To retire or not to retire? That is the question, right? Whether it’s better to keep toughing it out or toss in the towel, and see what’s next. Seems like that topic always comes up at get togethers with friends. Or when Charlie and me are having breakfast, or on a road trip. Or in the middle of the night when I should be sleeping, I’m pondering to pros and cons.
At parties, we used to talk about work, vacations, what our friend’s kids were up to. Now we kick off with an organ recital. How’d that hip replacement go? Your back still bugging you? How about the colonoscopy prep? We segue from that into who’s kicked to bucket. Heck, one of the reasons I stay on Facebook is so I won’t miss any obituaries of folks I kind of know! Charlie and me went to so many Celebrations of Life last year, I’m pretty sure it could count as a hobby.
Then it’s on to our elderly parents. Are they still living at home, God bless them? My mother refuses to use her walker and went down again yesterday. My Dad keeps getting his pills mixed up. We feel like we should be doing more, but there’s only so much time in the day. Light party talk about pampers, pureed food and “Old Timers.” Yup, been there, done that.
Then, a bright spot. How are those grandkids of yours doing? Sure, let me have a gander at your top three pics. Anymore and I’ll get cuteness overload.
Eventually, we get around to the subject of retirement. Some of our friends have made the leap, and some, like Charlie and me, are still warming up to it.
Charlie turned 69 in March and I’ll be 67 in May, so it’s time to get serious. Charlie thought he’d stick it out until he turned 70, but he’s getting tired of all the stress and politics down to the mill. Time’s precious. Why not just go for it? My mother’s sister died two months before she was set to retire. What a royal jip!
It would be great to see Charlie have more time in his workshop. He loves tinkering, building things, fixing things. And God knows, there’s no end of stuff around the house that could use a little spiffing up, stuff he has zero time or energy for now. Charlie’s a keen sportsman, too, hunting, fishing. He even said he’s considering helping out down to the Senior Center, driving older folks to appointments like our friend, Bud. Charlie’d be so good at that. He’s friendly, kind and patient.
But here’s the deal: just the thought of retiring makes me kind of nervous. I can feel it right here, in the pit of my stomach. I mean, who would I be if I didn’t work down to the A&P? That place is just such a big part of who I am. I’ve been working there since I was 17, and, somehow, it doesn’t get old. Sure, I have my days. Who doesn’t? But I just love being right there in the center of things, chatting with folks, learning the latest goings on in Mahoosuc Mills. It fills me with energy, you know? I once heard someone say that retirement is for people who don’t love their job. That about nails it: I love my job.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m sure I’d come up with all sorts of things to fill my time. I mean, as it is, my weekends fly by. I love doing crafts, hanging with the Women Who Run With the Moose. I’d probably volunteer somewhere, I’m guessing. Maybe spend more time traveling around, telling stories. I love that, too.
Maybe I’ll hedge my bets. Instead of going cold turkey, maybe try the semi-retirement thing. You know, work maybe three days a week down to the A&P, keep my hand in. Get into a different routine, see what happens. Kind of ease into retirement.
Anyhoo, we’re mulling it over. I’ll keep you posted.
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flipside!
Hear Ida Tell It: The Big Question