Never! I realized when I was ready to retire from Government service after 37 years, I would not be retiring. Why? Because I’m a doer, one who likes to be active. FLASHBACK: There are some things about my place of employment that I would like to continue doing. So, after six months I adapted “semi-retired” as words that best fit my psyche.
THE PRESENT: I recently retired after working 37 years for the Government. I loved my work and as time went on, I loved working with people and was grateful when the outcome of my leading led to workplace contributions. Most of us spend the biggest chunk of our time getting ready for work, working, returning home that may be as much as 12 hours or more. I retired in September 2020. My reality: I am married, an empty nester and not paying for college.
This past year has been the best year of my life, even with the Covid restrictions. It has been one of reflections, emotional because of the social and political unrest and yet peaceful and quiet. I have had time to read, watch my favorite shows, spend more time with my husband, children and siblings (although virtually). I knew I could learn things or just do nothing. For those who are thinking about retirement or recently retired I am sharing some areas that you may want to consider for the future or maybe making some changes.
My Brain – Learn Something New. As a semi-retired person, I am interested in keeping my brain happy, healthy and engaged. I love music, reading, and just discovering stories about people doing something out of a sense of need or pure genius. Being curious by nature, I can get ideas from others which I never had time to do before. Do puzzles, be engaged in an activity that keeps your brain solving something.
My Body AKA My Temple –Who Needs a Gym Membership especially when you’re now on a fixed income. I have no problem Keep It Moving. What’s the key? Got to YouTube, search on something you haven’t done. Maybe you want to learn Maranga or Zumba. Maybe those arms are getting flabby. You may even need a trainer. Try, decide and save or subscribe to your newfound fun things to do. I make Zoom exercising with others (most I don’t know) a 9:00 routine. But since I like variety when that 40 minutes is over, I go to one of my subscribed choices or work out on other home equipment. I started experimenting in the kitchen. 30 days has turned into over 100 days of good eating. Before you know it, you are energized for the day. You will probably show some improvements with consistency.
My Time – Hold on to Your Time; after all you earned your retirement or semi-retirement. However, social togetherness is also important. I knew I wanted to be a volunteer. I chose to support Feeding America by supporting a different mobile Foodbank each month. I worked the polls for the first time and am set up to do it again soon. Explore your surroundings. Get outdoors. I live in one of the largest natural hiking/walking/bike trails in the country. My daughter and I have hiked together several times. We try to walk or hike a new park each month. I do love travel so there has been some but I’m looking forward to more. I am writing blogs which lead me to create my leadership and coaching website: https://bit.ly/2QSrFqC .
Finally, I am working with my sister and we do podcasts: https://bity.ly/3aksUWy. These last two ventures really have me stepping out into a brave new world.
FLASHBACK: When the pandemic hit, I was torn between continuing for work or retirement. The coronavirus created a feeling of uncertainty that has impacted retirement planning. Two of the factors that were evident was how the market volatility would affect my retirement savings and how long would we be teleworking. The onslaught of Covid made me think long and hard about life in general, my family, and all the things the world had to offer. The one thing I knew is that I wanted to make the most of the time I have left in this world. Let me hasten to add I am very healthy and thankfully always have been. As a mature adult, I’ve had some assaults on some body parts that require some tender loving care every now and then. 😉 Uncertainty? I give in to faith to get me through.
CONCLUSION: How did I do in planning for retirement?
I knew it was important to have a plan in place before retiring. The best advice is whether you’re months from your retirement date or decades away you will be better prepared for what unforeseen things may happen. I have had to adjust my budget on two occasions. One was due to not including my state tax deduction and the additional Medicare premium. How we think about our deductions is different for each of us. Some would rather pay in advance in one lump sum and others would like to see it come out of the monthly annuity. I had wistful thoughts as I looked at all the professional outfits that I really had no need to wear again. So, give them away to someone who can wear them. I had to navigate times to communicate with others who were still working. A big adjustment was how to buy groceries when I got one check at the first of the month versus every two weeks. Of course, looking at a smaller check had its affects too but not too much.
Words of wisdom to live by: Living your best self looks at Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Social.
Prioritize Your Life According to Your Passion – John C. Maxwell, The Maxwell Daily Reader
Paraphrasing words of wisdom from Oprah Winfrey’s article “What I Know for Sure”. What brings you purpose and joy? How will you fulfill your best life? What is your dream? What would you dare to do on this next journey? Ultimately you want to love yourself more. Oprahmag.com, December 2020
So now that I have shared my story, you too can start planning or tweak your thinking and get excited about the future. I am offering a Pre-Retirement Checklist to get you started.
Written for Pink Passport – Supporting Women with Everyday Choices. Cecelia Benford is a freelance Leadership Coach. As a recent Defense Department Leader, she takes her passion of mentoring to the next chapter of transformation of future leaders. Contact Cecelia by emailing cecemb@gmail.com.
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