I was waiting in line at an artisan sourdough bakery in Colorado Springs a few days ago, enjoying the sunshine on a chilly mid-winter morning. Before the popular bakery re-opened during the pandemic, they installed an outdoor window where customers could buy their baguettes, whole grain loaves, and other baked goodies. Entry into the indoor space was no longer an option. The pandemic is now behind us, but the outdoor-only option remains. There is something rather pleasant about enjoying the aromas of fresh-baked bread while standing in line, outdoors, with other sourdough aficionados.
Congratulations on your retirement! There's a reason you didn't count down the days... you were the boss. You had plenty of responsibilities, yes, and pressures and anxieties, sure, but you liked what you did and took pride. Your job was in many ways an expression of who you were. Never did you have to be ball-and-chained to a desk at a certain hour, have a boss hovering over your every move, have a boss who was specifically targeting you for persecution, having multiple persons going out of their way to make you miserable simply because they could sense that you were a happier soul than they were. I knew all these people and I had the monthly countdown to retirement posted prominently on my wall. That commenced on June 1, 2011 (a date etched into my head by anticipation) and I am >so< glad I did it!
True enough Evan. Sadly, I’ve seen and heard about the hell employees have gone thru due to mean or incompetent bosses. I know that workplace violence and bullying is real and far from uncommon, which can also make one’s job a living hell. I am sorry for the crap you dealt with in your job, and certainly understand counting the days to your retirement. I know you are rocking it in your retirement, and that is awesome.
Indeed. I don’t know just where I first heard it, but it sure fit my situation all too often. That being said, I still loved my work and feel so good about the good work my nonprofit did.
I've heard that expression for years and used it myself many times. Have never heard "cheese" used before. I like that one. Mine usually is more of a Limburger- lol
Thanks for sharing this, Dave. I too feel more of a sense of contentment knowing my days now are not structured so much by “should be doing’s” but by “want to be doing’s”. My wife and I are blessed to live in the country on a small plot of land. If I had one goal for retirement, it was to learn and experience new things, primarily outside of my career in the technology field. But one unexpected benefit had to do with the routine tasks or chores to maintain this plot - like mowing or weeding or tending to the garden - that I would schedule on my weekends. I can now more casually attend to these tasks through the week usually with more care, intention and appreciation where I live. As a result these tasks have become much more enjoyable.
I totally relate Pat. The many tasks in keeping this little place of ours going are so much more pleasant when I am not pressed for time and trying to squeeze it all in after work and on days off.
hiya guys! After I wrote that message, I thought "How presumptuous of me"--perhaps Dave did have experiences like that somewhere in his past? I'm proud to have been some small part of the journey that was the Mountain Park Environmental Center!
Hi Dave, I was somewhat forced into semi-retirement a couple of years ago in order to be able to care for Margaret. I left a high-paying job in a startup and began a journey of self-discovery as a freelance consultant working about 10 hours a week and starting a nonprofit meditation center. I am still longing for the "openness in my days for more of whatever I want to do", I am not sure I will ever get to experience that in this lifetime. So, I can sympathize with anyone who is counting down the days to retirement. BTW, I highly recommend the book "From Strength to Strength: Finding Success Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life" by Albert Brooks for anyone nearing or in this stage of life.
I know that many people have jobs that are nothing less than a constant grind, and counting the days to when that job is over - like a light at the end of a long dark tunnel - is only natural. I still find it sad that so many are in such positions, and I too feel for their predicament.
It sounds like the demands of caregiving has required you to make some significant adjustments in your work life. I have much respect for you for what you are doing, as I am sure it is not easy. Thank you for commenting on the essay.
I love the idea of rewirement. With Rich & I now retired, we are finding our new ways of exploring life. As Dave said...rewirement. We moved last year to a lake home and loving all the nuances that comes with living on a lake. Especially watching the different birds and waterfowl through the different seasons. Everyday is something new and loving time with our six grandchildren ranging in ages 18 yrs to 7 months, which keeps us busy also!
I love how we, at this stage of our lives -- rewirement -- we are finding new ways of exploring life, as you say Reggie. I am finding that, after a good chunk of my life was spent creating opportunities for others to experience the wonders of Nature, I am now creating opportunities for myself to experience the wonders of Nature. Not that I didn't have those experiences before, but now I have many less competing priorities, and I finally have more time to more fully engage in those opportunities. I am also exploring different ways of trying to make a difference in the world, as that is important to me.
Retired recreated rewired, reinvented, redone, etc nearly three years from a loved but very stressful job in mental health. It is wonderful to not be on a clock all day. I read, walk, cook, sit, rest, bake, some travel, etc I do whatever I want, when I want, and it gets better every day.
Hi. I very much relate to your comment. I too loved my job, but it was very stressful, and it took its toll on me on several levels. Like you, I find it delightful to have my days back to do as I want. Still plenty of work to do, but it is different in rewirement!
An thank you Linda for subscribing to my substack, Ranger Dave Writes.
So happy your “rewirement” is going as planned. I’m especially grateful you are still involved and making a difference in other’s lives.
I know you continue to make a difference in many people’s lives. Thank you for all the good you bring into the world through your work.
