Happy December everyone! I hope you have plenty of celebrations and family/friend time to look forward to, in this month of festivities.
For me the countdown to retirement is in its final push – work is busy as you can imagine, as I not only keep working away at my job, but also have to think and plan about handing it over to another. In 2 weeks my successor assumes my role, and I will spend my last 2 weeks educating her and making for a smooth handover. I feel just fantastic about all of this; my days are just flying by; people are saying nice things to me about me; I have absolutely no regrets or second thoughts about what I am doing.
I have been hearing about a couple of people I know, who will also be retiring shortly, that they seem to be struggling a bit with their decisions; backtracking and saying they want to continue to stay on and work part-time; seeming to be having trouble “letting go”. I don’t understand this, as they chose to retire – it was not asked of them, nor forced upon them in any way. These people are also men, and that may be part of the difference?
For me, work has always been something I do and never something I am. I would love to hear how others retirees felt as their work life ended – was it something you embraced wholeheartedly? Or did you have mixed emotions? Did you choose, or was it chosen for you?
The other thing I am most excited about (besides anticipating my new, retired life) is an online art journalling course I signed up for. A couple of years ago, I signed up for and wholeheartedly enjoyed a year-long course by the same artist, called Mandala Days. Julie Gibbons is an artist residing in Scotland who works primarily with mandalas. Please check out her website (linked, in her name) if interested!
In a few weeks (on December 21, the winter solstice), I will be beginning a new course of hers, called Mandala Magic: Alignment. This course again focuses on mandalas and art journalling, and tying the lessons into the 8 “seasons” – the solar cycle – of the ancient pagan wheel of the year. This is so up my alley, it isn’t even funny!
I love the word Alignment so much that it will be THE WORD for my life going forward into 2020. Yes, my word of the year! My big intention for 2020 (and beyond) is to bring my life better into Alignment with my values and my intentions for how I want to live, going forward. During the next few days, I am planning on drawing up a mind map using the word Alignment to further suss out what it means to me and how that will impact/guide/inform this next important phase of my life.
So that’s what I’ve been up to, lately. If you care to share your thoughts on retirement, goals and intentions for 2020, art, whatever – I’d love to hear from you!
Rock on,
The WB
Hi, Deb – Congratulations on your upcoming retirement. I was required to give two years’ notice for my retirement, so I had a long lead up and lots of time to think and plan. During that transition, most people whom I worked with said that I would fail miserably at retirement and would be back at some form of work within six months. Wrong! Although I loved my job, I must confess, I love retirement more. Retirement allows you to be more of your self that ever before, and not constantly put on different cloaks to be to do your job. I have not looked back.
Congratulations on your WOTY. Alignment is absolutely perfect!
Thank you Donna – that is so heartening to hear. I too have had a long time to plan and think about retirement. Upon hearing that some people choose retirement and still struggle with giving up work, I was starting to think I was some kind of heartless freak for not having those same feelings. 🤣🤣🤣
I do think some people have their whole identities wrapped up in their careers and they have a harder time retiring—not knowing who they will be without a place to go every day. Others don’t have outside interests to explore or they’re worried about living on less money or spending more time with a spouse. It’s huge decision and a huge lifestyle change.
You are going to better than fine. You have a plan and a lot to do in your first year or two getting resettled. And you’ll be too busy living to look back with any regrets.
Thank you Jean 💕 I agree. I just can’t imagine any scenario where I wish to go back working full-time (or even part-time, but I understand that has a higher likelihood of changing as I settle in).
I chose retirement and planned ahead but I truly miss parts of my job. It was so highly satisfying but it was taking a toll on my body and exhausting my mind. I was an orthopedic trauma nurse in the operating room and I miss helping those patients, the crazy fractures and the surgeons.
I am working casual in a one room private operating room and it’s easy. I work because of Tumultuous Tuesday and my husband being laid off. I will love full retirement when I get there.
