Why Retire?

Why Not?

Well, remember the people labelled ‘baby boomers’-- born between 1945 and 1960 when the world repopulated after World War II? They were the largest generation and now the first ones born are at retirement age, a mega number of retirees.

Secondly, remember the Pandemic, that life altering exercise when the realization that life is short, kicked in. The pandemic provided many with time to think about what’s next. And the outcome for many was “retirement”.

You are not alone, if you have been thinking about retiring. I wasn’t thinking about it either until my husband decided after 33 years in a municipal job he wanted to leave. Loving my husband and not too excited about my job anyways at that point, I decided to retire with him.

At 60 years old, I’m struggling with this thing called retirement. In one way, newness keeps you feeling alive and sharp, and in other ways I’m scared to death of more change, major change. But what do they call it now, pivoting to newness, pivot to survive.

I started my career in advertising. It was fun in many ways, the parties were fantastic and very memorable but I was young and energetic and fun was my first priority. It seems like a life time ago now. I’m very grateful for that season of my life though, because it gave me great lifelong friends and adventures that helped me grow up. At age 60, I’m still growing and try to think of that as a good thing, a positive thing.

When I look back, I chased the perfect career forever. I chased the perfect life and life went so fast. I now know, there is no such thing as perfection in life. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve fully embraced the fact that I don’t have to impress anyone any more. Besides perfection is boring and I want to be anything but that. So, what is my vision for retirement?

So far, here’s what I’ve learned about retirement. Instead of being labeled unemployed, you have the more respected title of retired. It does come with a little more respect and less raised eyebrows and a touch of jealousy mixed in. Even if you loved your job, you obtain a lot from work besides the money and work duties. So certain things should be taken into consideration before you jump ship. Socialization, exercise, mental stimulation, more time for yourself, and more creative mind space. What will you do to fill these voids? The most profound thought I heard when I was trying to re-enter the work world after retiring was to not look for a career, but to look for a life. After working for 30 years, I want my life back. And since I’ve left a toxic career, I’ve realized that I am more than a career.

But I thought about that 4 years ago before starting this blog and now that I look back in hindsight, I don’t know why I was so scared because the change has been great. I feel so much more at peace after leaving a job I didn’t like in the first place, now having the time and energy to do what I really would like and can enjoy.