Just a bit of advice to those about to retire or freshly retired and wanting to enjoy it. There is a word you need to practice, it's one syllable, should be used often and with force, or you will find you are busier than when you were working, but doing none of the things you dreamed of, because you don't have ANY free time. You are on the Board for this, Chair for that, Coordinating the upcoming, driving the grandkids every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon (Thanks so much)... Meals on Wheels, ... and Rose wants to talk to you about the greatest program tonight, you would be a perfect fit.
One syllable...
No! Sorry, can't do it, I have other commitments. (An appointment with a fly rod.)
My mentor retired...
He couldn't / wouldn't say no. He stays busy five to six days a week. Several vet organizations, police groups, community groups, political action groups, always on the go. add to that teaching and volunteering as well. The various projects he planned for his retirement home are still half completed or sketches on his workshop wall, things he will get to domeday soon. Ten years after his retirement, and he is exhausted.
I call and and tell him he needs to take a day for himself, lets have lunch, at least coffee, just relax. He checks his calendar, it's usually ten days or more to find a slot to meet for coffee. He lived seven minutes away.
I tell him he needs to cut back, slow down a bit. Enjoy his retirement. He keeps saying this is the last year with this group or that group and then they tell him how much they need him... He is 82, and will never get to relax and enjoy retirement.
NO...
Practice it.
Use it.
You will thank me.
(Oh come on, you're retired, you've got nothing else to do.)
