We all know that retirement is not necessarily an all-or-nothing proposition. And neither is financial independence. Besides, even retirees who are truly financially independent, the experts tell us, need to find pursuits that engage their interests.
Nobody can expect to be happy sitting in front of the TV for the rest of their lives. (Btw, B and I have started watching "Madam Secretary" with Tea Leone on Netflix . . . good show!) We need activities that stimulate our imagination, connect us to other people, and help us develop a commitment to something more than our own self-interest.
I do enjoy working, now and then, because it gives me some focused activity; it brings in a little money; and it makes me feel good to be engaged in a project that's important enough for someone to actually pay me for it. A job takes me out of myself, and makes me feel like I'm worth something beyond my own little life and my own family.
I've been freelancing and consulting for more than ten years now. But honestly, in the last year or so, the work has been drying up. I think there's probably plenty of work out there, if I was willing to go out and get it. But according to the Social Security Administration, I've reached my full retirement age, and so I don't feel as if I still have to be beating the bushes, pounding the pavement, networking and cold calling people in order to find a job.But now one comes along, and I can do it mostly on my own terms. I have the time to spare since we've completed our move, and our condo has been fixed up -- at least as much as we're going to fix it up.
Besides, I could use the change of pace, as well as the few thousand dollars I'll get for a month of employment. So I'll be working for a few weeks, and may be posting less often. Somehow I think the blogosphere will survive my partial absence.
See you around . . . and if I'm looking a little frazzled, it's
because I'll be blogging in my off hours, with my other eye on the
paycheck being dangled in front of my nose.
20 comments:
Congrats on getting that freelance job. Money is always welcome and it also gives your self esteem a boost.
There really is nothing like a "little job" to light a fire. Good for you.
Good for you! Nothing like feeling that you are productive. The extra money doesn't hurt either. I bet when the month is over you'll be glad the job is done :-)
I am so happy to find this blog. Adjusting to 60 has taken me by surprise. Congrats on the new task!
Keep us posted on how the new job goes. I am interested to read your upcoming posts.
Donna
www.retirementreflections.com
That job of one month in duration sounds ideal. I have done a lot of freelance work too (writing) and don't bother "beating the bushes" since I retired. Good for you to take the opportunity to do this work.
Sounds pretty perfect to me. I had a contract job for six weeks after I retired. It was enough to make me decide I am really truly done with work. :-)
Thank you all, you are right that it's good for self-esteem, money and feeling productive. And Carole, I'm sure you're right too. When the month is over I'll sure be glad the job is done!
Right on that a return to the world of toil can be rewarding in many ways. Ten years into retirement I landed a contract to write a history. The job lasted almost two years, the money was great, and I achieved what every writer yearns for--a published book. Hope your new job turns out equally well.
Congrats Tom. You're a great writer. Hope it's something we can all read and enjoy right along with you!
I am happy for you Tom!
I like those time limited jobs at this stage of my life. Not a huge commitment, but a satisfying change of pace and that feeling of "I still got it!" is a pleasant feeling. Good for you!
Consulting paid my bills for over 25 years. I enjoyed helping people solve problems using a little of my knowledge and a lot of their common sense.
Have fun with your current project, but I like your attitude; there comes a time when beating the bushes for more isn't worth the loss of time and freedom.
Hi Tom! Have fun with your new project. Isn't is AWESOME not to need to work but have the luxury to do it when and on the terms you want? Both Thom and I consider ourselves semi-retired because our work has evolved into the kind of work that gives us tremendous freedom and still brings in nice cash flow. The best of both worlds in our opinion. Plus, I actually think we enjoy our free time MORE after we've been working a bit. I'll bet you find that to be true. ~Kathy
What is it you'll be doing?
Going back to work makes you appreciate retirement more.
Tom,
Don't know where I've been, but glad to have located your blog. Look forward to your thoughts and ideas on retirement. I haven't worked since retiring 17 months ago, but am considering a project or part-time position to fill my plate a bit more. Will enjoy your feedback on how it goes.
Good for you. Congratulations. I understand that part about a job giving you focus and taking yourself about of yourself. I am always wanting to work for those very reasons. Of course the pay is good too. My husband works 20 - 30 hours a week. That is much more than I like him working, but it is what he likes to do, so I support him in it. He just wasn't made to retire.
Work is a four letter word.
Congrats! It will be fun to have a job that you know will end!
I admire your spunk!
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