Do you think retirement is a blessing or a burden?

fuzzybuddy

fuzzybuddy

SF VIP
Location
The Sticks, Northeast PA.
It may sound dumb, since I've been retired for 20 years, but it dawned me that I don't have to do a damn thing-all day. If I want to, all I have to do is take meds and eat. And I can say "Screw it" for the rest of the day. I never realized how much freedom that is. When I first got retired by a disability, I had to fill up my day with stuff. But, today, if I want to binge watch cartoons, I can. To others this may sound bad. Do you think retirement was a blessing or a burden?
 

Well, my wife and me are only a very short time away from retirement. Thus I can't answer your question. But in my imagination I could have retired decades ago. I'm done with stupid bosses and the whole nonsense of working life.

We have so many interests in reading books, helping animals and other really important parts of human life that working for a company is for us not a fulfillment but only a necessity to earn money. The sooner it ends the better.
 
Intially, I was surprised that I found retirement difficult and actually thought I would end up getting a part-time job but, then the Spring arrived and I started to really enjoy the freedom to do the things I wanted and not to have to arrange everything around work. I think it takes time to adjust and if, like me, you have some good work friends, you do miss the company and the routine but, I wouldn't go back now.

These days it's all about enjoying each day and appreciating how fortunate we are to have arrived at this point in life as, of course, a lot of people never get to experience a happy retirement.
 
It has been an absolute blessing for me. 4 years retired in June. It is great to enjoy so much free time. This morning I had a flat tire. I took my car to the shop. They diagnosed that I needed a replacement. They put the spare on and I went to the gym and the grocery store afterward. I got home and contacted Tire Rack for a replacement. It will be put on this Friday. I would never be able to do all this if I was working.
 
StarSong said:
I greatly enjoy semi retirement. Best of both worlds.
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That's it exactly. You can have your daytime television, your hour long hot drinks whilst you read the newspaper or go online. The stimulus that work gives me is the interaction with others. It's true that there are times when people, rather than work itself, p+ss me off, but even that gives me an opportunity to trade insults! Now if you will forgive me, I need to shower and shave, I will be at work by nine. Enjoy your daytime television.
 
Aunt Bea said:
I stopped working 19 years ago and it has been a blessing and a relief to me.

I enjoy being able to retreat into the peace and solitude of my own little world.

I dread the thought of being forced into the more structured environment of an assisted living facility at some point in the future.
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Yes, exactly what Aunt Bea said.

After 19 years of retired life myself, I find I enjoy living in quiet reflection of everything that has transpired.. mostly wonderful memories.
 
fuzzybuddy said:
It may sound dumb, since I've been retired for 20 years, but it dawned me that I don't have to do a damn thing-all day. If I want to, all I have to do is take meds and eat. And I can say "Screw it" for the rest of the day. I never realized how much freedom that is. When I first got retired by a disability, I had to fill up my day with stuff. But, today, if I want to binge watch cartoons, I can. To others this may sound bad. Do you think retirement was a blessing or a burden?
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So far? A burden. But I live in the hope things will improve. I really want/need a partner to share life with. I'm retired, and intend to live for a long time yet. I'd rather not live alone.
 

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