I've been talking to a lot of retirees about how they felt when they first retired. Almost universally they missed the routine of work, missed being around people, sometimes have a hard time thinking of how to spend the day. Some say that lasted a year, others much longer. I'm asking because I want to be mentally prepared. Some of this will be mitigated by the fact that I've worked at home and lived alone for so long, it will not be strange to be alone suddenly. I may miss the routine of work, but right now, I sure don't think so. My closest friend says she adapted immediately--mainly because she never particularly like working anyway.
How will it be for me? I can't be sure. But I will listen to what others tell me and try to prepare myself.
4 comments:
Here's the unknown zinger. At work you make a contribution to the nest and all the other members of the nest and you, know it and feel it. You may not get a lot of credit for doing your job and if that is true for you the lack of complaint becomes the approval you seek. There are many ways one is acknowledged for his/her skills. When you are not, you feel the loss. That takes some adjusting. My experience along those lines lean toward it not being an immediate problem but one that is directly proportional to your ability to fill that void with something else. My guess is you will be fine with it. Herb
I don't receive a lot of recognition for my work--who reads or cares about the user manuals! However, I hadn't thought about the lack of complaint aspect, and you are probably right there. I take pleasure in the fact that I produce good work and don't get complaints. Something for me to think about. Thanks for the perspective, Herb.
I found much personal satisfaction in the social aspects of teaching of which there are many. Because the act of teaching is socials by nature. Heavy involvement in union leadership especially contract negotiations was a particular reward. That was then this is now. Retirement has brought out the more private contemplative me. My spouse a world class joiner and socializer accuses me of being anti-social now and not contributing. My response is that forty plus years of helping children learn for a relatively low salary was enough. I've chosen to keep a few close friends, allow my social circle to narrow, meet new and interesting people thru blogging. All in all retirement has evolved in just the way I hoped it would. I'm sure it will do the same for you, Bekkieann....
That's comforting to hear, TB. Working from home for years now has caused me to become a little anti-social--only in the sense that I don't really seek out social activities much. When I do have to go in to the office, I thoroughly enjoy associations with my co-workers. And I'll admit it gives me a surprising energy boost to have such positive interactions. Knowing that, I'll probably try to find a book club or other regular activity (maybe two or several) that will put me into a social situation now an then, but continue to allow me to have the solitude I also have come to enjoy.
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