It’s been about 6 weeks since I retired and it feels like I’m finding my flow. Daytime yoga classes and evenings at the restaurant have become my new normal and I’m truly enjoying both. I’m even growing comfortable with walking Jeter in the late morning without feeling as if I’m doing something illicit and I haven’t set a wake up alarm since January.
It’s quite nice.
While I jumped right into a four day a week schedule at Nicole’s, I’ve also been sure to carve out some time to spend with friends doing fun things, like attending a show or cross country skiing. It’s about finding balance and dividing the finite hours in a new way.
One of my intentions has been to arrange or plan at least one adventure or excursion each month. In January, it was a show at Lark Hall on a Friday night. February brought a weekend up north with the girls, and my March, a month that most teachers have learned to dread, will include a quick overnight in the city, as well as a two night stay in Philadelphia, traveling via Amtrak.
Fun, right?
Despite my, as my friend, Mary, said, “working like I’m an undergraduate,” I now have three days a week off. Previously, I worked 6 days a week, so that’s a definite win. I’ve got more time to smooch Jeter, (who’s suddenly looking his age) and I think we’re both appreciating the opportunity to share space and cuddles.
The other night I was thinking about how when I was an undergrad, I wanted little more than a fixed schedule with a predictable income and benefits such as healthcare and an eventual pension. Now I’m done with that and once again embracing the controlled chaos and unpredictability of the restaurant world, with the advantage of health insurance and a monthly pension deposit into my credit union from the NYS Teacher’s Retirement system.
Maybe it’s my (relatively young retirement) age, but I can’t imagine being completely idle. I still enjoy the social and financial aspects of work. I also need the structure in my days and appreciate the sense of my contributions being useful and valued.
This era of life is still new, but I’m really liking it. More than that, though, I’m very much appreciating the position I’ve placed myself in through education, planning and budgeting to live within my means. If I can figure out a way to continue working, while satisfying my need to travel, this might be my favorite chapter yet.
DelSo 