Now that I’ve had a little time to decompress after serving on jury duty for a month, I’ve decided that if called, I would do it again. While I did not find the experience particularly enjoyable, I believe answering the call if you are able is an important civic responsibility.
I was inspired by the book On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder. He warned we should defend institutions such as courts and laws because when they fall, autocrats rise.
The book is a quick read, but it’s not light. So, yes, heavy stuff, but we now live in a country where some people – with the blessings of the candidate himself – will not say whether they’ll accept the outcome of a free and fair election. Think of this book as a manual for resisting modern-day authoritarianism.
The author encourages all of us to become active in organizations, political or not, that support a civil society and help others to do good. While I donate money to various causes, I’ve mostly been all about enjoying the simple pleasures of retirement. The book made me realize it may also be time to step up and participate in something that matters.
I haven’t decided on what participation looks like for me, but I am definitely in the seeking mode. That would be as opposed to the slouching mode, which is where I’ve pretty much been for the past umpty ump years. I keep thinking – even though I enjoy my life, it could be I haven’t yet discovered why I’m even on this dang planet.
Have you wondered if there’s something new and meaningful out there for you? Something that hasn’t even occurred to you yet?
I’ve certainly wondered before, you know, am I using my time wisely? Am I being selfish? Indulgent? But I mostly turn off the volume and go back to my happy place.
This time I feel different. Ready. Like maybe I can still enjoy the chill retirement life I’ve cultivated and also use what’s left of my skills and talents to make a small difference.
I’m guessing some of you might be pondering the same issues. I’d love to hear your thoughts. And of course, as your official retirement confidant, I’ll be sure to report back on my journey … the continuing saga we call life after work.
Yes, I’m pondering similar issues. I’m pretty comfortable with the way I’ve set up my life, but there is this nagging “should” that tells me I should be doing more. But its hard to find that something when I’m past the stage of life where I’ll take well to being told what to do, and when and where to do it. I’m also past the stage where my work experience is still relevant and up to date. I feel a little stuck, and will be following your progress for some ideas.
I’ve also wondered if my experience is outdated, but they still need people with basic literacy skills to help, right??? I also feel stuck, but I’m just getting serious about it now. We can get unstuck!
My thoughts about doing something meaningful to effect change are similar to the wonderings expressed in your post. Through the summer I have considered how one person can make a real difference in tackling the big issues facing us. I’ve been focusing on what matters re issues of global warming and struggling with how to take actions that will create change. I am eager to read your ideas on how those of us who are comfortably retired can help to move the needle.
I will definitely share! There are so many ways to approach this. Should I try for something where I’m needed the most, something that sort of interests me or something I’m passionate about? I don’t want to make this too hard and not do it because I can’t make up my mind.
I just recently discovered your blog and as I’m planning to retire this year, I’m also wondering how I will find a balance between the quiet and peaceful life I want and the call to action to “do something.” I’m following your blog with great interest.
Thanks for visiting! Yes, it’s all about the balance between living a peaceful life and helping make life better for others.
I have always volunteered. But I found when I was first adjusting to retirement, it was a life-saver. I’m always careful to think about what worked for me. My latest volunteering is with the group that provides short term financial help, mainly for working people who somehow had an issue (car broke down, illness, job loss) and just need a bit of help. I cannot tell you how wonderful the whole experience has been.
First of all, the other people volunteering with you are amazing loving people. It was very easy to make friends, and I truly needed that when I left the everyday work world. And then listening to people’s stories about how they landed in the position of being desperate to get their rent paid made you come home and be totally thankful for the things you have, and that you are lucky enough to retire.
Good luck…there are so very many good projects that need volunteers — even within this group, there are different jobs: some people man the phone messages and give out other resources that could be helpful, some people who don’t meet with the clients, but update all the resource lists, some people who just do paperwork, and some of us who go out and meet the clients and deliver the checks.
Wow, thanks for such a great testimonial. What you are doing sounds like something I might like to try. I spent some time yesterday looking through volunteer opportunities for seniors, and there was a lot foster grandparent stuff. Definitely not for me. I’m thinking some sort of office setting. My county provides senior legal services, and they supposedly need volunteers, so that’s on the list. I did apply last year for the library, but I guess they didn’t need me.
