The Joys of Retirement
That last day of work is a dreaded day for some; a delight for others. Count me in that second category. Retirement is freedom; freedom from the dreaded shrill of the alarm clock, the last minute search for appropriate office attire, (I'm not one of those organized people who could lay their clothes out the night before). Freedom from the daily commute. Freedom from office politics. Freedom! Pure, wonderful freedom from captivity, much like the tiger in a cage who manages to escape.
Even after five years of retirement, friends still inquire about my mental health and lack of stimulation. They seem to all be of the same mindset; if you aren't employed you're bored.
Oh, how wrong they are! How deliciously wrong they are. My life is even fuller now since retirement. The big difference is that now I decide when to start my day and sometimes my day doesn't start until noon. Yes, you read that right ...noon !But the end of my day may also now end at 2 or 3 in the morning, not at 10 p.m. My retirement, my hours.
Should You Set a Retirement "Number"?
If I don't feel like doing anything on any particular day I don't have to think up a good excuse to tell the boss why I won't be in; or why I'll be late. I just smile and roll back over in bed, usually with a cat or two snuggled next to me.
But what about that mental stimulation and being productive? My friends were sure my brain would turn to mush. But I am productive I assure them. I am doing things and I'm mentally stimulated. I'm just doing things in my own time. I don't need a boss to tell me what to do and when to do it. I'm my own boss and I'm a pretty good one if I must say so!
I allow myself a generous lunchtime, several decent breaks during the day, unlimited phone calls to and from friends, an early quitting time if I need it and never any work to bring home.
Oh yeah, the drawback...no pay! But the truth is that I'm getting by on a lot less these days and oddly enough this is another type of freedom. I'd rather do with less cash and more time. Life is indeed short. Enjoy it. This is not a dress rehearsal. Good advice.
Lest anyone think I am a total sloth and don't do anything but plod around in my housecoat with my hair up in curlers, watching the Soaps, I actually accomplish quite a lot...again, in my own time!In my first year of retirement I wrote a book and had it published. I've since finished my second, third, and fourth books. I'd say that's a good accomplishment.
Retirement allows us time to be altruistic too. We can walk the neighbors' dogs while their owners are slogging away at work, do errands for them, visit shut-ins, volunteer at the local hospital or food bank, drive infirm neighbors to doctors' appointments. The opportunities to be a good neighbor and to help others and ourselves are virtually endless.
They say never tie your ego to your job or you'll be lost when you lose it. I'm not lost ... I've found wonderful, emancipating freedom; and I feel worthwhile. I feel like a contributing member of society. I haven't retired from life; I've rejoined it with gusto!
Sheryl Letzgus McGinnis is the author of 4 books and is a member of the Parent Advisory Board of The Partnership at Drug-Free.Org. She lives with her husband in Florida and is owned by two cats with a God complex.
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