I formally retired on 8/8/22. Ok, I remain on a “by approval only” consultancy status for the next 3-6 months. I’ll receive my last 3 months salary along with my bonus some time before June 30 2023.
It has only been during the past 2-3 weeks that I’ve felt any anxiety about this decision at all. Most of that anxiety has come from so many sources:
– A dramatically changed relationship with someone who has come to be like a son to me.
– An ever-changing relationship with my spouse (but that is improving as he feels less insecure).
– Worry that my days will be dictated by my spouse’s preferences and schedule.
– Concern about how I will manage unstructured days.
– Wondering how I will make sure I continue to grow mentally and emotionally with fewer people in my sphere.
I’ve taken a few proactive measures to try to mitigate these worries. I did my first morning volunteering at a local cat shelter. It’s clear that this alone is going to drive me back to the gym or I simply will not be able to keep up. I’m focusing on getting our final corporate return filed so I can put that to bed forever. I’ve been in Florida for a week before my last day trying to entertain family (went badly) and enjoy the new renovations. I’m enjoying 10 days home alone now and have another solo trip planed for FL the first week in September. I’m starting a crafting group so I can meet new people. I’m boning up on my French. I’m behind on musical progress. I’m planning a trip to Europe in October. So many good things.
I’ve stopped coloring my hair. It’s been cut into what might be an attractive bob were it not for the baby bangs that the new stylist thought might suit me. They do not. I may end up with a pixie again and just grow it out from scratch. We’ll see.
Had my annual physical today and my MD was surprised I’d actually pulled the plug on work. But what I know for sure is that right now, other than for a few pets, I have no obligations to anyone. My grandkids don’t see me – I can see some of them if I go to them, but none of them is old enough to understand how important our relationship will be later on. I’ve not seen my son in forever. Long story short, people reach out when they need something, but not for many other reasons. I understand. It’s hard work. I guess it’s time for me to decide how much of my discretionary energy I want to devote to folks who haven’t set foot in my house in 7 years.
So that’s my life on the 2nd full day after retirement. This is another thing I hope to make time for. It’s just a matter of getting reorganized.