Over the past few months I've wondered whether I'd wake up some nights in a cold sweat, remembering my decision to retire, thinking "What have I done?" On the contrary, almost every day brings me new confirmation that I am ready for this change, and that my timing is excellent. Apart from a desire to get onto other things and in my own timeframe (and don't I LOVE the first Q.&A. in my previous post: The retiree's week? 6 Saturdays and 1 Sunday), I am feeling more keenly being cooped up in a small workspace, where due to an open floorplan with high sided dividing panels I am simultaneously cut off from colleagues yet still do not have a quiet space. And then there's the issue of no access to windows - as I sit here in my study at home, looking out onto the garden, being able to see the sky, I will really appreciate being able to do that, day after day, and going outside into the day, into the garden.
And the public workspace is getting noisier : mobile phones, laptops booting up with the sound on, large groups of students speaking loudly (yes, I am talking about a library). Mooted changes to that workspace in the coming months do not bode well for improvement, and reinforce my choice of retirement date as well-timed. I'm outta here! (well, in a week's time anyway).
I know there will be adjustments to lifestyle to be made, but that will be dealt with just as motherhood was dealt with, and still dealing with. That doesn't stop, does it! I've appreciated the comments and emails I've received from people on the topic of retirement. Thanks! I am looking forward to sharing this stage of my life with not only people I see, but also with what I call my blogger buddies. Some of you have embarked on retirement already, and it's good to exchange experiences.
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7 comments:
Timing sounds great as work environment becomes tiresome !!
I think when you reach an age where you can retire, and your working life is becoming less than satisfying, then I think it's time to go - providing of course, you don't have to go and live in the poorhouse as a result...lol
You will find more than enough things to do, either on your own or within the community.
Roll on Friday!!!
I am sure that the universe put us in touch Val...another coincidence. An "efficiency review" (?!) at my library means that I shall be thinking around this very subject very soon.
Oh yukkk, no windows? I would find that unbearable. My desk is by a large expanse of windows on the second floor, looking over trees and towards open country.
It sounds like you're really comfortable with your decision to retire.
As this door closes, another opens to a wonderful new life!
Change can take some getting use to... Anything that means moving out of what we know into what we don't does create certain stress - even if we have instigated the change ourselves... Just try to 'body surf' the next few weeks and allow 'the waves of transistion' to take you where they will - you will find your niche once again... Take care...
Retirement means a gift of time. Time to sit, time to read, time to walk, time to observe the rush of others around me, time...what better gift to have?
I've weeded, planted, walked, traveled, read, slept, volunteered helping friends in need, got up in the middle of the night to read and enjoy the quiet. Relax and enjoy each day, notice things around you, put off "chores" until another day and please remember--no more evaluations to endure; Oh, and no more Monday alarm clocks!
I'm glad you're not second guessing yourself and are happy with your decision. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful retirement doing all those interesting things you've planned. And when TMWC retires too, you'll probably have great fun hiking all over the place.
I meant to say in the comment above, no windows! no way! That would be horrible! Glad you'll be able to watch the world go by now through those lovely glass doors and windows :)
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