Here I am, almost three years since my last post, pondering where I am today.
To say the road has been a bit winding would be an understatement. I’ve navigated the pandemic, watched grandkids dance, play, compete, graduate and start new careers and unfortunately, battle cancer. I’ve gotten good at coordinating my mask with my outfit of the day since I work in a healthcare facility. I have had some ups and downs spiritually, stayed ahead of the game physically and kept my sense of humor and positive attitude. Seasons have come and gone leaving their mark on all of us.
Today I’m considering retirement and that is a scary thing for me. I have let my identity become wrapped around my job and it’s nearly impossible to consider anything different. But – something tells me it’s time. I am praying for peace about this but so far, it’s been illusive.
Here are my biggest questions: What will I do when I’m not coming to work every day? Should I cut back hours or go the whole route? What will be my motivation to get up early and face a new day? How will togetherness with my spouse work when it’s 24 hours a day? And yes – even this one – what will they do without me? (The fear is they will do just fine!)
I would love thoughts and encouragement from those of you who’ve been there. I have been part of the workforce for 50 years. Is there life after retirement? How do you “set the date”? How do you fill your time? How do you still feel like a vital part of society? How do you keep from getting bored? How do you keep from overscheduling yourself because you are afraid you will be bored? How do you find those one or two things that keep you passionate, energized and at peace with your place in life?
Looking for answers, suggestions, tips! And prayers – always prayers.