I have not heard of Tumultuous Tuesday. What is it? I am sure you’ll love it full retirement too, when you get there! 💕
It was a blog post I did about the unexpected exit he made from his job and how it impacted our lives.
I chose retirement, and I love it! At first I thought some sort of part-time gig might be nice, but I’m over that now. Just living life. No rules.
Love this. Just living life; no rules. 24/7 accountable only to myself. Thanks Donna 💕
Congratulations on your new life ahead, Deb. 😀
Thank you GW 💕
Congratulations, Deb, on your upcoming retirement and WOTY. I planned for my early retirement both financially and non-financially, and I love it! There is not enough time to do what I enjoy doing and explore new things. I wake up every day feeling thankful for a new day. You’ll be more than fine, especially once you move closer to your daughter and live in super natural BC.
Thank you Natalie 💕 I wake up thankful every day now and don’t expect that to change (except to be even more thankful) once I retire. Good to hear you are rocking retirement!
I think women have an easier time with retirement mainly because we usually still have to think about preparing meals and cleaning. Now you will have more time for things of your personal interest. You’ll love it Deb.
Leslie
Thank you Leslie 💕 I am loving it already and it hasn’t even started 🤣
Hi Deb! Yay! So very close now. And I think all the “thinking” and research you’ve done will have prepared you well for the next step. I also agree that the less “identified” you are with your profession, the less you’ll miss it. I also like your WOTY because it is pretty much what mine was for the last year! Looking forward to seeing how it all plays out in 2020. ~Kathy
Thank you Kathy 💕 I’ve been un-identifying with so many things lately, including my possessions, in order to make space for a new life and a new me.
I wish you nothing but luck and a happy alignment in 2020, Widow.
Thank you Hook 💕
What a great next phase you are about to enter! I was forced into retirement almost 3 years ago (just before Christmas) when I was just 56 but I wasn’t ready and had fought the decision for 6 months before that. I made myself sick in the process but now looking back it has been the best thing and I love my new lifestyle. Good luck to you Deb!!
Thank you Debbie (just rescued your comment from Spam, sorry about that!). Glad to hear you are loving retirement now!
Deb
Thanks for rescuing me!!
So great you’re getting ready for retirement! While I’m light years away – given our debt – I can only imagine what it would be like. But I’m fortunate that I’ve created a flexible, comfortable work/life relationship for now. I think the big thing about retirement vs work is if you have the power of choice. When we feel totally stuck or that we have no power over the decision or hung up by ‘should’ – we’ll struggle. Just my thought.
Those are good thoughts, Janet. Thank you 💕
Good luck with your Alignment. I’ve noticed with mine that my life situation is constantly changing. And so, there’s a constant realignment.
My health made my decision to retire. But I’m glad I did. It’s been fun.
But it was hard for my wife to retire. She worried and fretted about losing that steady flow of income. But now that she’s out of the rat race, she thinks she made the best decision, since she’s doing more things that she enjoys.
I suspect you’ll come to the same conclusion, as you seem to enjoy being active, and have interests outside your work life. I doubt you’ll find yourself feeling bored.
Thank you TG 💕 You are right – I am never bored.
I wonder if those who can’t let go of work haven’t got things outside of work now. Nothing to be excited about. There are so many things I want to do when I have the time to do it. And I think you are the same, Deb. And just think, it’s down to days 🙂
I think you’re right, AJ. And I think there is a bit of a difference between genders too. Let’s face it – usually women have much more responsibilities in the home and thus less free time when working also. I think we look forward to retirement as OUR TIME FINALLY, to do more of what we want to do. Thanks 💕
You are going to rock this new phase of your life. You have so much energy – physically, intellectually, creatively, and spirtually – I can’t imagine any scenario where you aren’t surging forward wondering and exploring with joy.
I love your new word for the year. As Tippy said, like all the previous life phases, this one also continues to evolve, so the realignment is a constant condition.
