The working retired. There’s an oxymoron that fits right in with “A day in Night Court,” “Icy Hot,” or “Military Intelligence.”
I remember going to a local columnist’s retirement party. It was a combination roast and toast. I had my doubts, having witnessed his first two retirements. A month later his column appeared again. I sent him a note that he had retired more times than boxer, George Foreman. Furthermore I commented that if he had another retirement party I’d refuse to go on the grounds that I already went.
Well, I retired, too, with visions of travel, free time, no bosses and the freedom to do whatever I wanted to do. Isn’t this the American dream? A steady check and not a care in the world? Not so fast. I got up in the morning, realized I could do whatever I wanted to do but I had to make a decision on exactly what that might be. And that proved to be a challenge.
I stayed pretty busy with plenty of busy things to do but there’s something compelling about that vacuum which forms in the absence of work, without a paycheck and, yes, without onerous bosses second guessing your every move. Then there’s the staff, people you never thought you’d miss but discover that you do. Sure, hikes and trips to the park, volunteerism, and other busy work get you through the day but there is a certain satisfaction in knowing there are people out there that find you valuable enough to give your efforts a wage. Perhaps, it has something to do with self worth.
Doing more as a retiree than as a paid hand seems wrong somehow. As I have often said, retirement is great. There’s just no money in it. So, I’m back to work on a very limited basis. I still have the time to do what I want to do when I can figure out what that is! My most exciting volunteer project at the moment is playing the part of the ghost of Hamlet’s father with a great cast and director. It will be performed in Sim’s Park in New Port Richey on April 19th during the Shakespeare Festival. There will be a repeat performance April 20th at Richey Suncoast Theatre.
Now I suppose I’ll have to send a note of apology to that columnist who retired more times than George Foreman. Maybe I’ll convince him to come to my next retirement party. MJY