save diligently, work hard, climb the corporate ladder—but lose yourself in the process? In this episode, Laura welcomes Gretchen Schoser, founder of Schoser Solutions and co-host of the podcast "Shit That Goes On In Our Heads," who shares her journey from attempted suicide on Christmas Day 2022 to launching her own consulting business focused on mental health and change management.Gretchen's father taught her to save relentlessly. She worked at McDonald's through high school and college, put money into her 401(k) for 40 years, and did everything right financially. But beneath the surface, she was drowning. On Christmas 2022, after taking on everyone else's pain, she called 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline. A two-hour conversation saved her life.After accepting early retirement and launching a mental health podcast, Gretchen faced another transition: starting her consulting firm. On January 2nd, she opened her LLC, funding it with $30,000 from the 401(k) she'd built over four decades.Key Takeaways:💡 Financial security doesn't guarantee mental health. Gretchen saved diligently for 40 years, but on Christmas 2022, she nearly didn't live to use that money. She weathered toxic jobs because she couldn't afford to leave, showing up with a smile while dying inside. Financial wellness and mental wellness must go hand-in-hand—no amount of savings is worth sacrificing your mental health.💡 The 988 crisis line saves lives. When Gretchen was in crisis, she called 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline. You don't need to be suicidal—anyone in crisis can call. A trained professional talked with her for over two hours, saved her life, and helped her find resources. If you're struggling, 988 is available 24/7 in the US and Canada.💡 Starting a business after 60 requires strategic planning. Gretchen used ChatGPT to calculate startup capital needs, factoring in personal expenses, projected customers, and 1099 contractor realities. She withdrew $30,000 from her 401(k)—after 59.5, you avoid early withdrawal penalties. She hired a CPA, opened business and savings accounts, and sets aside 20% of every payment for taxes.💡 Being your own boss means being your own caretaker. Working from home makes it easy to overextend. Gretchen schedules reminders to step away, greet her spouse, and eat. She keeps overhead low, watches those $10/month subscriptions that add up, and prices below big consulting firms while protecting her time and energy.💡 Success shifts from chasing money to making a difference. Gretchen chased money and dreams for decades. At 60, she realized she had enough: a roof, food, her spouse, security. Now success means doing what makes her happy, helping companies protect employee mental health during transitions, and being the happiest her wife has seen her in 20 years.Guest: Gretchen Schoser is founder of Schoser Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in change management and employee mental health, and co-host of "Shit That Goes On In Our Heads" podcast. With 45 years in corporate America and expertise in UKG Recruiting and Onboarding, she's now a mental health advocate helping companies navigate transitions while protecting employee wellbeing.Resources:Company Websire: schosersolutions.comPodcast: "Shit That Goes On In Our Heads" at shitthatgoesoninourheads.net988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7 in US and Canada)LinkedIn