If someone had told me on January 1st 2009 that I would be retired today I would have thought they were crazy. I began last year feeling very secure in my job. I worked for a very busy medical practice, was a front-line medical assistant, had a great rapport with my patients, the doctors and the staff, was well liked and needed. I envisioned myself working until I was at least 66. I would continue saving money in my 401K further funding my retirement, receive more Social Security money and be eligible for Medicare by that time. My retirement was planned to coincide with our son’s departure to college. Then my husband and I would be free of stay at home responsibilities. We could pack the car, take the dog, and travel for weeks at a time to visit family and friends across the country. We would have the time to explore all the places we had not yet seen or return to our favorite spots. Everything that was planned so perfectly changed when my health forced me to leave a job that I loved, five years before I was ready.
From a nonstop work schedule to a less frantic, full time retirement
My initial transition from full-time employee to stay at home retiree was difficult. I was used to getting a paycheck and employer subsidized health insurance. I had friends at work that were like family. There was a structure and cadence to my days, nights and weekends. While working, everything non-work related needed to be done in limited weekend and evening hours. It was always a struggle to accomplish all the household chores, shopping, cooking, laundry, etc. and still have a little time for relaxation. Friendships often suffered due to lack of time to get together for social occasions. It seemed like it was always Monday again and way too quickly. Yet going to work was a good thing and I missed it.
Experienced employee embraces her busy new retirement “career”
Now after six months of unemployment/retirement I have become adjusted to my new life. There are days when I procrastinate and can be found at the kitchen table still reading the newspaper at 10:00am. I’ve had the time to complete some essential home projects. I have reconnected with the joy of exercise and the benefits it provides me. Writing this blog and cooking interesting meals are meeting my creative needs. My intellectual stimulation is increased by my weekly trips to the library and wonderful conversations with others who share my love of books. I am enjoying getting together with friends for lunch and shopping. I’m still pursuing ways to give back to the community and help those less fortunate. While I miss all the benefits my job provided, I find six months later that I can get along just fine without working. Just as I embraced my job and gave it my all, I now am embracing retirement. Once you give it a chance retirement is wonderful!
Related posts: