I never really thought about retirement. I've worked at least part of the year, every year since I was 13, which was just a few decades ago! Well twelve years ago, the bank I worked for "downsized" and I was part of that downsizing, and thus began my early "retirement". Initially, I tried to be re-employed but that came to naught, so Peter and I started doing those things we'd dreamt of doing but hadn't had the time to do like traveling, seriously taking up photography, and in my case, cooking.
As many of you know, I began this blog, at Peter's urging, in January 2010, and if you've followed Open Window for any length of time you have read and seen our endeavors in all of these efforts. Paris, Venice, Positano and Nags Head are some of our favorite travel destinations. Jellied Consommé, Duck Confit, Zucchini & Goat Cheese Tart, Hasselback Potatoes, and Duck Fat Cookies are just a few of the challenges I set out to conquer and did. And, of course, we photographed it all honing our skills as we went. It was a lovely and memorable retirement, and we're glad we did it all when we did because physically we couldn't do a lot of it now.
So what now? I'm back at work. I've been the Office Manager for the Sag Harbor Historical Society for almost five years, an Office Administrator for Christ Episcopal Church in Sag Harbor for a year and a half, and starting this summer, I began to maintain the website of Babinski's Farm Stand in Water Mill. I love each job, especially the people, but my favorite this summer has been the Farm Stand. Why? Because I get paid in asparagus, strawberries, field-fresh green leaf lettuce, and heirloom tomatoes! I'm in heaven, early in the morning tromping around the fields, seeing what is just coming in. I'm learning a lot which is challenging but rewarding and I can honestly say, I am far from bored. It's also rewarding to know that my various professional experiences are helping these three small businesses. So now you can understand why I haven't been posting to Open Window very often. I miss writing here but I am writing the newsletter for the Society and the blog for the Farm Stand so I still get that satisfaction.
So my recommendation to one and all? Retire early, enjoy it to the max, and then go back to work using everything you've ever learned.
I'm sure you've never been very idle My Dear talented Lady ! Yup your prescription is right on. I retired on the early side and have been so darn busy ever since thanks to all my interests & hobbies.
One we both share is traveling and we can be glad we've done a lot of it in better times! I'll refrain from my usual rant on the way things are now. whew..
Posted by: Robert Beyer | Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 12:28 PM
What a wonderful post! I keep working because I don't yet have a retirement "plan" except that I want to leave the banking world sometime around turning 70. I love the idea of doing several different things that help small businesses, for the enjoyment rather than the $$. Thanks for some food (or veggies) for thought!
Posted by: Nancy | Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 03:45 PM