Heading into the third week of retirement, I am reflecting on my decision and how my life has changed. I have been in a very busy and stressful environment for 20+ years and while it has been an important role and a rewarding one, sometimes the stress made it difficult to manage at times. I think perhaps that it is often not until you find yourself removed from a situation that you can analyze it and begin to realise the impact on your life.
I met up with a friend who I had had a lot to do with through my work and naturally we talked about work, as you do. Listening to her talk – and already -having a reasonable idea of the stress of her job – made me realise how lucky I am to have had the opportunity to remove myself from that environment. It has definitely been a good decision to retire early.
I have started volunteering at a local Op Shop one afternoon per week, as it gives me social contact and again I am helping people in my community. One day, I was offered a break and a cup of tea. I got talking to the boss and so was a little longer than I might have intended to. I returned to the front and my off-sider commented that we were only supposed to have 10 minute breaks. I apologised that I was not aware of this and made a mental note to do better.
When I sat back and thought about the situation with the tea break, it dawned on me that for at least 11 years I had not been answerable to anyone about when or if to take a break and for how long. I had forgotten that that freedom is not necessarily available to everyone who works, even those in voluntary roles. There will be little learnings along the way as I navigate my way through this new ‘job’ that I have and breaks governed by others is bound to be just one of the things to adjust to.
This is a period of major adjustment for me and for the most part I am very happily retired. Once I get myself into more of a routine and have my weeks more planned – I am after all a planner – I’m sure things will settle.
I feel within myself that I feel calmer, happier and a whole lot less stressed than I was previously. Not having such a high level of responsibility in relation to my job is definitely beneficial. I feel like a load has been lifted from my shoulders and I can choose what I can do with my time and my life more than I have ever been able to in the past. I have always spoken about the importance of self care. This is the best way I could choose to care for myself and I am so appreciative that I have been able to do so.
Life at the moment feels good.
Long may that continue!
My journey with Parkinsons 