There's a strange dilemma when retiring early. Everyone assumes you have a plan. "What do you plan to do?" They all ask. I can't say, "Good question!" People expect that I've actually thought this through, you see. If I'm honest and say, "I have no idea", they'd think I'm screwy, wonder why I'm leaving a great career, a job that I've loved.
"I'm going to do some consulting" I tell people. And it's true, I'm going to do that. But, my plan is to do that only a few days per month. So how am I going to fill the other 27 or 28 days that every month except February has?
Oh, I'll take care of my precious granddaughter Ava, for sure. That plan involves one day per week. So now we're down to 23, 24 days. Let's go with 23 for simplicity's sake here, and forget the 31-day months. So then what? Perhaps I could finally fulfill a plan I've had my whole life: take piano lessons. (I guess that means I should buy a piano.) Let's see...one lesson per week - an hour, I suppose - plus an hour, let's say 2 - of daily practice. That's 15 more hours planned per month. We'll even it out and call it 2 days. And maybe I can volunteer somewhere interesting for a couple days monthly? Okay, let's add that. So now we have only 19 days to fill with meaningful activity. 19 days...228 days per year. BIG gulp. What the heck am I doing??
I have to tell you what I won't do. I will not spend a lot of my time with other retirees. Have I mentioned that I'm not especially keen on people my age and older? I mean seriously - I should want to hang with people who spend most of their time complaining about everything under the sun and sharing news about all their ailments? Uhhh...no. I'd rather be strung from my toes on an Iranian flagpole.
So it's 19 days...what to do, what to do. I think it's time to invite people to my blog to offer ideas. Any suggestions?
Wow....19 days until you're free!!! Seriously Babs, I know you will fill your days...first of all...you must write! I know how much you enjoy it (obviously because you started this blog!). You are truly a creative being & you must utilize your creative spirit--I insist! You also must travel...whenever possible. I know a change of scenery reenergizes you...that is all for now...Just know that you are a very active person with many talents...Lord knows you are not a person to just sit around idle, twiddling your thumbs :0) Love, Sarah
ReplyDeleteRetirement is one of those words heavily laden with subtext. It's really just another change; something that we go through often. Not making too big a deal of it will help. As for thinking things through, I've found that to be pretty much a waste of time. Too many variables and unknowns in life to make anything other than a basic outline.
ReplyDeleteTake piano lessons, there must be thousands of qualified teachers in Austin. :-)
Go to Best Buy or a music store and get an electronic keyboard. Cheaper than a piano and they can make all kinds of noises you can entertain Ava with.
Otherwise, just look around you with the idea that your time is a currency, and suddenly you are a lot wealthier. You'll find that there are a lot of things you can afford now. Day trips, hobbies, mentoring, ????; the list is endless.
As long as you're looking at things instead of for something you won't have any trouble. With your interests the issue will not be what to do, it'll be what to do first.