I’ll be very curious to where this takes you. I’ve wondered myself if I “should” be doing more! I’ve gotten more personally involved in two very small organizations and become a large donor for a local theater, as well as give to a number of other groups monetarily. And yet, I still wonder if I should be doing something more with my time and talents. So, yes, will be following your journey closely.
Well, you are way ahead of me. I give to the local food bank, and I did try to volunteer, but that was duuring the height of the pandemic and they didn’t want anyone over 65. I’m keeping notes on how I approach this so I can provide proper updates!
I’ll check out this book and watch for further developments on your journey. I’d like to make a difference and I like to think I have (by working in low paid public service all my life) but my retirement volunteering ended with Covid (the jobs I did were eliminated) and I haven’t found an appropriate setting since. I’d love to volunteer for the election but I live in a red county in a blue state and the plethora of vitriol (and guns) still so prevalent in this area are a serious deterrent.
I have thought a lot about volunteering for the election, but so much of it is stuff I’m terrible at. Phone banks, etc. Although I live in California, my county has a lot of rural areas where people are more conversative and have guns. I’m not going door-to-door. I know the right thing is out there for us. Perhaps I’ll map out my decision process and see if that’s worth sharing. And thank you for your public service. Lots of goodness in that.
It seems the majority of us have the same eternal question about what to do with our lives and hoping you can come with an answer to enlighten us. The answers are seemingly out of reach.
I got roped into leading my local art association that was close to dissolving after being in existence for 65 years. People were aging out without an injection of younger people. I don’t know if it is enough to ease my soul, but they needed what I am best at; leadership. I am pretty proud that the group is now thriving with new members and different activities.
You might think about that, Donna. One of your superpowers is leadership.
Sure, yeah, this is the place where you’ll find answers to life’s eternal questions. No problem. Kidding aside, I do appreciate the vote of confidence!
Personally, I think that was a great job for you, combining your leadership and your art. It’s perfect. So, now you are making me think. Combining leadership with what?
I was so happy to retire & do those things I used to do 5PM between 8 & 5. That was just the day-to-day activities of daily living. I live on a large rural property that takes a lot of time & energy. I continued to volunteer with the local community association, family cemetery association, host Home Routes house concerts. I even did a few volunteer stints with Habitat for Humanity. Eleven years into retirement, one thing & another led me to resign from the community association & Home Routes. I didn’t even attend the annual cemetery association meeting this year. In my defense (?), I’m spending a lot of time with my 91yr old mom who’s in a nursing home & living her final months, weeks, days. Having said all that, I’m always wondering if I’m doing enough. One thing I think about is helping a local caterer with prep work. I love cooking & eating. You like food. There may even be a soup kitchen that needs volunteers?
It really does sound like your plate is full. They say a teacher comes to you when you are ready, so maybe it’s the same thing with volunteer opportunities. Not now, but later perhaps.
I like the cooking connection. Definitely adding that to my worksheet. Thank you!
I’ve done jury duty twice, and one thing the experience brought up was how many people find ways to be either excluded, or limit their availability (usually to 1-2 weeks). I wondered how much it skewed the type of jury you could hope to put together, for this must make it hard for it to be a true cross section of society. And yet I totally understand that some can’t afford the lack of pay, availability to earn if self-employed, the additional cost of child care etc. It’s a tricky balance to achieve.
When my cancer treatment ended, I did wonder how I could give back which led me to training in counselling and then coaching. I know I could do more, but these days it’s more likely to be on a smaller scale.
Now that I’ve had time to recover, I’m really glad I served on a jury. In California, it’s easy to get out of it once you’re 70. I met a young guy with a demanding job and a family, and he said it should be the opposite. Young people with more responsibilities should get a pass, while older and wiser retirees should serve. It’s not a bad idea, except I do think you need the mix.
Volunteering is complicated! I think we have to do what feels right, even when we think we’re falling short.