12:15
I retired from my work as a psychotherapist in December, after fourteen years at the community mental health center, and five years in private practice. It was a monumental decision, but not a sudden one. I'd been cutting my work hours over the last year, and not taking on new clients.
While I love my profession, and am so fond of my clients, I knew it was time for change. We have to listen to that "first thing in the morning" voice. It guides us. Mine was resisting the drive (short), the phone calls (numerous) and the new insurance requirements (onerous).
I'm retired! I'm fun-employed. It feels wonderful and strange. Except for my first year of grad school, I've worked all my adult life without significant breaks. For many years, before I became a therapist, I was a cliche of the Working Woman, climbing the corporate ladder in suits and hose and heels. That seems like two "me's" ago.
At age 59-and-a-half, I'm eligible to withdraw from my retirement accounts. Sandy has a successful small business, so our finances are not in peril. I have no illnesses that I know of, and every day I am grateful for these: financial security and good health.
I am trying not to be in a rush to make plans, although I have obsessive-compulsive disorder and can't stop making lists. I'd like to take a month and do nothing but read on the patio, listening to the ocean. Fat chance! I have my first singing lesson this afternoon.
My medium-term plans include:
If you've retired, any advice is welcome. One fellow at the pub asked me: "When are you going back to work? I only lasted three months!"
Stay fabulous,
While I love my profession, and am so fond of my clients, I knew it was time for change. We have to listen to that "first thing in the morning" voice. It guides us. Mine was resisting the drive (short), the phone calls (numerous) and the new insurance requirements (onerous).
I'm retired! I'm fun-employed. It feels wonderful and strange. Except for my first year of grad school, I've worked all my adult life without significant breaks. For many years, before I became a therapist, I was a cliche of the Working Woman, climbing the corporate ladder in suits and hose and heels. That seems like two "me's" ago.
At age 59-and-a-half, I'm eligible to withdraw from my retirement accounts. Sandy has a successful small business, so our finances are not in peril. I have no illnesses that I know of, and every day I am grateful for these: financial security and good health.
I am trying not to be in a rush to make plans, although I have obsessive-compulsive disorder and can't stop making lists. I'd like to take a month and do nothing but read on the patio, listening to the ocean. Fat chance! I have my first singing lesson this afternoon.
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| This is me. |
My medium-term plans include:
- Singing.
- Easing up on the OCD.
- Volunteering at Molly Mutt, the Cat Thrift downtown.
- Red Cross work.
- Blogging, of course.
- (Free) counseling for family members. Remember, kids, you get what you pay for.
- A new way of thinking about how I spend my time.
If you've retired, any advice is welcome. One fellow at the pub asked me: "When are you going back to work? I only lasted three months!"
Stay fabulous,
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