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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsI've noticed that retirement has greatly enhanced my ability to set "Goals and Objectives"
I hated this process, when I was a corporate worker bee. Earning a living by showing up (on time, or early) to successfully complete a day's work and then go home just seemed an inadequate plan, to my manager. But now, nearly 5 years out from the "hive", I may have finally cracked the process.
So, here goes. Since I'm still hearing the occasional spinning tire on the unplowed inclining streets surrounding my house, I'll limit my outside activities to tossing out some snow melt onto the driveway and refilling the bird feeders. Then I can devote the rest of my day to making, and later consuming, Navy Bean Soup. That way I'll have the strength to dismantle the large snow/ice berm the eventual snow plow will undoubtedly deposit at the end of my driveway. That, in turn, will give me a great excuse to make a nice, strong hot toddy.
One day at a time, my friends. One day at a time.
empedocles
(15,751 posts)Siwsan
(26,177 posts)Since I'm so busy, 3 seasons out of the year, doing gardening and yard work, I love spending some serious down time, during the Winter. Of course, in about 6 weeks I'll be back at garden planning and seed starting so my busy (but still fun) time still outweighs any stretches of 'down' time.
brokephibroke
(1,883 posts)Would you say you exceed expectations, meet expectations, or needs improvement?
Siwsan
(26,177 posts)It's funny because I was just reflecting back and, for so many reasons, retiring as "young" and early as I did was one of the smartest decisions I've ever made.
brokephibroke
(1,883 posts)As I near retirement...
Pacifist Patriot
(24,647 posts)Siwsan
(26,177 posts)I actually left 6 weeks before that, taking an extended 'vacation'. I had accrued the maximum number of PTO (personal time off) hours allowed by the contract, so the company let me take them, all at once. I had just lost my sister and mother, within a 3 week period, so the company had some understanding and compassion for my situation. And, while I was off for that 6 weeks, I continued to accrue even more time off. So, I got what I considered to be a bonus check, after I retired.
My plan had been to work until, at least, 65, but life threw me some turns that made me realize the importance of enjoying life, while I'm healthy enough to do so. (My sister was younger than me and had 3 kids. That hardly seems right.)
brokephibroke
(1,883 posts)Thats my target as well. No union for me so I have to buy my own plan and that may be $$$$.
Siwsan
(26,177 posts)The company I worked for didn't offer a pension, but we had a 401K plan that they, at one time, contributed generously towards. I left just as things turned bad, and the company was 'partnered with' another health care company and their union contract was not nearly as strong as ours. So, I left just in time because benefits and wages both took a hit.
I never, ever, EVER thought I'd be in the position I am, right now, which is retired and with investments. I still sometimes think I'll wake up and still be sitting in a cubicle, desperately trying to ignore annoying co-workers. I guess my savings habit, good health and low maintenance lifestyle is paying off. At the very least, I am finally approaching feeling really content.
SharonClark
(10,005 posts)the driveway TODAY. Just like I said YESTERDAY.
Siwsan
(26,177 posts)I can remember getting up at 3 in the morning to shovel enough of the driveway clear, for me to, at least, make it to the street. And then, parking the car on the street, hoping it doesn't get stuck, while I shoveled a pathway clear, again, at the end of the day, so I could get to the garage.
Now I just pour another cup of coffee and look out the window, with a self-satisfied smile on my face.
AJT
(5,240 posts)and make coffee.........the rest of my day will consist of showering, going to the drug store, pickling up my favorite coffee creamer, then collapsing on my couch and binging some british detective series on Acorn. And it's only Monday...I'm exhausted just thinking about it.
Siwsan
(26,177 posts)The birds, the cats, and my little self are fed and watered so I'm going to start the soup. I will have to go out, tomorrow, to replenish my Chardonnay supply. Priorities, priorities.
Polly Hennessey
(6,747 posts)Leisurely breakfast after leisurely feeding the dogs (2), the cats (3), the bird. Then leisurely dress to take Alex to the groomer and Scout to dayboard, next go see 1917 with my sister, then a leisurely late lunch, pick up critters, go home put on my warm snuggly and leisurely watch the news, then watch episode 7 of Giri/Haji on Netflix. Next crawl into bed with my doggies, read a cozy mystery, 😴. Rinse, repeat in some similar fashion. Best part: no one absolutely no one tells me what to do. Ta Da!
Siwsan
(26,177 posts)I take full advantage of such opportunities.
justhanginon
(3,287 posts)Siwsan
(26,177 posts)I worked with SO many people who will never be able to retire, with any degree of security or comfort. Some do to being spendthrifts, some due to unfortunate circumstances. And, of course, some due to both.
justhanginon
(3,287 posts)and was able to save enough to live comfortably if not extravagantly, (my car is a 1997 Mercury). I lived very frugally while I worked as there was no 401k stuff from my employer until about ten years before I retired so I had to save and fund most of my retirement myself. Still live frugally, sometimes much to my childrens chagrin, but I am comfortable with my life style.
Siwsan
(26,177 posts)I had a 401K but also was also a lifetime compulsive money saver. I can't even begin to guess the age of some of my clothes, but they are in good shape and still fit, so why buy new? I grow my own veg, and am one of the most frugal shoppers you will ever meet.
My entire family keeps nagging at me to travel and indulge myself. I love to travel and did a lot of that while in the Navy, and beyond. Maybe I'll do some traveling, again, but right now I'm content with my lifestyle, and that's all that really matters.
justhanginon
(3,287 posts)as we age. Still have things that we want to do but they lessen in importance and do not become a driving force. My attitude has become instead of feeling like "got to" it becomes "would be nice to if circumstances permit".
JohnnyLib2
(11,206 posts)Siwsan
(26,177 posts)She likes to patty-paw my face, when she catches me sleeping. Time I spend asleep is time I'm not spending giving her treats and chin scritches.
Golden Raisin
(4,600 posts)being a kid (long ago!) on a snow day. No regular routine. No school. You can go out and play in the snow all day or stay in and read a book, watch TV, or whatever. Nice. Also a nice feeling that I earned this after so many years of hard work.
Siwsan
(26,177 posts)I took a photo of my big glass of Mimosa, juxtapositioned against the blowing snow, outside, and sent it to my former co-workers. Cruel, indeed.
justhanginon
(3,287 posts)made a kite from a rather distinctive work shirt. Took a picture of me flying it, showcasing the kite, and sent it to my old boss. Fun stuff!
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,280 posts)My last day of work was December 31, 2011. I'm in Minnesota where January always sucks, and when the first weekday snowstorm happened (very soon afterwards), I recall getting up and looking out the window and going back to bed, thinking about how I will never have to battle rush hour traffic in a snowstorm again. It was a great feeling.
Yavin4
(35,357 posts)As it stands, I'm working full time and in school part time for a Master of Data Science degree.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,280 posts)Later today I have some errands to run and some homework to do for a foreign language course I'm taking in what is perhaps a futile effort to keep my brain from rotting. In the meantime I am drinking coffee, watching the cardinals on my bird feeder and listening to my sleeping cats snore.
Freddie
(9,232 posts)That I retired. But I spend my days watching the grandkids so Im not exactly relaxing or doing what I want to do. Today is no school so the 2 big ones are here as well as the 15-month old (who is a pleasure to watch). I figure Ill be really retired when she starts kindergarten...in 2024.