I semi-retired in 1997, moving from my high-tech, high-pay, high-stress job to being a fiber optic construction inspector. My late husband did the same and we sold our dream home in Atlanta, realizing all we were doing was working for the house. We bought a used motorhome and changed jobs.After two years of doing that, the work was drying up and I took time off, working on writing web content as well as dabbling in a little fiction writing. When he was diagnosed with cancer, everything changed. After undergoing surgery and radiation, he took a promotion to a job in Florida. I worked temporarily in the office for a short time, but for all intents and purposes, I was retired.
So I've been retired since 2003, something I never really thought I would enjoy. I was a workaholic and loved working. I started a side business in 1995 and never looked back. Fast forward to 2007...I sold almost everything I owned and became a full-time RVer.
I still was on the computer every day. I still wore a watch. I still knew what day it was, usually because of watching TV shows on certain nights. In July of 2008, I met my now husband, also a full-time RVer, widowed and a motorcyclist. (Yes, the handwriting was on the wall.) We did a lot of travel over the next five years but we still had our nightly TV to keep us on track.
In 2013 we moved to Cuenca, Ecuador and things changed. No longer watching our favorite TV series live, no longer following local news (from the US), no longer find our days dictated by our surroundings.
We get up in the morning, look at our calendar and see what we might have scheduled for the day. Many days are blank and depending on the weather, we might stay in or take the bus into El Centro (our downtown). We often look at each other and ask, "What day is it?"
Retirement is good! And even if we don't know what day it is, we find ourselves busier than ever. Thus my problem finding dedicated time to write. ;)
Isn't it grand? My watch died two weeks ago. I thought I would lose my mind. I have quickly learned that unless we are meeting someone for a meal...does it really matter what time it is? Except for social engagements, no, it does not matter what day it is or what time it is. And that is the most liberating feeling ever. P.S. See you at 12:30. It IS Wednesday, right??
ReplyDeleteRetirement is great! But it is quickly becoming a busy week! ;)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good reason to lack time. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone who visited and especially those who commented. Yes, life is good!
ReplyDeleteVery cool, Donna. That's the way to go. I still haven't retired, although many of my friends think I am since I work from home. I have a very good feeling the transition will be quite easy for me.
ReplyDeleteThe View from the Top of the Ladder