I did not chose to retire. It was thrust upon me and although I loved my new post-work life from the first day, I struggled in the beginning to reinvent myself. Now, looking back, I realize that it is a process that has always happened organically for me. I’ve just followed my intuition, kept an open-mind, and explored where it would take me. I work hard to park judgement and expectation because they are the seeds that lead to discontent.
I hope this month passes with many good feelings and good memories!!
Thank you Joanne 💕 I am following your lead, as usual, into retirement. From the first time I read your Bruce Trail blog, I knew that you were someone who was doing retirement right, and worth following!
Back at you 🙂
You are entering the best years of your life and have a great attitude for it.!
The other day a friend of ours said he had to get his “plan” all set up so he can retire.
We said why do you need a plan? We told him that he had been planing all his working life with his company and he should feel he has done enough planning. Just go with the flow!
Thanks guys 💕 I like to plan things but not so much that lack of one would delay my retirement date!
I’m 61, I spent 4 1/2 years being essentially unemployed, for most of that time, the only thing that kept a roof over our heads was my 401k, which I had to keep tapping just to make ends meet. Her health problems got real while I was out of work and we were Sandy survivors who had to abandon our house because of delayed issues from the storm. For 3 weeks we didn’t know where we were sleeping for more than 2 nights in advance until she and her sister made peace. All of that caused my 401k to become just a “k”. my retirement plan is a nice refrigerator box under an overpass.
Best of luck in your retirement.
I’m very sorry to hear that, Don
I can feel the excitement over the internet, and am happy for you!
Retirement was something that I “planned” for, but you know what John Lennon had to say about making plans and life and so on…
We retired a whole lot earlier and to an entirely different location and a completely new lifestyle.
Remain open and ride the waves!
Thank you Maggie 💕 I love that John Lennon quote and think of it a lot.
Yay, you! I guess I am one of those “heartless freaks” too because, once I retired 5+ years ago, I never looked back. I miss some of the work friends I had, but I still have several real friends that I met through work. You have a lot of exciting changes ahead and I have no doubt that you will do great!
Thanks Janis 💕 Heartless freaks unite!
I’m so happy for you and this new path you’re traveling. It’ll be exciting to see/read all of your encounters. You have such a full life. I have a feeling that in 2020 your cup will be overflowing! 😀
Thank you Mimi 💕 My life was quite empty for many years so I am making up for lost time 😁
This is probably hard to believe, but I TOTALLY defined my self as my career before I lifted anchor a set sail. It took me three years from dreaming it to doing it because I was so attached to my job. The reason you are going to be a happy retiree is because you are already mentally onto your next adventure. And the alignment course sounds so up my street. I have felt ‘very aligned’ for the 6 years of been sailing and it is critical to me to be able to maintain that ‘alignment’ when I head back to shore to replenish the cruising kitty. Will have to check out this Julie Gibbons
Good job aligning yourself on the water! I never would have imagined you as defining yourself corporately, Lisa. You are right! Hard to believe. Too bad you have to come ashore to fund your cruising life. Thanks for commenting 💕
While I would love to sail onward from Mexico immediately, I am looking at ‘the return’ to the every-day for a time as an adventure (and an interesting life chapter). Having a victory lap to look forward to at the conclusion of my next Program will keep my spirits high! Looked at Julie’s course and it seems magical. Can’t wait to hear how you find it. It sounds like something I’d love to take up if she offers it again when I am home.
I’m sure I’ll be talking about this course on ye olde blogge as the year progresses. I am so excited for it to begin. Are you going to keep blogging as a landlubber? 😉
Looking forward to the posts and the art and the wisdom!
I do plan to keep blogging as a landlubber. The community here has kept me strong for many years and I want to maintain that connection The full time job will only allow for intermittent appearances …but I’ll be happy when I can make it here.
