E965 The Hidden Grief of Career-Ending Injuries | Tactical Living Podcast

You trained for it. You lived it. You gave everything to the job—until one injury took it all away. In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton explore the silent and often overlooked grief that comes with career-ending injuries and medical retirement (Amazon Affiliate). For first responders, the job isn’t just a job—it’s an identity. So when injury, illness, or medical retirement forces that chapter to close, what’s left behind is often grief no one talks about. This episode dives into the emotional, psychological, and spiritual toll of losing the career you loved—not by choice, but by circumstance. If you've felt lost, angry, numb, or invisible after leaving the job due to injury… you’re not alone. 🧠 5 Signs You’re Grieving the Loss of Your Career You Feel Like You’ve Lost Your Purpose Example: You wake up unsure of who you are or what you're supposed to do now. Impact: Creates a sense of emptiness or deep sadness. You Avoid Talking About the Injury or Retirement Example: You dodge questions or change the subject. Impact: Suppresses healing and can deepen shame or isolation. You’re Angry—At the System, the Circumstances, or Yourself Example: You replay what you could have done differently. Impact: Keeps you stuck in a loop of blame and what-ifs. You Feel Forgotten or Left Behind by Your Team Example: The texts stop. The camaraderie fades. Impact: Adds another layer of loss—community and connection. You Struggle to Find a New Identity Outside the Badge Example: Nothing else feels as meaningful or powerful. Impact: Can lead to depression, anxiety, or reckless behavior. 🛠️ 5 Ways to Begin Healing From a Career-Ending Loss Acknowledge That You’re Grieving—Because It Is a Loss Give yourself permission to mourn the life you thought you’d have. Tell Your Story to Someone Who Can Hold Space for It You don’t need to “get over it”—you need to be heard and seen in it. Redefine Purpose on Your Terms Your mission didn’t end. It’s evolving. Find ways to serve in new capacities. Create a Tribute to Your Time in Service A photo wall, a memory book, a shadow box—something that honors your impact and allows for closure. Connect With Others Who’ve Been Through It The path to healing is faster when you walk it with someone who understands. 🎯 Why This Episode Matters You didn’t just lose a career—you lost a version of yourself. But that doesn’t mean you’re finished. You’re still here. You still matter. And your story isn’t over. 🎙️ Listen now to begin the process of healing what no one else can see—and to discover that grief, when honored, can lead to purpose on the other side. 💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community: 🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free 🎯 Connect With Us: ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews 🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more 💬 Listener Question: What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram! Disclaimer: All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education. 🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust. 📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities: 📧 Email: [e-mail] 📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340 🔗 Ashlie’s Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement