Retirement? Don't be afraid.

I know a guy who, at the last minute, almost changed his mind about retiring. He was afraid. And at the same time Rick and I were looking forward to our retirement.

Back in December 2007, a few days before we gave our 3 week notice, a co-worker I'll call 'Rob', was counting down his last days on the job. He had already given notice and had just a couple days left to work. Rob was at least 65 and had a pension from a prior job and was eligible now for another (very) small pension. But he was having regrets about starting retirement. On his second to last day, as he was passing around his celebration cake, he confided in me that he really didn't want to retire. It didn't have to do with money. He said he didn't have any interests or hobbies and he didn't know how he would spend his time, if not working. He was seriously considering retracting his retirement letter.

I felt sorry for Rob. Little did he know, but upper management had jumped at the opportunity to replace him. As soon as he had given his official notice, they made it impossible for him to change his mind. There'd been rumors that he was probably going to retire and they were ready. They had their ways. I could only encourage him and I tried to help him find ways to look forward to life.

Anyway, I felt so sorry for him for not having any plans for retirement. For not being able to look forward to it. For being afraid of boredom.

I know many people who work well beyond "normal" retirement age. Especially nowadays. But even years ago I knew quite a few who enjoyed their work, enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment, of feeling helpful, who liked the interaction with others, who depended on the income, and who had nothing else they'd rather be doing. And I've met many who thought they were going to be happy spending their days on the golf course or playing tennis, spending time with their buddies, going to lunch every day, shopping, and just hanging out. They found that their friends didn't retire when they did and they grew tired of "hanging out" at the mall. So many returned to work, full-time or part-time, but they returned to the pastime they knew.

Years ago, from the very beginning, Rick and I had a plan to retire as soon as we were able. And we both had the same idea what to do when we retired. Getting an RV, travelling the USA, and being able to fly fish has always been the dream.

Counting the days until we are on the road again...