Retirement – Lessons Learned
Having just celebrated my one year anniversary as
a retired Baby Boomer, I have been fortunate in
that I can look back and reflect on my decision
with clarity and a renewed sense of commitment to
the goals I had set out to achieve.
As previously mentioned in my series of articles,
retiring from the Department of Education was not
only timely for me, but critical to my being able
to pursue another area which has always been dear
to my heart ? writing. I have not only succeeded
in this endeavor, but have amassed more knowledge
in researching a variety of topics than I have in
my lifetime.
Looking back over the past year, the struggle was
not about my ability to communicate as a writer
as well as make a living at it, but more about my
acceptance that retiring at the age of 57 was the
right choice. Having read about the myriad of
changes within the Department of Education, which
I still consider in a state of flux, it was the
only decision I could have made at the time. Thus,
I conclude it was the right choice.
Hindsight is 20/20; but when I look back over my
42 years as a working woman, I can honestly admit
that every step I had taken in my life was a step
forward. Retirement is not an easy decision. Once
the commitment is made, there is no turning back.
I knew my early retirement would entail a
considerable loss in my pension benefits; yet, I
also knew that to continue working in a system
that cared more about the bottom line than those
who have devoted their life to educating children
would result in a bitter conclusion.
Conversely, retirement holds a new set of rules
and boundaries which future retirees should be
aware of and prepare for. If you are thinking
about retirement, ensure that you have a good
health plan, a moderate amount of savings, and a
back-up plan that will not only give you peace of
mind, but allow you to take care of yourself in
any eventuality. Attend as many seminars as you
can on retirement and ask many questions.
Although I found this quite helpful, I must admit
I did not follow the ?preferred? method of
retirement, but chose my own path knowing full
well there would be consequences to my decision.
I have no regrets. I know that had I stayed in
the Department of Education for another five
years, I would not be physically or mentally
capable of putting my thoughts into an articulate
form of expression. As so many of my colleagues
have passed on soon after retirement, I stand by
my assertion that the stress and ineffectiveness
of the union has contributed more to early
retirement for its members than in any other
field of endeavor.
Retirement is not for everyone. Every baby boomer
has to make the choice soberly and with as much
knowledge as possible in order to make an
informed decision. Moreover it is the journey,
not the destination in which one becomes fully
aware of who they are and how their life will
affect others. For me, the lessons learned were
critical in my decision to retire. On some level,
through my expertise in the business sector, I
did make a difference. Now, as a writer I
continue to devote my time and considerable life
experience to assist those who need my services.
In a sense, I have completed one journey only to
begin another. It was the path not taken that
allowed me to make a difference? change a life.