Going to work - every morning for 49 years
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 05:55PM If all the year were playing holidays; To sport would be as tedious as to work.
Shakespeare
I am retiring soon. It worries me.
Financially, I'm good. Pension, Social Security, 403b, no mortgage, no debt, financially independent children. No blackmail issues with the National Enquirer. And except for a slowly healing twisted knee, I am in good health. No expensive hobbies or toys. I like cheap wine, simple food. When I travel, it's usually on a budget.
So here is what worries me. I've gone to a regular job nearly every day for almost 50 years. I worked through college. I worked through grad school. I worked most summers when I was a classroom teacher and school librarian. My tech director position has been year round since 1992. Even on weekends, I've done a lot of writing and preparation for speaking/consulting gigs.
Work for me has always provided structure to my life. It has been the roof over my head that has protected me from my natural indolence. It's kept me from ever using the snooze button. It's kept me, as they say, off the streets and out of the bars. At times it's felt more like a prison than a house, but not very often.
Work has not just provided financial rewards, but social and emotional payback as well. I've liked, by and large, the people with whom I have worked. I've received recognition for the work I've done and contributions I've made to my profession. And work has been personally validating. When I feel bad for people who are unemployed, I usually feel sorry about the vacuum in their self-worth that they must experience.
The few retirement seminars I've attended over the past couple years have stressed financial planning, of course, but they have usually addressed the psychological aspects of retirement as well. What will you do with your days when the need to work is gone? I anticipate the joy of sleeping in (until 5:30) will last less than a week.
My current plan is to take what is becoming called the Senior Gap Year. I do plan to travel. I do plan to enjoy no longer having to deal with ongoing "wicked problems" at work. I have friends with whom to play, clubs and associations I can support with my volunteer efforts. I have a few projects to complete. But I know it will not be enough.
Nearly everyone I talk to says something like "I am busier now in retirement than I was when I was working." I find it hard to believe. I'm sure I will find a lifestyle that balances busy-ness with leisure; problem-solving with relaxation; structure with freedom. I'm pretty sure, anyway.
I do plan to continue writing. The question is "About what?"
Reader Comments (4)
How about writing about your retirement for those of us who are trying to decide when to retire and what we'll do when that day comes? This blog post puts in writing the thoughts that have been going through my head ever since I became "retirement eligible". I would love to hear how you handle your retirement and if, like others, you find yourself busier than ever.
Well for my parents the busyness came in the form of more doctor visits. But most retirees I interact with either do some kind of very part time work and/or volunteer a good bit along with visiting family and friends and all the other social things you mentioned. I’m sure you will never lack for things to be interested in and do and like Tim Stahmer you could even keep up with the conferences and such. Good luck sir!
Thanks, Nanci, for the idea. I believe there are already a lot of writers tackling this topic and I don't find many unique or insightful. I'm sure I will continue to write about whatever is on my mind at the time - and to simply amuse myself! Good luck with your own retirement plans.
Doug
Hi Ninja,
I'm hoping that medical treatments are still quite a few years in the future! But yes, I am sure volunteering or some kind of work with little mental fatigue will be part of my future. The trick will be to balance a routine with some degree of freedom. I am goind to try to leave the world of educational technology to younger, smarter people - like you.
Doug
I’m in the same boat. Retiring at end of the year. I know it’s time, but I’m scared. I have always worked and have no idea what to do next.
Good luck to you!