So true that as we move on into retirement, our former coworkers move on as well. At first it bothered me that my “friends” at work fell out of my life. But then I realized I myself had prompted the change by retiring, and we now exist in separate worlds. Not to mention, my former coworkers probably don’t want to be reminded of how dull and regimented their lives are in the 9-5. :) I’m loving the freedom of retirement!
I quit my academic career (tenure and all) in my early forties, but always knew I couldn't stop being a historian, so I found many ways to carry on--but don't always have time for. A historian friend of mine died in her early eighties, working to the last as a historian in aid of causes she believed in. For many people, having the time to pursue an avocation they have always had--like art or music that's good enough to share--does the trick. For others, just having a lovely time with family and friends after a hard life of running a small business, or manual labor, is enough. I remember one man who had been a blue-collar worker, and struggled with retirement, including worsening alcoholism: He sat outside on a lawn chair one day, and started waving to passers-by, and passing cars. He soon became celebrated as the Mayor of River Park (his Sacramento neighborhood), and featured in the news. He had found wonderful purpose. I think it's brilliant. Love that you're writing about this.
Thanks Don. I really like the term ‘messy middle’. I’ve also found that as you find your new way, you can step into and out of the ‘messy middle’ repeatedly. I think for me it’s ok.
I think some folks, myself included, have also been able to reinvent ourselves as political activists……again.
Kathy, what a great observation! I’m very familiar with “the messy middle” but, like Don, hadn’t considered stepping into and out of it more than once!
I've heard the "messy middle" phrased as "hell in the hallway," that uncomfortable space where one door has closed and the other hasn't yet opened.
Wendl, I like that! Very descriptive.
It’s a biggie all right. I think you might like my poem, What is your job (when you don’t have a job any more).
Don, it's in my latest post, so it should be easy to find. (Famous last words.)
Found it. Very apropos. Thanks!
I'd be delighted if you could share it with me.
So true that as we move on into retirement, our former coworkers move on as well. At first it bothered me that my “friends” at work fell out of my life. But then I realized I myself had prompted the change by retiring, and we now exist in separate worlds. Not to mention, my former coworkers probably don’t want to be reminded of how dull and regimented their lives are in the 9-5. :) I’m loving the freedom of retirement!
I quit my academic career (tenure and all) in my early forties, but always knew I couldn't stop being a historian, so I found many ways to carry on--but don't always have time for. A historian friend of mine died in her early eighties, working to the last as a historian in aid of causes she believed in. For many people, having the time to pursue an avocation they have always had--like art or music that's good enough to share--does the trick. For others, just having a lovely time with family and friends after a hard life of running a small business, or manual labor, is enough. I remember one man who had been a blue-collar worker, and struggled with retirement, including worsening alcoholism: He sat outside on a lawn chair one day, and started waving to passers-by, and passing cars. He soon became celebrated as the Mayor of River Park (his Sacramento neighborhood), and featured in the news. He had found wonderful purpose. I think it's brilliant. Love that you're writing about this.
Thanks, Annette. Good stories.
Thanks Don. I really like the term ‘messy middle’. I’ve also found that as you find your new way, you can step into and out of the ‘messy middle’ repeatedly. I think for me it’s ok.
I think some folks, myself included, have also been able to reinvent ourselves as political activists……again.
Thank you, Kathy. It hadn't occurred to me that you could reenter the messy middle more than once.
Kathy, what a great observation! I’m very familiar with “the messy middle” but, like Don, hadn’t considered stepping into and out of it more than once!