Retirement: Life does not begin at retirement

“Life begins at retirement.” ~Anonymous

Recently, Wally and I were at an event with a number of folks that we have known for over 30 years but we haven’t seen any of them in a very long time.  As we renewed our acquaintances, it seemed as if the first question out of their mouth was, “Are you retired now?”

My response to one person was, “Heavens NO! I’ve actually started a second business in the last two years.”

Why is it that people automatically think that when we get to a certain age that everybody retires?  The word “retirement” is not and has never been in my vocabulary.

A better question is, “What are you up to these days?”

I sometimes feel that I have to explain myself as to why I’m still working, “at my age.”  In the era of my grandparents, my Papa closed up his shop when he turned 62, sold all his equipment, came home and sat in the rocking chair until he died there.  He had no hobbies, no outside interests or anything.  He simply rocked in that chair for years watching cars go up and down the street.

I feel like I still have lots to accomplish and lots to help mentor those individuals coming up in this world.  I guess if I wasn’t getting business and people were not hiring me, then there might be a little hint that it’s time to hang up my high-heels and suits to take up knitting.  However, until that day comes, I am still out there, doing what I thoroughly love.

Of course, I do have a very flexible schedule, don’t report to anyone except myself, and can plan my days as I see fit.  Maybe that makes a difference but I don’t really think so.  Even if you punch a time-clock 8-5 and you still enjoy what you do, keep going.

I truly do not believe that life begins at retirement.  Life begins when you are doing what you love to do, whatever that is.

Peggy P. Edge (c) 2015