Translate

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Are there stages to retirement?




Tomorrow is the 1st of July and tonight we gain an extra second to the clock. Think I will consider it an early birthday present... 1 more second to live! Of course it's not only being given to me, but to everyone... so it's a gift for all. Nice thought...

Retirement for me started in August, 2011. So I've had 4 years to enjoy my leisure. But it's probably taken 4 years to get to the point that I am at now. And what is that, you say? Well, I think retirement comes in stages. And I imagine the stages are different for each of us, but for me... 

First there was elation... oh god, I don't have to get up early every morning and rush off to work! This stage probably lasts a few months while your biological clock is being reset - as you still wake up at that early hour even without the alarm. 

Then the next stage is perhaps over compensation - a period of trying to do all the things you never had time to do when you were working... only to realize that even though you now have the time, you still don't have the money... (or not for everything anyway). It's during this time that you realize that you still don't have enough time in the day to do it all... and you wonder how in the h--- did you ever find time to work?

Then there's the 3rd stage - a slightly subconscious panic that suddenly you're redundant - unnecessary, no longer needed... ahead is an endless stretch of days with no accomplishments. So you start setting goals, lists of things that need doing and once accomplished help diminish this feeling. But it's a conscious effort... and it works! 

I think that I'm now in the 4th stage: Comfortable - as lately I've found that it's quite nice to be home with DH with enough time in the week to do what-ever - or not! Lately I even find comfort in taking my time to wash the dishes while watching the feral cats and kittens play in the yard through the kitchen window. If DH and I want to take a walk, we do. If we want to take a nap, we do. Suddenly Time is not the enemy, but the lovely gift I'd always hoped it would be. The fact that we can't travel around the world is not a problem... we'd probably be too tired to do it anyway. We can still travel to see family - and lucky for us we have lots of family right here, kids and grandkids that we adore. Everyone doesn't have this. So we are very grateful. 

This weekend is the 4th of July and also the week I become 70 years old. DH hits this milestone this month too... a few days after me... just enough to tease me that I'm older... which I am (by 9 days). But that's OK because whatever stage this is, I'm suddenly very comfortable with it.  

If you have reached retirement and find any of these things true for you, I'd love to hear how its affected you. Life is short. Let's share the journey...







  





14 comments:

  1. This was interesting, Rian. I think the retired-guy has, too, reached that comfortable place 4 years into retirement. He's busy as all get out but he knows if it doesn't get done today there is tomorrow. It's me that has to keep the fire under him, though. haha! I, on the other hand, may start a cat-sitting service again once all the building is complete. I just love it so why not. Have a wonderful holiday and "Happy Birthday to you". Hugs, Deb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DH has been retired since 2009 and I think he reached that comfortable place almost immediately...
      As for you starting up a cat-sitting service again. Hey, why not? But the mouse house may keep you busy for a while. Remember, there's always tomorrow.

      Delete
  2. Went through elation, now in a stage where I want to do certain things - like travel -while I am still healthy enough. I feel the clock ticking. Still have time before the relaxing part sets in...

    ReplyDelete
  3. I hope to get in the comfortable stage once I get my bills paid off, it does take a while to get used to motivating yourself when there is no schedule to follow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda, that's the part that some people get stuck in... (IMO). Once the newness of owning your own time wears off, and you've done or are doing the things you always wanted to have time to do... then with no "push" behind you, it's easy to lose motivation. And *I think* that's where depression could sneak in.

      Delete
  4. I'm still 45 months away from retirement and looking so forward to it! I've heard others describe the stages of retirement in much the same way....elation sounds really good to me. Though I do realize after taking a leave of absence in January this year, that I need to occupy my time too.

    Happy Birthday to you and your husband!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the birthday wishes, Eileen. I've never heard about the stages of retirement... so I may have to check into this. But it sounds like my stages are right on track.

      Delete
  5. Great post, I'm just starting to get into the comfortable stage.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Happy Birthday!
    ~John M

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks, John. There may be more stages... but I hope this one lasts for a while. It's quite nice.

    ReplyDelete
  7. An ah ah moment here. I think I have passed all of these and started another that feels as though the ride on this earth is shutting down and I might as well just enjoy the ride left.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You may be right, Rosaria. Apparently there are many stages or retirement and how long each may last is a very personal thing. But I think "enjoying the ride" is a great idea.

      Delete
  8. Just found your lovely blog. I hope to return again. My husband & I are in our 70's & enjoying a quiet retirement. Thank you for sharing. Have a happy 4th!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting, Mimi. I hope you do return. It helps to share... And Happy 4th of July to you and yours!

      Delete

Thanks for reading and commenting... It makes my day!