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I actually loved my jobs as a biologist. I got to travel the world spending months at a time doing field work in remote areas and generally having a blast seeing the world. I look back at my life and am extremely grateful I had those opportunities, because being immersed in so many different cultures taught me a lot about the world I live in beyond my own little world at home. But my last job was more sedentary, so even though I also enjoyed it, when I could afford to retire a little early, I did.
I don't miss working so much as I miss the people and the mental stimulation. Volunteering twice a week helps with the isolation of retirement, since I live alone. It's the perfect solution for me. I've developed new friendships through volunteering, and I have part of my week scheduled, but free time for hobbies, puttering around the house, etc. I can give short notice to the hospital and miss some volunteer shifts, as we all cover for each other when someone is going to be out. I think I have things arranged pretty well for this stage of my life.
I’m almost 64 and retired 2 years. I miss a lot of things about work, especially some of the people I spent countless hours with over a 45 year career. I do not miss certain things about my job, but I do miss the routine somewhat. I could go to work someplace tomorrow and be fine with it, or not. All in all, retirement is what you make of it, and I think I’ve done a poor job so far of making it enjoyable.
I've been retired for nearly 12 years now, being fortunate enough to be able to retire with a federal pension just short of turning 55.
I miss some of the challenges associated with large work projects, and things associated with team building, and seeing the growth and enhanced abilities in some folks as a result of their successes. I also miss some of the relationships I had built over the years, but like others have stated work relationships often end when work is over.
But overall the negatives were sufficient to make me glad to be retired.
About 20 years ago, I found my dream vocation. I wrote books about old houses and then turned it into a full-time gig. I traveled throughout the country lecturing and doing book talks and getting PAID MONEY!
I enjoyed my career and had a lot of fun and met so many delightful people.
Now, at age 59, I cringe when someone asks me to do a lecture, and I don't like "traveling for work."
My point is, even something delightful and fun can turn into drudgery after a couple decades. I'm grateful that I can work part time and make a few dollars here and there, but I don't have to slave away 60+ hours a week anymore.
OP is only 22 and hasn't had the pleasure of being beat down after decades of soul-sucking jobs.
Fortunately, I haven't had this issue.
I don't really know if I'll miss working... there are pro and cons to it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RosemaryT
About 20 years ago, I found my dream vocation. I wrote books about old houses and then turned it into a full-time gig. I traveled throughout the country lecturing and doing book talks and getting PAID MONEY!
I enjoyed my career and had a lot of fun and met so many delightful people.
Now, at age 59, I cringe when someone asks me to do a lecture, and I don't like "traveling for work."
My point is, even something delightful and fun can turn into drudgery after a couple decades. I'm grateful that I can work part time and make a few dollars here and there, but I don't have to slave away 60+ hours a week anymore.
That's the issue with turning a favorite hobby in to a job. It's no longer a hobby, it's a job!
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