Retirement: Week One

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Retirement: Week One!

After I let our board know my plans to retire in early December, things moved a bit differently than expected, and the board has been so kind as to grant me a sabbatical until September, when I’ll officially stop getting pay and benefits. So, I am now functionally retired!

Social Security says my first payments started back in 1975 when I was 14. Hard to believe that was 51 years ago. My wife retired in 2023 and started SS that December, and I’m planning to start mine in October.

Here’s what’s going to change:

A) I’ll be taking things a bit slower with the farm and habitat work, instead of trying to get everything done in a hurry. Pace, not Rush.
B) I’ll be making more time for drives, having lunch with my wife, and reading.
C) I’ll be stopping to enjoy the little things, like visiting historical markers, interesting shops, and vegetable stands.
D) I’ll be spending more time with the grandkids (we have ten!).
E) I’ll be spending more time with our church small group and friends.

Here’s what won’t change:

A) I’ll still get up early to enjoy my quiet time before the farm wakes up.
B) I’ll still feel like I never have enough time to get everything done.
C) I’ll still be reading and writing (a lot)
D) I’ll still be mentoring our next generation of leaders.
E) I’ll still be enjoying each new day as a gift from God.

Obviously, there are a lot of unknowns, but I am looking forward to this new season and the assignments it will bring.

 

[swat1018]

Congratulations! I retired January 2024 at 55. I tell people that I'm busier now than ever before, and I worked 2 jobs half my life. I thought many of the same things you are, but it's hard to re-wire your brain. I've never done anything slow and pace myself, and I still can't. We do a lot more to help friends, neighbors, and our churches. The wife is a fitness freak, so she keeps me in shape. We walk 5.5 miles just about every morning. If you aren't physically active, I'd definitely put that in your routine.