20 Comments

So true--every word! I think we should be proud of our ability to create an almost over-full post-career career propelled by personal will and ingenuity. I'm pleased to find myself nearly over-extended, as I asked for it, didn't I? And nobody else made it happen for me.

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Friends have told me that their friends dreamed about golfing all day every day. After two weeks all they had to say about golfing is that, while boring, it did kill lots of time. So is retirement about killing time, I ask? And I answer, sometimes. So what am I doing with retirement in a new community with my grands close by but a million miles from deep connections made in a community over 35+ years? Well, I'm staying closer, by phone, with family; trying to make new friends; and accepting that I'll never make old friends again. Much to my surprise, I discovered that reconnecting with people from my long ago past is rewarding. A friend from my days in elementary school. My date to the junior prom in high school, who I forgot, but was reminded!, she was my date. Numerous friends from college. That's all the farther I've gotten thus far. I'm glad I made the effort and am grateful for the old, new connections. . . .

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My "retirement" is a bit different. True, I was not a great employee. I was a better employer, I think. Now that I'm painting full time I have also began to feel exhausted. I have to set boundaries for myself and stick to them but with a little wiggle; I don't want to pass up a really great opportunity. I have said yes to too many things and need a year off to experiment. I do NOT love painting for a show. So next year 2023, I will step away with eyes wide open. It also allows me time to do other things.

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May 14, 2022Liked by Don Akchin

I’ve experienced a shift in definition of so called “retirement.” If we view the period of voluntary separation from occupation or profession as one marked only by changes in objective variables (eg, income, hours, activities) then our assessment may be biased. Instead, if we look at that time as a destiny marker, then it carries enormous existential consequences. So, then, what is destiny? Is it merely synonymous with our accomplishments? I used to think so.

Now, I believe that destiny encompasses character development, relationships, and minding the still small voice that asks whether we have done the right things in the right way. This call can play out in contined gainful or voluntary employment, or not. Since most of us choose a profession that supports these intangible goals, wisdom might suggest pursuit of other avenues through which to fulfill our destiny after we leave the formal workplace.

That said, I took additional training and am still developing a practice that I hope serves to confirm my own destiny. The hard part is relinquishing the idea that work is the exclusive means to that end.

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Looking forward to next week! I’m still pretty satisfied with retirement. Anxiety is a condition of life whether you’re employed or not, it seems to me. Honestly, I can’t think of a thing I miss about working.

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I can't help thinking how hardworking people of goodwill are trained to think that there's no such thing as "enough" when it comes to work, while those who do little to nothing themselves exploit that. It's hard to switch off that inner voice even in retirement, especially when this awful economy cuts careers short. I can say that you write a Substack I enjoy reading, and that your voice as a writer is clear and compelling. In an age of "everything is awesome", that's refreshing. Oh, and as an academic who told her university to get stuffed while in her early forties, I have been dealing with all these issues for a long time! I do think the competitiveness of American culture has a lot to answer for.

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May 15, 2022Liked by Don Akchin

While I am of retirement age, started receiving SSI at 70, I am still employed full time in a job I love. I have 2 challenges, how do I manage the financial surplus with an eye to retirement in 3 years or sooner if I don't want to work full time and begin to assimilate a retirement lifestyle into my long term planning. Would love some recommendations for a financial advisor who understands MY situation. My current accountant is not responsive.

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May 14, 2022Liked by Don Akchin

Being able to retire and spend time the way I want has been like having Michael Anthony come to the door with a cashier's check for one million dollars. It's so easy to over extend your energy if you find the world full of possibilities and potential. I don't relate to people who retire and then wonder what to do with themselves. Sometimes I need to cut back a little on the volunteer job commitments, but it's hard b/c I'm having such a satisfying and fun time giving back and expanding my world.

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May 14, 2022Liked by Don Akchin

I really enjoyed reading more about your person story, Don! Thank you for sharing.

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Don, as usual, you are right on the mark! As it happens, today is the 9th anniversary of the day I publicly announced my impending retirement effective June 1, 2013.

My reasons for retiring were similar to yours, but with the additional need to be caretaker for my Mom.

I still maintain that it's the best decision I've made in life! Mom & I enjoyed 5 beautiful years together, and she indirectly introduced me to you and your nonprofit organization., which has led to many more opportunities to be of service and... to write! All this is to say, "Life is what happens while you're making other plans.

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