I began counting down workday Mondays about 35 weeks ago. I loved my job as a science writer for Wisconsin Sea Grant, but I disliked waking up earlier than my body wanted on Mondays. Well, as of last week, there will be no more work Mondays for me—unless I get a parttime job, but I don’t think that will be the same.
However, I’m not officially retired yet. I’m on pre-retirement vacation, or as I like to think of it, “permanent vacation.” But I may as well call myself retired, right? I feel very fortunate to be retiring while I’m still functional.
I’ve experienced two days of this permanent vacation and it’s been stressful. There are so many things I want to do! These are things that I’ve put off due to work commitments or new things I want to try. I’ve been keeping a “Things I want to do When I Retire” list for years, and it’s large. I feel like I want to do all of them at the same time! Plus, I had an unexpected one-day deadline come up for some book promo text during my first day off, and that added to the stress.
It’s also taking time for me to adjust to the idea that I can grocery shop during the day instead of the evenings, and that I can run errands without hurrying back to my desk to check work emails.
I don’t really feel retired yet. I wonder how long it will take for that to kick in? We’re hosting a celebration in a few weeks. I hope after that, this will all feel more real. But at least for now, my body is definitely liking waking up at 8 or 9 a.m. vs 7 a.m. Let’s hear it for no more Mondays!
Retired folks out there, how long does it take to actually feel retired?
As an added bonus, here’s a poem I wrote a few years ago about my career. It’s been published in a couple of places.
Lake Superior Auntie
Today, someone called me
one of the Aunties of Lake Superior.
It must be
my gray hair.
I am now venerable,
aged, historic, learned.
No Babe of Lake Superior
anymore.
For twenty-seven years
I’ve worked along its shores,
pouring my female energy
into water issues,
drinking asbestos fibers from the tap,
preserving wilderness,
explaining research,
discovering the secret of paralyzed gulls,
and the mystery of tapioca beads washing ashore—
leftover casings from the zooplankton
Holopedium gibberum.
I’ve promoted the consumption of the lake’s fish,
promoted consumption of the lake’s lamprey
(they’re a delicacy in Portugal, you know),
encouraged boaters to rid their craft of
invasive zebra mussels and plants,
and studied the lake’s wolves and plovers.
Then there’s all the stories, fact sheets,
DVDs, CDs, videos and radio shows….
“Aunties” confers a plethora.
No Grandmother am I, one of only two.
I have been too busy living my small life,
raising sons, skipping rocks, writing words—
watching pink and orange wash from the sky.
Marie's Meanderings 
Congratulations on the (almost?) retirement, Marie.
Sounds like you did many years of great work!
Thanks Dave! I felt lucky to get a job in my specialized field in my hometown.
That does sound like it was a “win-win.” 🙂
Retirement…the time when you become busier than ever!
That’s what I’m beginning to understand! How did I ever have time to work? 🙂
Hi. I think it’s important to keep pretty busy in retirement. That can be with activities you already enjoy, and also with trying out new activities. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble adjusting to your new situation.
Thanks, Neil. I’ve already got a handle on the new things — I signed up for hammered dulcimer lessons this week!
I’m glad you have Mondays off now! And you’ll get used to the semi-retirement, it’s just a matter of time. My husband is going through the same thing!
Thanks Ann. Yes, I guess it’s just a matter of time and letting it sink in.
I “officially” retired in 2010. I do not feel like I am actually retired. I feel refreshed and renewed nearly every day. I’m busier than I was when gainfully employed, but I don’t mind.
Oh great, so you’re saying I’ll never feel retired! Ha ha. I’m glad it’s worked out so well for you, Swabby.
Enjoy your new lifestyle, Marie!
I’m trying, Jennifer! Thanks.
I can only imagine that the luxury of freedom from schedules, appointments, and time constraints is wonderful. Add to that the ability to decide what to do – especially to be able to finally do everything you ever dreamed of is magical. Want to go for a drive? Go right ahead. Feel like staying in bed until noon? Why not? Or go split and stack some firewood? Sure, be virtuous. Walk in your woodlot and check out the wildlife? Have fun. Thanks for sharing, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day 🙂 Aiva xx
Happy day after St. Patrick’s, Aiva. Russ and I celebrated in style with corned beef and cabbage. About retirement — I thought it would be as you have described, but I’m not feeling it yet. There are too many things I’ve been putting off until I retire and now they’re all coming due.
I may be retired and this morning I was marveling at how much I love Mondays! I still get up about 6 am, because I’m totally a morning person. But I don’t really churn out anything at my computer before 10. About the only pay I get for “work” is for giving talks to genealogy societies. Writing, alas, just does not pay.
Enjoy your new freedom!
Hi Eilene. I’m glad that somebody likes Mondays! A tip: if you lose enough money in your writing business, it can pay back in the form of a tax break. 🙂
Congratulations!
I retired earlier than many, but called it being “in hiatus.” That lasted for a few years, until it became clear I was still busy, but enjoying following my own timeline. No one s hi would have to rise before the sun does. Unless they want to.
And others had told me that the first year is frantic, but then you “slow way down,” remembering that it really is ok to savor. They were right. Congrats and celebrate yo’self!
I like the idea of a hiatus. Okay, I’ll reassess in a year. Hopefully, I’ll feel slower then. 🙂
You can look forward to it: slow waters running deep and cool!
I retired from work 10 years ago and what has changed are the things I decide I want to do! There is always lots to do, initially around home but of course I’ve taken on new “jobs” like volunteering for the local wildlife group, the canal restoration etc etc and over the second half of those years more writing and now artwork! It depends on you! Nowadays, every week day is like a weekend and sometimes I lose track of which day it actually is! 😉 Best of all? Getting out of bed when I want instead of an alarm to set the day in motion!
I can see how a retired person can lose track of what day of the week it is. They don’t really have to know! They used to give my elderly parents that question on brain function tests. I always thought it was unfair because it wasn’t very relevant to them. Thanks for your insights into retirement!
Congratulations!!
Thank you, Amy!
Congrats! Enjoy your new freedom!
Thanks Diana!
Congratulations on your retirement, Marie. Lots of exciting adventures ahead, I’m sure.
Thank you Sue! Yes, I have some plans…..
Congratulations, Marie! What important work you’ve done! I’m sure you will continue to make a positive contribution as you explore your new opportunities in retirement. Such fun to let your body choose your own sleep schedule, too! Your poem is wonderful! 💞
Thank you, Lori. Yes, I’m really appreciating not having an alarm clock to wake up to every morning. I just got accepted as a Red Cross volunteer the other day. I’m looking forward to see what comes of that!