I have some older friends, as well as relatives, who are either retiring, or gearing up for retirement. These folks don’t seem THAT much older than me and it gives me a sense of panic–I haven’t even really figured out what I want my career and work world to look like yet, how can I even think about retirement?!
It’s not really about the money, although having spent so many years working to generate income and support my family, it’s hard to imagine what life might look like if I didn’t have to do that on an hourly, daily and monthly basis. It’s more about the “What would I do with my time?” question. I just can’t picture myself sitting on in a rocking chair, or playing golf, or having lunch with the ladies, or even sitting on a bunch of volunteer committees. Obviously, I’ve let a big hunk of my identity get wrapped up in my economic worth and my working self. But, is that such a bad thing?
I read an article a while back that said that seniors who continued working at least part-time needed less medication, had less physical problems, stayed mentally stimulated, and less depression. This told me that even the stress of working and dealing with the individuals and problems that come up in working is healthier than drifting into leisure oblivion. Now, I’m sure this doesn’t apply to everyone–I’ve seen some incredibly happy, relaxed, retired people. But, I’m also seeing more and more older people who start part-time businesses, work as consultants, or take part-time jobs. This makes sense to me–aren’t we staying healthier and energetic longer? I can’t even fathom retiring at the age of 65 and spending twenty years out of the work world!
Maybe it’s because work hasn’t been the back-breaking, physical labor of generations past for me. I feel stimulated, creative and self-reliant in my work instead of exhausted and beaten down by physical exertion. Certainly, part of my identity is wrapped up in the work I do and my ability to support myself and my family, but it also gives me a purpose and something to do with my brain while contributing to the world in some small way. I’m not sure how I’d give that up!
How about you? Do you have plans for retirement? Can you envision a life of leisure without work or business concerns?
See Also: Is Your Home Business Seasonal? and Breaking the Rules