Deb, You made me smile “people are saying nice things to me about me.” Nice to hear this in our living years:) I try to not generalize, although, I do think some men find it more difficult to retire. Just the words Mandala Magic and Alignment feel like a good part of our Universe. Alignment is a perfect word for going forward on many levels.
Re: retirement, I had surgery on my hand and I was not able to return back to work (Dental Hygienist, and hands are important:). I definitely had to adjust mentally and physically (no longer play piano and other specific activities). I am always a cup half full kind of person and I look at what I am capable of doing. Re: Dental Hygienist, been there, done that (for 25 years), moving on. Looking forward to connecting with you on this “next important phase of life.”🙂
Thank you Erica 💕 I try to be the cup half-full person too. It’s not my superpower or anything – I think I was lucky enough to be born with a naturally positive outlook. I think that sort of resiliency is a true blessing and I’m glad to read that you have it. Some would have spent too much time grieving what they can no longer do, instead of looking at what is do-able, as you did! Looking forward to connecting with you IRL as well!
Whoo hooo! It’s happening! It will feel good to end everything on a good note and a smooth transition. No looking back, no regrets :-).
Yes! Thank you Pam 💕
OMG – the final countdown is always so exciting. And I love your WOTY… especially as you talk about aligning your new life with your values.
I do know that many people find the transition into retirement bittersweet. Even if it is by choice, you are leaving many things behind. Things that you might have loved. Things that you might have needed. Identity is one and can be a big deal – who am I if I’m not working? If I’m no longer a doctor, a nurse, a teacher, a manager. Other challenges – who do I talk to? Overnight you can loose a lot of folks you had daily conversations with – the “how was your weekend” or “what do you think about this idea” conversations. And then there is the structure – some folks need it (I’m a big structure girl) and a sense of accomplishment. Even if you’ve got it all planned out, it’s completely by choice, and you cannot wait for it…. don’t be too surprised if there is some mixed emotions and some feeling of loss. If not, great. But if it’s there, don’t feel like you’re alone. And please don’t negate the feeling others have – yes, we choose retirement, but it’s still a big life transition.
Thank you Pat 💕 You’re right – I do expect to feel some loss in the early days of retirement Although at the moment it’s VERY hard to imagine feeling this way 😉.
What a great blog. I love reading the responses to your question. I’m one of those people that really had identify struggles after retirement (single, no children, life long career person.) Unlike your wonderfully smooth transition, my replacement wasn’t in place until the day before I retired. That made me feel like they didn’t really understand or appreciate what I’d been doing. I left a little bitter, sadly. I retired at 57 on my own because I was just burned out. Fast forward to today, I’ve really enjoyed the freedom from stress and time to travel and dabble in new interests. I don’t know what “art journaling” is, so will be “googling” that in a moment. Sounds like it might be right up my alley. Congratulations to you!!!
Thank you Tracey 💕 Sorry to read that there was some bitterness to your retirement. As to wonderfully smooth…well, let’s just say I’m trying to keep it positive on ye olde blogge, so long as I’m still working 😉.
Hi Deb,
Love the counter…I’ve posted enough about my new life in retirement that you already know I love it. Did not look back at all. Thought I might need a little “project” to keep me busy -hence the blog (lol, “little project”…If I’d only known!) because I’m pretty Type A, but I love the freedom I have to decide how each day will go. Any stress is of my own design…:)
AND – I think your choice of alignment as your word for 2020 is excellent! It’s a perfect lens through which to view the changes that retirement brings.
As I said in one of my posts…don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out…
I didn’t.
Best wishes.
Thank you Nancy 💕 and I won’t (let the door hit me 😆).
Alignment is a great word for 2020. Congratulations!!
Thank you CG 💕
Alignment is a most excellent word. I love this.
Thank you Akilah 💕 I think so too.
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You have such exciting plans! Wishing you peace and much joy as you embark on this new phase of your journey!
Thank you Ju-Lyn 💕
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