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Retired

 


I retired this week. So, big lifestyle changes for me? Not so much. I retired on Thursday. My office had an amazing party for me on Wednesday, lots of food, lots of cards, lots of personal connections. Gifts too, I wish I had told them, no gifts. I really don’t need anything. But all this does make one feel appreciated. It also makes me feel appreciated that they want me to come back on a contractual basis every now and then to impart my institutional knowledge.

It is always the case when someone retires, knowledge is lost to the organization. Things have to be relearned by the next generation. This is somewhat offset by the fact that the world is changing through advancing technology etc. So, the knowledge that the retiring person has might eventually become obsolete anyway. Better to go out while you are still on top. We have all seen professional athletes who stayed on well beyond their prime. It would have been better to go out while still on top. But it is a hard thing to do when you still feel you have something to give. Ego comes into play as well. When you have been working at the same organization for years, your sense of who you are is wrapped up in your job. It can be hard to let go of that part of you.

Since I don’t have any big plans (no cruise trips, no hang-gliding lessons), it can be a little disconcerting wondering what I am going to do with the rest of my life. I do have little things planned, more time for writing (yes, I will still be inflicting blogs on you) and reading, perhaps some volunteering, and some smaller trips, exploring places close to home that I have never previously visited. There is also a lot of work to do around the house.  Since I don’t have to get up early, I can go to more theater and community events that happen on “school nights.” Although, to be fair, I am still going to get up early because my body has decided it doesn’t like sleep anymore (one of the “perks” of getting older).

You know, it is early days yet. My life routine is forever changed, but I think I am going to be all right. See you around the park.

Star Liner

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