Yesterday was my first official day of retirement and it feels a little weird to not have a million problems to solve, meetings to attend, and tasks to complete… but it was a great day. In the morning, I spent two hours at a local spa, getting pampered. One great massage and deluxe pedicure later, I met DH for a romantic lunch at an Italian restaurant that we love. The best part is that I used gift cards that were given to me as retirement gifts, so I did not spend any money.
Today, I am looking forward to having lunch with a friend whom I’ve not been able to see for a while. She’s been asking to take me to lunch or dinner in honor of my retirement. Well, now that my “retirement” is finally here, I think the best part is that I have choices. I’ve heard said that change is hard, especially if like me, one is retiring from a position of great responsibility (I was the administrator at a large urban school with over 800 students and 75 employees).
For me the key will be to continue to be productive and to have a purpose greater than just “playing” all day long, although I do have to get better at playing, too. For so many years, my job took prominence in my life until I realized I did not have balance and my health was affected. All work, no play. So, in retirement I will strive to enjoy a life with more balance, a life that is simple but at the same time, rewarding. Next week I will begin to research volunteer opportunities.
To help me “transition” to retirement, and to give me the opportunity to continue working in my field, I have accepted a part-time job working at the local university (same one where DH works). My job will require working about 1 day a week, and on certain weeks, it will be about 1 ˝ days if I have a meeting or training to attend. My PT job begins Thursday, but I am looking forward to it. I began my career in education as a teacher, and now I am back to being a teacher… a role that gives me great satisfaction.
First Day of Retirement
August 20th, 2008 at 03:14 pm
August 20th, 2008 at 03:36 pm 1219246571
August 20th, 2008 at 03:43 pm 1219247004
Yay! Enjoy this time as you embark on your new journey!
August 20th, 2008 at 04:05 pm 1219248350
August 20th, 2008 at 04:05 pm 1219248356
Enjoy your new life!
August 20th, 2008 at 05:30 pm 1219253450
August 20th, 2008 at 06:24 pm 1219256666
Enjoy your time with your husband. Congratulations on that massage.
August 20th, 2008 at 06:40 pm 1219257605
August 20th, 2008 at 08:22 pm 1219263752