I’ve read quite a few articles suggesting people who work longer stay healthier. Maybe. But I don’t think they’re evaluating people who have brutal jobs with long hours and insane politics … jobs that interfere with sleep, relaxation, exercise and proper diet. Most of those I know from that world look worn out. I certainly was.
On multiple occasions, my boss said I couldn’t take vacation. Part of our business was building and launching satellites. She finally said I couldn’t take vacation the week before a launch, the week of a launch and the week after a launch. That left only a few weeks a year when I could presumably tune out. I was not mission-critical, and I could only imagine she felt insecure and wanted her flock on hand if something went wrong.
When I retired, I had more than 30 days of vacation paid to me because I never got to use it. Yo, girlfriend, guess who’s on vacation now?
Some people like the intense workplace, and I salute them. However, it was not good for me. I started thinking about this topic because I saw a few people from work at an event I attended yesterday, and several commented on how healthy and happy I looked.
Even the True Believers who will be there to turn off the lights have stories that make me glad to be away from such toxicity. Maybe they are stronger than I am. I lasted a long time but eventually concluded time and freedom is more important than accumulating money and stuff. I got what I needed – no more, no less.
I hope those who are thinking about retirement will ignore blanket statements that working longer keeps you healthier. Maybe – especially if you really love what you are doing – but that has not been my experience or observation.
If you’re already retired, don’t worry. Retirement doesn’t automatically mean a decline in health or well-being. Those I talked with yesterday said, oh, man, all you retirees look so great. Yes, because if you’re doing it right, whatever that means for you, what’s inside is shining through.
Me? At 64, I believe my health and happiness is shining through. My retirement job is invigorating, life-affirming and not the least bit stressful. That job is to keep moving, eat well, learn, love, enjoy simple pleasures and use cannabis wisely. Oh, and sleep. Plenty of sleep.
Thank you for coming. I really appreciated that you made the trek and I was sorry last night that we didn’t get to talk more. And yes, you looked fantastic!
Thank you, Carole. I do want to write about the Celebration of Life for Loraine. It was quite beautiful.
I’m sure you could find another study that would say retiring earlier adds years. I’m with you. I may not look better, but I feel so much better. I didn’t hate my job but it was wearing on me. I also see work friends occasionally and I feel so lucky not to be a part of that mess anymore. I agree – at a certain point, know when to say enough!!
Yes, it’s all about feeling better. I’ll bet you look better, too — you just don’t see it when you look in the mirror. But others do, because you are enjoying your life, and it shows through.
You really spoke to me on this topic. I was a teacher and the job was a micromanaged, critical, time consuming slog. On retirement 5 years ago the state had begun eliminating our pensions and putting us on 403B’s. Which was fine if you were young but not at 58. I was able to squeak out with a slightly reduced pension and have not regretted one day. I could feel the tension slip away as I drove away on that last day. And yes, it has only become worse since I left. My dear husband retired two years ago. I exercise, eat more healthfully, and maybe drink wine slightly more often.
I could never be a teacher. We should all be thanking you for your service. Thank you! And yes, the stories I hear about my old job. Yikes. I’m so happy we were both able to leave. Life is good.
Donna, you look so good!
You could play a female John Robie.
Thank you, Barbara! I love the image of being a female John Robie. To Catch a Thief? Now I have to watch the movie again for some fashion ideas.
I enjoyed my working years.I was a Nurse Practitioner and I also managed a chiropractic/acupuncture office and did all the billing and insurance work. At the end —the last few years..the health care industry became a pretty miserable working environment and I retired a couple of years sooner than I had originally planned. 6 years into retirementI am healthier,happier, and have way more time to exercise, play, enjoy friendships and time with my husband.It took a little while to shed the “role” and “importance” of that working persona.. but now, I feel like a new woman. Free time, peace of mind, time for my own personal health and happiness are priceless gifts of retirement. I say if you love your work, have at it— if it’s stressing you out or impacting your health, see if you can retire sooner than later!!
Hi Madeline — thank you for sharing your experience. I’m glad you enjoyed your working years, but it sucks that working conditions have become so brutal. I know what you mean about shedding the role and the importance of that working persona. I still struggle with that a bit, but not enough to impact my day-to-day happiness. Cheers to you!
This post comes at a timely moment for me. I’ve been happily retired for three years. I was invited and went to a work social event in July and heard some horror stories about staff changes in the office since I retired. Then about a month ago my former boss called and asked if I would consider working 10-20 hours a week in his office, mostly to lend a hand to his new staff while they master the job, and I agreed to give it a try. So now I’ve been working two 5-hour days for about two weeks and I feel like I’m back on that razor’s edge of the retirement decision. My boss is a really kind man, and I enjoyed working for him. I definitely notice that it is tiring; however, I could never find any part-time job that would pay at this level. One part of my brain is busy thinking about buying cameras and padding my retirement accounts, and the other part is thinking I could be napping! We shall see how it goes.
It would be hard to turn down the money. But basically, we turned down the money when we chose to retire. I always say I don’t want a job, but the situation you describe sounds doable to me. You’ll know when you’ve had enough.