Random thoughts on retirement

I've been retired for almost six months.  Here are some random thoughts on my status thus far.
  • I miss my colleagues!  I knew I would miss them, I just didn't realize how much a part of my life they had become.  I especially miss the laughter we shared.  Thank God for my WW meetings; my friends and I have lots of laughs there.  Also, I think I'm finally winning over some of the folks at my Pilates class, although a few of those ladies are really cranky.  I blame planking. (planky cranky!!!)
  • I miss being called "Doctor McGlone."  Well, you know I worked long and hard on that damned PhD!!!  Outside of academia, the folks in my new world probably don't care too much about my doctoral status.  It meant a lot to me; I guess it still does.
  • I took my awesome employee benefits for granted.  Health insurance is necessary and very costly.  If you have benefits, be grateful!!!
  • Meetings: most were painful, some were bearable, and a few could be fun.  The worst meetings were those at which some long-winded academic let loose a tirade on some random subject about which NOBODY ELSE CARED!!!!  (I'm probably guilty...)  I enjoyed the meetings where I learned something valuable and where there were at least of couple of laughs or, even better, fights breaking out!  Believe it or not, I miss the District Board of Trustees meetings, especially when people started arguing over stuff.  It didn't happen often, but it was fun when it did.  I need to drag my sorry self back there; the meetings are open to the public (scary).  
  • Apparently there is such a thing as too much together time with one's spouse!!!  'Nuff said.  
  • Sleeping past 5:30 a.m. is wonderful. 
  • I'm still struggling to find the best way to fill my days.  I know, I know, everyone would love to have this "problem."  But, after having a pretty tight schedule for lots and lots of years, the gift of free time is a mixed blessing.  I'm working on it.
  • Being free to just take off for a day, a week, a month, is great.  Sometimes I still can't believe that Sunday night is just like every other night...not the night BEFORE MONDAY MORNING!!!  
  • I count my blessings that I was able to retire and that I am healthy enough to enjoy these years (fingers crossed).  I know that I am extremely fortunate to be able to afford to stop working full-time.  I don't take this for granted; I hope I never do.
  • I am happy.  

Comments

  1. Marian BeamanNovember 24, 2019 at 11:27 AM

    Victoria, I can relate. I went back for one semester because of missing colleagues and students. I got over it QUICK because I still had to grade essays. Oy vey!

    It took me several years to find my next groove, no rush. Luxuriate in this transition time: you deserve this!

    (I'm glad you're happy.) Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VictoriaNovember 24, 2019 at 1:32 PM

      You’re amazing, Marian! Thank you for the advice; you’re a successful retiree!

      Delete
  2. BillNovember 25, 2019 at 1:27 PM

    I think this is one of your best posts so far. Each point resonates with me. Note that your friend Marian says SEVERAL YEARS, years, got it? I hope you are reading, streaming tv, walking, biking, lifting weights, swimming. I hope that you are up and about well mixed with reading, knitting, sewing, editing photos, and whatever else appeals. How is your German, French, Mandarin?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VictoriaNovember 25, 2019 at 4:21 PM

      I hear you, Bill! I am reading a lot. I am watching way too much British television. I spent some time today cleaning out my “craft room” (I call it my “crap room”; if you could see it you would understand). I also did some Ancestry.com exploring...still trying to figure out why my grandfather changed his name!!! Thank you for your continued encouragement and support. Oh, I also had my hairdresser put some purple in...it’s temporary but it’s fun. Cheers!

      Delete

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