People who refuse to rest honorably
on their laurels when they reach retirement age
seem very admirable to me.
Helen Hayes
What will you do when you retire? Do you have plans? Have you been saving money?
I remember when my father retired in 1985. He had a list of projects to do around the house. It included painting rooms, fixing the basement and creating an office in an unused bedroom. In the last couple of years that he was working, he created the list and kept adding to it as he found projects that would take longer than a weekend. It was a fairly long list. Then he retired and completed the list in three months. After my parents came home from a month long trip around the country, he was so bored he found a part-time job.
What are your plans? Are they enough? You don’t have to go back to work, unless you want to or unless you need the additional money. My sister, at 76, works part-time to help fund the vacations that she and her husband like. She also does it to stay active and because she enjoys the social aspects of working.
Like Deb from Monday’s post, I found myself in early retirement when my company downsized. My role right now is as the primary caregiver for my 98-year-old mother who is still with us. It wasn’t my original plan for retirement, but then again, I wasn’t expecting it to happen early either. My original plans are still there, they are just delayed for now. It’s ok.
Three different people all in the same family. Three different approaches to retirement. Again, I ask…what will you do? Are you preparing?
What an interesting question Jennifer. It just shows we never know what is going to happen and how different everyone is in their ways of coping with retirement whether it’s our choice or forced on us. Your father sounds like a real doer and your role at the moment is very special. Your plans may be on hold but they’re there waiting for you when the time is right 🙂
Yes, my Dad was a real doer, retirement for him could never mean just sitting back and relaxing. He loved to make things whether it was a meal, decorating a cake, gardening, or creating a desk in his office. He was also in a wheelchair for the last ten years of his life, but that didn’t stop him from doing any of these things.
Wow, he sounds like an amazing man!
Jennifer it’s a good question… one that I’ve put off answering my whole working life!
And some people just continue what they’re doing without ever considering ‘retired’ as a word that fits them.
My early escape from working came as a total surprise definitely un planned. At 54 just re married moved to the other end of the country and stopped work. We travelled and had adventures we learned how to move around sharing house work and life as if we had always been. But, to move away from family, friends and familiarity was tough, once you throw early unplanned retirement into the mix it is scary. My advice (though it has worked out for the best in my case) is plan carefully get used to wat is to come. Good post Jenifer.
Wow, just remarried, moved and stopped working. That’s a lot of change and yes, we need to plan, but sometimes things change and either you need new plans or you need to put your plans on hold. Rolling with it is sometimes what’s needed.
I had worked since 14 and worked hard to climb up the career mountain. It maybe a path for some but it was steep for me.
Plan to travel, keep fit in the gym and enjoy life. You only have one after all. Don’t plan to sit around and get old haha. ?
That sounds like a good plan! ?
Your Dad sounds just like mine!! He is the caregiver of my Mum who has Parkinsons. They are still independent and in their 80’s I hope they know when to say they need help and care! A thoughtful post, and like Deb said, your plans are on hold and will be activated when the time is right. Just don’t forget to put yourself first when needed.
Thanks, Suzanne. I try to get a monthly massage or Mani/Pedi. They are my favorite me time things to do.
Great Jennifer, I do worry for many carers I know, it is so easy for them to put themselves last. Pleased to read that you have your favourite things to do.
Interesting post. I have only been retired a few years. I was downsized out when my company got bought out, worked part time somewhere else for a year and then quit…..but it was the best thing ever for me as my job was very stressful and starting to cause health issues. I’m certainly not bored, always find lots to do. My mother who is 92yrs old has this late-in-life art career going so I am her agent, (she’s had 3 exhibits the past 2 years and another to plan this summer), plus I have lots of time to read now…..but……..I can see myself after a few years wanting to do something part-time or more structured. I think it would be nice to work someplace for fun…..and a bit of money. So when people ask am I retired, I say for now….
I say I’m in early retirement because although I was laid off my time in the company equated early retirement. Right now that works for me and my mother. I do like the idea of finding a job just for fun, I’m interested in unusual things like helping kids learn to code (I can’t code, but I want to be involved somehow!) But no hurry.
PS. I forgot to say I nominated you for the Three Days, Three Quotes challenge if you are interested!
Thank you for the nomination.
I totally think our definitions of retirement has changed over the years!! I feel like I’m still working (at my blog) but it’s so less stressful and more creative!!
I completely agree.
I believe these retirees are happier and healthier 🙂 My grandma took me around the world in her late 70’s. I will never forget those times!
Wow. That’s fantastic and a wonderful memory to keep.
Thank you 🙂 I do treasure it.
You are doing great. What you’ve got is priceless.
Thank you and thanks for stopping by!
God bless you for taking care of your mother………….