MIAMI, Florida
United States
Avonworth HS
Miami Dade Community College
Chatham College
Pennsylvania State University
Pittsburgh, PA
El Paso, TX
Homestead, FL
North Miami Beach, FL
Birthday 58 and the End of SummerThe Answer to my Question: "When Is It Time to Retire?"
Once I asked a friend when does one know when it is time to retire. He simply said, "You will know." Over the last few weeks, I have been struggling with the smoke in the air from the wildfires. The haziness in the normally bright clear South Florida sky was playing havoc on my health. Not to mention the firing over nonsense of a long and valued employee, the death of a long and valued employee who was not treated well by the new "sweeps and brooms," one of my dear friends decision to leave before the end of retirement program, the low morale of many of my colleagues is so infectious. But, more importantly, I had decided that when I had "worn out my welcome" --as my mother would say, when I no longer felt appreciated, when I no longer jumped out the bed to get to work; then, it would be time to retire.
On Tuesday May 27th 2008 the time had arrived, That morning I did not want to jump out the bed to go to work, but I got up anyways. As I was taking my morning shower, I asked "What am I to do with this heavy heart?" a little voice from deep down inside yelled, "QUIT." At first I was startled by the voice. I looked around to see who was in the bathroom with me because I live aone. I could not believe that the wee, small, little voice would say something so profound as "QUIT", but I felt like a million dollars. I started to sing and my heart felt so light that I thought I would do the Gene Kelly "Singing in the Rain" dance, but my shower isn’t that large, so like the lights in a musical, like the prelude to a song in an operetta I started to breathe; my chest filled up with air as though I had risen from the dead. There was no fear of redemption, no fear of looking for real estate under a bridge, no anxiety of any kind just pure sheer release and joy.
I called my son to tell him about my decision. He said, "Congratulations Mom you finally got there." "Now go do all that "stuff" you want to do and have FUN!". I called my financial advisor, he said, "Good, now you need a date" I said, "Today." He said when ever; then, he told me who to call, and what to say. I was really breathing now, and I didn’t even need to take a breathing treatment. What an affirmation that I heard the wee, small, little voice that yelled from so far deep down inside of me. The wee, small, little voice truly knows the essence of my well-being.
I opened my records and there in my planning I had already chosen the date five years ago, August 31, 2008. I was right on time. I made the calls and set up my exit interviews, and now I am waiting for the papers to arrive in the mail. "I am so excited" by the Pointer Sisters keeps ringing in my ears.
I can’t begin to tell the world how happy I am. I thought this day would never come. And, to think I made this decision 5 years ago. Like my friend I am not entirely financially ready, but I want to move on and do some of the things I want to do. We have seen so many of our friends who were not able to enjoy their retirement because of illness or death. I just want a little time to really enjoy my adult children, grandchildren, and my friends. I just want to breathe. "I AM SO EXCITED" the song is going off in my head right now.
Thanks for your journal, and your leap.
As I have been working on the AARP's Next Chapter contest, I have opened my eyes and started to look around to see what other folks who are close to me are doing. I just have to believe that I am going to be fine. My financial advisor keeps reassuring me that I did well and that I am going to be fine. However, when I look at the way gas prices, the cost of bananas 69 cents a pound, and the threats of a 16% increase by FPL; I must admit that I get a little spooked. However, these threats have been going on for many years and yet "retirees" are stil retiring rather they are forced, downsized, or go willingly in to that dark night. S
Some how I feel it has to be just a little more humane-- what goes around comes around. Do you think if we changed the name from retirement to something else it would make a difference?
Wow! Someone who actually listened to the voice! It must make you feel very much in control when you actually listened and responded. I may have heard the nagging voice, but was too afraid to heed it's call. It was not until I was terminated from my employer (needs of the business) that my voice said, "Good! Now get out there and do something you really want to do!"
I applaud your courage. It must feel wonderful!
Enjoy your ride!
C. Diane
I am so-o-o-o Very Happy for you. The one thing I have learned in my old age is to listen to that little voice. It is there for our protection.
Several years ago, my hubby asked if we could retire early because he didn't think he would either live to see retirement at the standard age, or would not be in good health to travel. His Dad died at 56. We had many friends reiterate the "unfullfilled dreams" because of health problems. Thankfully we got the opportunity to RV for 3 years full-time until he did have that hear attack. Had I stayed at my good paying job, we would never had those wonderful years of memories. I know we both would have felt cheated. Now anything we are able to do is only "icing on our cake of life."
We are both so happy that we made the decision to retire early and see everything on our "wish list."
I love the style of your writing and truly enjoyed your retirement journal.
Have a Great Day! Carol
p.s. I am back working at a job I love, because we now need the medical insurance. Neither one of us is eligible for Medicare yet.
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