So now that I am 50, I'm starting to wonder what it is like to retire. Does a person feel useless knowing that they are now of the age where they aren't as wanted in the work force anymore?
I saw our former custodian today from the courthouse and asked him how his retirement was treating him. Just wonderful he said with a smile. He had a spring in his step that I hadn't seen when I saw him bringing the mail to the post office every day. It may of been because it was the end of the day and he was tired but I don't think that was it. When I saw him today he said to have a nice Easter and a good weekend. I don't think I ever saw him smile so much. He looked happy too. Thus, he is one of the reasons I am writing this blog.
My dad on the other hand retired a few years ago. Did he stop working? Hell, no. He told me if he didn't keep working he would just up and die. Do I believe that? Yes, as a matter of fact I do. My dad's reputation has always been that he is a hard worker and dependable. What would his trademark be if he stopped working all together? A nice guy? A hunter and a fisherman? Who knows. The only difference with my dad and retiring is that if he wants to take a few days off and go fishing with the guys, he can without worrying about getting a job done in time.
Then there is my boss. He has just reached that age where you are ready to retire in the next few years. He is a great boss and I don't really want him to leave but I understand his reasoning. He wants to have a no stress life for the years he has left and his job now is very high stress. Especially with me as an employee...........grins.
As for me........ I kind of think I am more like my dad about the work thing and retirement. I like to think I am a hard worker and that I am needed at my job (notice I put like to think). I need that structure of having to be there every day. If I was retired......... oh man, that would be a not so good thing right now. I would sleep until noon, stay up until the wee hours of the morning and become so large that I wouldn't fit in a chair... lol. Just teasing about the chair thing, but you get the picture. On the other hand I could take my granddaughter for weeks on end without a care in the world and go with Allen on trips.........that is if his health was good and we had the money to even go, and get all my pictures in a scrapbook, have a huge garden and entertain constantly. Hey, that kind of sounds good doesn't it? Retirement? I can't wait!!! :)
