What Does Retirement Really Mean?
This was the headline from a recent NY Times article as a result of asking “readers to submit their stories of retirement — to share their experiences, as well as their advice.” Did you see it? The answers were all over the map. Sound bites from some of those interviewed, including a NYC chapter member, are below :
“While I don’t have bluebirds pulling down my sheets every morning, it’s no cliché that I’m living my best life now.”
“Suddenly at retirement you go through a door to an empty room and have to furnish it and decorate it yourself, with only yourself to judge how well you did.”
“Do it as soon as you can afford to. There is so much more to life than work. Literally every day is a Saturday.”
“It’s not all lollipops and unicorns; you have to reinvent your daily routine. Gym, volunteering, travel only go so far.”
“Do what brings you joy. If it stops bringing you joy, find something else to do. Repeat as often as necessary.”
“My biggest surprise was the loss of community. … As with most anyone who has retired, I needed to find a purpose. I missed being part of something that needed me.”
“I was struck by how elastic time seemed: no Zoom calls, no alarm clocks. … Just pure spaciousness and choice.”
“Don’t use the word retirement. It sounds decrepit and connotes imagery of rocking chairs and poor health. Somewhere, I came across the Spanish word for retirement: jubilación! Now doesn’t that sound more approachable and appealing?”
“From V.I.P. to P.I.P. (Previously Important Person). Retirement shifts your identity.”
“Prepare ahead, financially and mentally. Take a few months to determine what you want to do. Do not expect the plan to work out perfectly every week.”
“The best sentiment I have heard on retirement was expressed by Serena Williams: She was not retiring from tennis, she was evolving.”
The whole article is enlightening and encouraging. Take a read.