Rewired I love that! Doing what we love as we continue to be of service in life. Saying yes to life no matter what the day brings. ❤️
I’ve often said that I won’t truly retire until there is no longer a climate crisis. Which means, of course, I’ll never truly retire.
I also do not plan to "retire". Seeking ways to be of service, to give back in life is crucial to my well-being. The ripple of service benefits all. 💜
Congratulations on your retirement! There's a reason you didn't count down the days... you were the boss. You had plenty of responsibilities, yes, and pressures and anxieties, sure, but you liked what you did and took pride. Your job was in many ways an expression of who you were. Never did you have to be ball-and-chained to a desk at a certain hour, have a boss hovering over your every move, have a boss who was specifically targeting you for persecution, having multiple persons going out of their way to make you miserable simply because they could sense that you were a happier soul than they were. I knew all these people and I had the monthly countdown to retirement posted prominently on my wall. That commenced on June 1, 2011 (a date etched into my head by anticipation) and I am >so< glad I did it!
True enough Evan. Sadly, I’ve seen and heard about the hell employees have gone thru due to mean or incompetent bosses. I know that workplace violence and bullying is real and far from uncommon, which can also make one’s job a living hell. I am sorry for the crap you dealt with in your job, and certainly understand counting the days to your retirement. I know you are rocking it in your retirement, and that is awesome.
fitting five pounds of cheese into a four pound bag - what a metaphor for over scheduled professional life..
Indeed. I don’t know just where I first heard it, but it sure fit my situation all too often. That being said, I still loved my work and feel so good about the good work my nonprofit did.
I've heard that expression for years and used it myself many times. Have never heard "cheese" used before. I like that one. Mine usually is more of a Limburger- lol
Thanks for sharing this, Dave. I too feel more of a sense of contentment knowing my days now are not structured so much by “should be doing’s” but by “want to be doing’s”. My wife and I are blessed to live in the country on a small plot of land. If I had one goal for retirement, it was to learn and experience new things, primarily outside of my career in the technology field. But one unexpected benefit had to do with the routine tasks or chores to maintain this plot - like mowing or weeding or tending to the garden - that I would schedule on my weekends. I can now more casually attend to these tasks through the week usually with more care, intention and appreciation where I live. As a result these tasks have become much more enjoyable.
I totally relate Pat. The many tasks in keeping this little place of ours going are so much more pleasant when I am not pressed for time and trying to squeeze it all in after work and on days off.
hiya guys! After I wrote that message, I thought "How presumptuous of me"--perhaps Dave did have experiences like that somewhere in his past? I'm proud to have been some small part of the journey that was the Mountain Park Environmental Center!
Do I have stories, Evan!
I too am glad you were a part of MPEC. It was a wild ride.
Happy rewirement you whascally whabbit.
Hi Dave, I was somewhat forced into semi-retirement a couple of years ago in order to be able to care for Margaret. I left a high-paying job in a startup and began a journey of self-discovery as a freelance consultant working about 10 hours a week and starting a nonprofit meditation center. I am still longing for the "openness in my days for more of whatever I want to do", I am not sure I will ever get to experience that in this lifetime. So, I can sympathize with anyone who is counting down the days to retirement. BTW, I highly recommend the book "From Strength to Strength: Finding Success Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life" by Albert Brooks for anyone nearing or in this stage of life.
Thanks for the book suggestion Rich.
I know that many people have jobs that are nothing less than a constant grind, and counting the days to when that job is over - like a light at the end of a long dark tunnel - is only natural. I still find it sad that so many are in such positions, and I too feel for their predicament.
It sounds like the demands of caregiving has required you to make some significant adjustments in your work life. I have much respect for you for what you are doing, as I am sure it is not easy. Thank you for commenting on the essay.
I love the idea of rewirement. With Rich & I now retired, we are finding our new ways of exploring life. As Dave said...rewirement. We moved last year to a lake home and loving all the nuances that comes with living on a lake. Especially watching the different birds and waterfowl through the different seasons. Everyday is something new and loving time with our six grandchildren ranging in ages 18 yrs to 7 months, which keeps us busy also!
I love how we, at this stage of our lives -- rewirement -- we are finding new ways of exploring life, as you say Reggie. I am finding that, after a good chunk of my life was spent creating opportunities for others to experience the wonders of Nature, I am now creating opportunities for myself to experience the wonders of Nature. Not that I didn't have those experiences before, but now I have many less competing priorities, and I finally have more time to more fully engage in those opportunities. I am also exploring different ways of trying to make a difference in the world, as that is important to me.
Retired recreated rewired, reinvented, redone, etc nearly three years from a loved but very stressful job in mental health. It is wonderful to not be on a clock all day. I read, walk, cook, sit, rest, bake, some travel, etc I do whatever I want, when I want, and it gets better every day.
Hi. I very much relate to your comment. I too loved my job, but it was very stressful, and it took its toll on me on several levels. Like you, I find it delightful to have my days back to do as I want. Still plenty of work to do, but it is different in rewirement!
An thank you Linda for subscribing to my substack, Ranger Dave Writes.
Looking forward to more on being rewired!!! Thank you!