Re: Retiring

cotton4me · ‎03-09-2010

I had a tough time in the first year of retirement. I went through a grieving period – the loss of my job and colleagues. I missed the daily camaraderie. For some, it takes time to find a new direction. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was going to do – classes, volunteering, working part time. None of those things seemed to work out for me. Little by little I found my way. I’ve developed new interests/hobbies and now I love this time in my life.

Moonchilde · ‎05-23-2010

@Bird mama wrote:
@Moonchilde

I've had 35 years in health insurance. Imagine how popular I am since the passage of certain legislation. I don't wear my ID in public, rofl.

@Bird mama - anything whatever to do with healthcare these days. Just in the QVC forums, never mind the general public, hospitals, doctors, insurance companies, the govt, and anyone remotely connected are considered spawn of the devil ;-(

Life without Mexican food is no life at all

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

@dex wrote:
I just don't understand how you can feel bad about having all the time in the world to discover yourself and indulge yourself just doing what makes you happy or captures your interest.I suggest joining a gym and going during the morning hours.The gym is full of people our age at that time and it is really fun taking classes and getting to know people.You would be surprised at the interesting people you can meet there.I really hope that you grow to love your new lifestyle and become busy enjoying your freedom to do whatever comes along each day as you please.

Many of us had a career path that we worked very hard at for many years--and we loved our job. We loved the challenges, the problems, the stress and the adventure of doing productive things, arguing points, getting things done--even the things on tight time schedules. There is a lot of satisfaction in that for many of us.

I miss that and I always will miss the stress and the pressure, and the satisfaction of getting things done. I am not much of this freedom to do whatever comes along thing. I don't think I will ever get used to that. I am not miserable, but this retirement thing just isn't what I really enjoy to be very truthful. It has been a little over a year now. I think it is ok to admit that for a lot of people who the idea of travel and get a hobby not attractive to them.

I have traveled my whole working career as have a lot of us, so no, we're not off to the airport or the cruise ship I can assure you! LOL!!!! I retired because a lot of people you work with resent older workers, as the poster above, and think we are all senile and should go home. I hope they remember this someday.

occasionalrain · ‎03-10-2010

The thing about retiring is that the future is nothing but death. One can find rewarding busywork or entertain themselves with travel, crafts, grandchildren...to distract themselves from the closing in inevitable. What's to look forward to but decline? Where is the joy in that?

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

@Kachina624 wrote:
Yes, @Kalli, there's no question retirement is a major life change. You'll miss the company of your co-workers, the challenges of your job, even going out to lunch with friends. You'll soon find yourself wondering how you ever found time to work, you'll be so busy.

Just think of all the time you'll have with your horse. I spent a major amount of time doing parental medical appointments since both were legally blind and couldn't drive. Many people get simple part-time jobs or sign up for volunteer work. Do you have any of those horse rehab programs in your area? They're always looking for volunteers.

Trust me, you're going to have a blast. When is your last day of work? Cry your tears that day then get on with the best part of your life!

@Kachina624, there is a therapeutic riding program not far from me. I just checked out their website and it looks very interesting.

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

@occasionalrain wrote:
The thing about retiring is that the future is nothing but death. One can find rewarding busywork or entertain themselves with travel, crafts, grandchildren...to distract themselves from the closing in inevitable. What's to look forward to but decline? Where is the joy in that?

Yikes!

KentuckyWoman · ‎03-13-2010

When I told my manager I was retiring almost six years ago, I left work early that afternoon and cried all the way home. It was time for me to retire. I knew that because I just didn't have the passion or frankly desire to get up every morning and face the office poliics and drama. It all goes by so fast and it was kind of scary.

Silly me. I have never been happier. Having the freedom to do what you want to do when you want to do it is nothing short of a blessing. I stay busy and now that DH has retired (well sort of) we travel a little, spend time with our sons and their families and do all the things we didn't have time to do when we worked. Retirement is great.

ETA: There is a period of adjustment after you retire to be sure. The one thing I didn't do was wonder what my former co-workers were doing or who they hired to replace me. I worked there for thirty two years. It was easy for me to let go. Stress, drama and ofice politics were unbearable so I left and I've never looked back.

Susan in California · ‎06-02-2014

@Kalli

I was really touched by your post. First, CONGRATULATIONS!

I know exactly how you feel. I was happy to retire, but at first it

was also bittersweet. But as many of the other posters have

stated, you will soon get very used to it, and really enjoy every

day.

Regarding colleagues: I have kept up with several, and I have a

nice relationship with them. But now that we are not working

together, it does change. I asked another friend who retired in

another city, and she said the same. It is life and very normal.

But I have made new friends and acquaintances whom I really, really enjoy!

I joined a Health Club which has many members over 50. I take water

classes and a dance class. I am so happy doing this!

I also love standing in line at a Starbucks at a time in the day when I would have been working! It still feels like a wonderful luxury. I often meet

friends for coffee or I just enjoy myself alone reading a paper.

My husband and I are able to visit a son and his family in another state

whenever we/they want.

I think you will be surprised by how you will develop new interests or have

the opportunity to pursue in more depth interests you already have.

THE ABSOLUTE BEST TO YOU!

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

@Shawnie wrote:
I retired some years ago and I felt the same way. By the time i retired I thought that I had myself together. Finances were solid. But what i didnt realize was that i would miss the work, the structure and the validation of worth that my career had given me. So often a person is just tired and ready to run into retirement but once they wake up from the fog they realize that they/me have to rewrite the second half of their life. I am still figuring it out. I learned that i needed and enjoyed working so i found something parttime that pays little but is interesting. I think i will always enjoy work. But not get up at dark thirty in the morning commute with the hoards all consuming work. Ill leave that to the young. Dont expect too much too soon.

@Shawnie, you're right, I will definitely NOT miss getting up at 0 dark thirty for work!

hecate · ‎03-17-2012

I've been retired for 18 months. I retired early because the job I had was VERY stressful and was affecting my heatlh. I slept for about 6 months (seriously) after I retired. But after that period of time I haven't looked back. Everyday I thank the Universe that after working for 44 years, I'm now able to do whatever I want, whenever I want. I know time is counting down, but I feel this is a gift for me that allows me to decide my fate rather than have others decide it for me. It is a wonderful feeling and I truly feel blessed.