First, I have to come clean and admit I stole the title! My friend and former coworker, Jo Brewer,posted this blog https://maybienvh.wordpress.com/2018/05/24/between-65-and-death/, and it is what has prompted this writing.
Second, I usually say “Read if you want” but this time I’m going to encourage you to read this one … there just might be a something revealing in this one!!
On June 30th, I will toss my scrubs in the dirty laundry for the last time. Yes, I’m going to retire! While I will stay PRN/supplemental, no more scheduled days!!! Turning 65 in December, I did start to think about retirement. My official retirement age is 66 and I really thought I would work until then or even longer. But an episode with my back prompted me to maybe reconsider the timing.
44 years(for the most part)in the OR has not done my body any favors. Both knees replaced 2 years ago, arthritis in both thumb joints…while the back issue may not have been directly related to work, it certainly has not been made better!! Pushing/pulling patients, equipment,standing for hours…
And then I read the above mentioned blog! In a nutshell, it lists reasons why we DON’T retire and gives all the reasons we SHOULD! Honestly , it was a light bulb moment! I had some things to consider and a talk with my financial guy cleared that up. He assured me I COULD retire!!
And so, the decision was made. I have 5 wonderful grandchildren and I want to be involved in whatever they are doing!! I want to travel whenever I want! I want to take those grandkids on trips! OK, their parents can come too! And I remember all to well what retirement wasn’t like for my parents. My dad retiring one day, having surgery for colon cancer the next! A year of chemo. There were probably only 2 or 3 good years before we learned his kidneys were failing. It was not the “Golden Years” they had planned!
I thought it would be a difficult decision to make…but it wasn’t. It is bittersweet because the people I work with are my second family! But I will, hopefully, see them every once in awhile!
So there you have it! I am excited to see what is next!!
Sandwich Diaries 