Retirement, is it what you envisioned?

CrazyKittyLvr2 · ‎05-11-2013

Retired 4 yrs. ago this month. As far as not missing the stress, dealing with people and their problems and being able to avoid driving in snow and ice, yes it's great.

Otherwise, it's been DH's cancer, my sudden health issues, and a constant stream of Dr. appts., tests, surgeries, future surgery, PT, to say nothing of deductables, co-pays and out of pockets things. Luckily we can afford the money, but I being nothing but an ATM with a medical number.

On a less important note, I've aged alot in 4 years.

Some things go as planned and sometimes "stuff" happens. Life is full of surprises.

2blonde · ‎03-10-2010

@CrazyKittyLvr2 Now you're scaring me! I'm 70 and still working full-time. I never thought I'd stay this long, but after 47 years at this college, it is difficult to leave it. There also have been some events in my office that have made it more difficult for me to go.....at least for the near future (another co-worker 10 years younger than me is out because of many serious health issues).

I've already experienced a few health issues, but nothing life threatening or terribly expensive......I've continued to use the health benefits provided by my employer at a reasonable cost to me. Those deductibles and co-pays can add up, though.

I am a little scared about finally retiring. I live alone, so at least while I'm here, they would be checking on me right away if I didn't show up for work! Getting older can be scary for sure!

Laura loves cats!

gizmogal · ‎05-09-2014

@CrazyKittyLvr2 So sorry to hear about your health problems and your husband's cancer. It doesn't sound like any of it has to do directly with being retired, just occurring at a time you would prefer to be at leisure. But actually, when is a "good" time for the kind of troubles you've been facing? Never!

They say "people plan and God laughs". Not as in mirth or derision, but in the way your plans just get undone. But just as things went wrong for you, they can turn around again and settle into good times for you both. Stay optimistic and energized. Life is unfair, but even bad things do come to an end.

I hope you are able to find another turn that brings you good health and peace of mind, and getting to use your money for fun instead of worries.

@2blonde I'm 70 and in good enough health to get around, to do as I please, and to have time and money for fun or helping others. I would wish my luck on everyone. Living alone is a pleasure. Embrace a new chapter of life.

itsmagic · ‎08-08-2011

When I retired 7 years ago I felt like I had been set free! I too am a retired legal secretary and it is a very stressful job. My husband and I have been lucky so far healthwise (knock on wood). I love being able to do what I want when I want and not ask anyone for a day off 😃.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

@2blonde I thought that too about retiring and it is a lot easier than you think. Please retire while you still have your health. I'll bet you won't regret it if you are financially able.

fitfuninformed · ‎10-06-2010

@CrazyKittyLvr2 I hope that your retirement did not include relocating away from family and friends, or if you did you did it long enough ago to establish new friends, doctors and have familiarized yourself with new surroundings. That's my biggest concern as retirement approaches, leaving my hometown and what I know - lived here my entire life. I have three sisters and we all are relocating together with our husbands, which gives me comfort.

I wish you well otherwise, with both yourself and your husband's health issues. This must be challenging.

Stay strong.

p.s. I've often noticed your posts as I (formerly) was a legal secretary before becoming the Office Manager of the firm many years back. I always have a sympatico with others that have worked in the legal field. Congratulations on your retirement.

author · ‎03-09-2010

@CrazyKittyLvr2

It's been very similar for me as well. You don't plan on all the health issues cropping up the moment you retire and have free time, extra money, and want to do many things even if it is simple things at home. DH has had many serious health scares and it eats up not days but months and years. There is stress as well being the person responsible for so much when the spouse is ill.

I am also not as healthy as before I retired at 68, so have to be aware of autoimmune conditions, back and joint issues that now prevent me from doing so many of the things I used to love but didn't have time for.

On the plus side I like sleeping in, not going out in bad weather if I don't have to, meeting friends for lunch, but definitely miss the social contact of working and interacting with so many different people.

Days go by now and I never tell a funny store or share an experience. DH isn't interested, he has his doctors' appointments, circle of friends he meets for lunch (Romeos, retired old men eating out), and the ever present deadly Facebook, hours and hours of it. I swear he'd rather watch a cat video than our adorable cat running rings around him to get his attention.

So it is more lonely that I had thought, and, unless you are very lucky, health issues can begin in earnest at 70.

QVCkitty1 · ‎05-23-2015

I’m lucky, I worked a little per diem after I retired the first time. I got used to it gradually, and now that I’m permanently done, I love it. The only downside was I gained a bunch of weight, which I’m working on getting rid of.

" You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts."
Daniel Patrick Moynihan

depglass · ‎03-10-2010

I also was a legal secretary for a very brief period of my working life. They seem to be coming out of the woodwork. But I digress, what I envisioned my retireent to be was travel, a lot of travel. I had a bucket list, Paris, Hawaii, Alaska and Grand Canyon were the places on top. Now it seems like so much effort, I'm pretty content to stay home and look out the window at the woodland creatures we have around here.