Wise Counsel

TCDRS member Jonathon Viningre is used to counseling others, but in a recent TCDRS Online Counseling session, he got the advice he needed.

By Laura Mellett

Having helped countless colleagues navigate trauma, stress and grief as a 25-year veteran with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, Lt. Jonathon Viningre is used to giving advice. Recently, when thinking about his own retirement, he found an opportunity to take it by setting up an online counseling session with TCDRS Member Services.

Jonathon was weighing the decision on when to retire from the county and begin a dream job as a counselor, something he has been working toward for years — first as a 20-year member of the department’s family assistance and peer support teams and then through two masters’ programs, one being in clinical mental health and counseling.

He wanted to be sure he was waiting to start his retirement when the time was right — before burnout set in, but after having planned for a fulfilling next chapter.

“I want to serve my purpose still after I retire, letting folks know it’s okay not to be okay and, most importantly, it’s okay to be okay and that we all process things differently,” he said of his decision to continue counseling first responders.

“I had to ask, did I save enough for cost-of-living and insurance costs, but I also had to assess my mind, body and spirit,” he said. “I knew the math and what the life expectancy of a first responder is after they retire. I had to check on myself to ensure that everything I had done for 20-some years was not a waste and think about what would make me happy.”

Jonathon says one reason he is able to retire and chase his dream at 48 is because he planned for it. He often reminds younger colleagues to open supplemental retirement savings accounts. He also likes to urge folks to have a plan and avoid hasty decisions in times of stress.

“It’s not the goal; it’s the journey that keeps us going,” he said. “Make sure you’re planting the seeds, no matter how small they are, and don’t get so frustrated with seasons.”

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