A few weeks back I decided to retire. My stated reason at the time was the aggravation was greater than the compensation. That was not a complaint about the monetary aspect however, it was about how I was feeling. When your personal contribution just doesn't seem worth it, it is time to walk away. Is that what they call, loving your job ? Yes, I think that it is. Up until this point in my life I never had that option, to just walk away. Did I love all the jobs I have had. The answer is no. I did what was necessary. That doesn't make me a hero or anything, just responsible. And it should be noted that being responsible doesn't always mean doing your best. It does mean doing enough. It doesn't include quitting ! Is retiring quitting ? No, I don't think that it is, I think it is more like sitting on the bench. I'm still here and available should the need arise. In baseball jargon they call it " riding the pine. " You are either getting a bit old or just not quite good enough, but you have potential.
As with every change we make it takes time to adjust. I have been busy taking a vacation, something different and not part of the normal routine. The question is, what is the normal routine when you are retired ? Oh I have projects and plans to keep me occupied, that isn't an issue, but what will be the compensation ? That is to say, what will I gain ? I do believe we should be productive our entire lives. We were not placed here to just take up space. Each life is a miracle and a gift and should not be squandered on selfish desires. We need to contribute. The secret is to receive personal satisfaction from that contribution. Wouldn't that be selfish ? It seems like a bit of a quandary. You could say, I earned it. Have I ? Another question to ponder.
So early on in this " retirement " phase of living I am feeling like I'm sitting on the bench. I'm not a part of the team anymore , more like a player you would pick up on waivers. When the need becomes desperate, send me in. The " pinch " hitter. I'm not 100% but the odds are good I'll get the job done. I'm certain that will change over time. After some time has passed you will become nothing but a memory to your former team. The sentences will begin with I remember and I used to. I expect that is a part of aging. The longer we are around the more we use those phrases. Am I really ready to say, I used to ? Speaking in the past tense is generally a melancholy thing. Some would call it resting on your laurels, but I find it to be an uneasy feeling. What is expected of you in retirement ? I'm not feeling confident in that role yet. I know, give it time. It is one of those things you have to figure out for yourself. All the good advice and helpful suggestions will not satisfy. I need to find my new role for myself. It is only when that happens when I'll know how to play the part.
As with every change we make it takes time to adjust. I have been busy taking a vacation, something different and not part of the normal routine. The question is, what is the normal routine when you are retired ? Oh I have projects and plans to keep me occupied, that isn't an issue, but what will be the compensation ? That is to say, what will I gain ? I do believe we should be productive our entire lives. We were not placed here to just take up space. Each life is a miracle and a gift and should not be squandered on selfish desires. We need to contribute. The secret is to receive personal satisfaction from that contribution. Wouldn't that be selfish ? It seems like a bit of a quandary. You could say, I earned it. Have I ? Another question to ponder.
So early on in this " retirement " phase of living I am feeling like I'm sitting on the bench. I'm not a part of the team anymore , more like a player you would pick up on waivers. When the need becomes desperate, send me in. The " pinch " hitter. I'm not 100% but the odds are good I'll get the job done. I'm certain that will change over time. After some time has passed you will become nothing but a memory to your former team. The sentences will begin with I remember and I used to. I expect that is a part of aging. The longer we are around the more we use those phrases. Am I really ready to say, I used to ? Speaking in the past tense is generally a melancholy thing. Some would call it resting on your laurels, but I find it to be an uneasy feeling. What is expected of you in retirement ? I'm not feeling confident in that role yet. I know, give it time. It is one of those things you have to figure out for yourself. All the good advice and helpful suggestions will not satisfy. I need to find my new role for myself. It is only when that happens when I'll know how to play the part.
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