I retired today. I’m sitting in my office on my final day of work writing this message. I’m surprised about my feelings and mixed emotions. I’d like to put my feelings into words, but can’t find those “words of wisdom” that sum up everything.
I am very excited to begin the new journey ahead and to join my husband in retirement. We already have lots of travel plans booked for 2023. However, my thoughts are bittersweet.
Gazing out my office window, I reflected on the calls, emails, and cards from friends, staff, volunteers, clients, and board members sharing congratulations and appreciation for my years of tenure and service.
I “grew up” professionally in this job after college. Starting first as a Coordinator and eventually being promoted to Vice President, I held this last position for 20+ years. Thankfully, I’ve never personally defined myself or my self-worth by my job title or paycheck. It was a blessing to find a career that was fulfilling, gratifying and life changing. It was an avocation that gave me the opportunity to help create social service programs that serves thousands in our community and that’s how I prefer to define myself and my legacy.
I retired today, but am I ready for this transition? No…. and YES
On one hand no, I’m not sure I’m ready although we’ve planned this for a long time. I’m leaving work behind, letting go of decades of projects and routines, and the social connections with colleagues and partner congregations. I also worry about the loss of a steady paycheck, especially at a time when the pandemic and stock market haven’t been kind to our retirement funds. I honestly believe change is good, though this change is the biggest in my life thus far. So, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised I feel just a bit of apprehension and fear.
On the other hand, yes, I feel that I’m ABSOLUTELY ready.
Retirement Checklist
- Financial matters in order, check. We’ve done our due diligence and met with our financial advisor multiple times. I keep running the numbers and they don’t seem to change much with the all the plans we’ve made, so intellectually I know we’ve done well.
- Health and healthcare, check. I’m healthy now and have health insurance so I couldn’t ask for more.
- Knowing my age at which to claim Social Security, check.
- Priorities and future planning identified, check. I know what I’ll be doing my first full year of retirement and how I’ll fill my days.
Atchley’s 6 phases of retirement
In the 1970s, a gerontologist and sociologist, Dr. Robert Atchley, identified 6 phases of retirement. He defined retirement as not a single event, but rather a process of navigating various phases of challenges and rewards over a long period of time.
Pre-retirement is the first phase and includes the financial planning and disengagement needed before leaving your work life. I hope I’ve successfully completed this phase as I’ve been actively fulfilling these tasks for the past 18 months.
The end of work or paid employment marks the beginning of the second phase where multiple retirement paths are possible.
New retirees may choose either a honeymoon (vacation) path, rest and relaxation (low activity) path, or an immediate fully planned routine of activities.
My time during this phase will probably vacillate between all three.
I decided that for my first year of retirement I’m not committing to anything. I want to enjoy resting, relaxing, catching up on sleep and carving out my new routine. Our main retirement priority is to travel. Our first international trip in 2023 is booked for 3 months in France. I’ve already leased a car and booked the apartments. Slow travel has always been a dream of ours.
My first new hobby is to learn how to blog. Now for those who know me, that’s quite the surprise. I’ve never been on social media of any kind–ever. Yes, that’s correct I’ve avoided social media all these years both professionally and personally this includes LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, etc. So, blogging will be quite the learning curve for me. Of course, reading, volunteering, and other activities will keep me busy too. My entire life I’ve never been bored, so I don’t plan on getting bored now.
Finally, am I excited and happy that I retired today?
That question is a resounding YES. Danny and I have waited 39 years for us to be retired together so we can now be free to plan our days, travels, and the rest of our lives exactly as we want them to be.
I’m very happy to start the first day of my retirement and have exciting plans ahead. I’ll ask myself again in 6 or 12 months’ time if I still feel the same way and I may have a different answer. But for now I have a retirement party at home to celebrate with champagne in hand toasting with a few close friends.
I am excited to see how things will unfold as the pages turn on this next chapter in our lives. One thing’s for sure, the adventure is just beginning and I’m not looking back. So hopefully, I have many more years to navigate through Atchley’s remaining four phases.
How was your last day of work as you began retirement? Did you have conflicting feelings? Or did you celebrate and never look back?
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