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AS A HAPPILY RETIRED 69-year-old, I still remember a conversation I had with an acquaintance two decades ago. The gentleman had had many years in the military, followed by time as a city police officer. He had recently retired—forever—from his third career in federal law enforcement. That meant he was sitting pretty with three different pensions. To top it all off, he was probably in his mid-50s.
Even though my own retirement was still many years away, I’d already started dreaming about it. To be honest, I felt a twinge of jealousy regarding this gent’s situation. I asked him, “What’s retirement really like?” He couldn’t help rubbing it in a bit: “Andy, I’ll tell you what it’s like. Every day is Saturday.”
I love retirement and, although I miss many of the people I worked with, I don’t miss the work at all. Now I can do much more of what I enjoy during my days, and a lot less of what I don’t. That said, I maintain a similar rhythm for the week. Mondays are still the most stressful day, and I might be a little cranky. As the week progresses, I get into a more comfortable groove and work on accomplishing the various tasks I’d outlined for the week. Oh yes, there’s always a list.
And Friday is a happy day, just as it was during my working years, and the weekend still officially begins with the Friday edition of the PBS NewsHour. Saturday is likewise happy. Everything happens at a slower, more relaxed pace. Sunday is restful, but with the same touch of melancholy it’s had my entire life: Fun times are over—for now—and it’s time to get serious about the upcoming week.
I’m wondering about my fellow retirees: Even if your activities are different and more enjoyable, is the week’s rhythm still the same?
Great article and comments. My own retirement journey started two years ago at age 62. Because my prior work life was so precised and regimented, I was petrified at the thought of having each and every day wide open, with no obligations. Yes, it sounds strange, but if you’d been a slave to your job 24/7 for nearly 40 years, the choice of how to spend the rest of your life was daunting. So, after considering that time is the currency of life, I took up golf again, and volunteer at a local golf course. Playing a few times a week, along with meeting golfers from all over the world has been a great source of satisfaction and enjoyment. Throw in a few extra days a week for the grandkids, fishing and home projects, and I’m left wondering where the time has gone, but what a ride it has been.
Mike, sounds like you’re enjoying a nice interval in your life rather than a retirement. I imagine that at your age you have way too much energy and drive to settle into any flavor of retirement.
What makes it so satisfying for us golden oldies is that the relaxed pace aligns nicely with our decreased energy and drive levels. A lot more contemplation and a lot less agitation!
Good luck on your planned return to the workforce and let us know where you land.
I’ve been sort of retired since January. I do some financial writing and consulting to keep a (very) little busy. I find that weekends indeed feel different and more relaxing. Probably because the markets are closed and Twitter is slower. During the week, I write perhaps an hour a day, read books, read blogs, look at Twitter too much. That’s the morning. The afternoons are more chill–just some editing and lots of walking outside between small meals. I’m not a homeowner nor do I have a significant other, so it’s a quiet life. Too quiet. I’m looking to return to the workforce.
Here’s my stream-of-consciousness response.