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May 14, 2009

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Early Retirement Extreme

It must be some deeply ingrained values from working life/culture, which are still hanging around. Is the guilt mainly external (what will the others think) or internal (I'm a bad person, because ... )?

Retired Syd

Yes, I'm hoping it just takes time to shed those rather than them actually being permanently ingrained. For me, I'd say it's more the "what will others think" part. I'm a little too influenced by that hypothetical person's thoughts. (I say hypothetical, because it's obviously a huge assumption to think anyone else is really concerning themselves about what I do at anyway!)

Anonymous

You know, I used to enjoy reading your blog. It was witty, insightful, entertaining.

Now, it's just plain boring.

You've become a very blah person.

If that's what it means to retire, you can have it!

Enjoy doing just one thing a day.

To me, it sounds like you're just wasting your life away and waiting for death. 65% of people retiree age 62 or older have to keep on working because of the recession. You are the most narcissistic person on the planet.

YAWN.

Retired Syd

@Anonymous: Gosh, I thought you were long gone after you told me I was out of touch with reality and on the verge of depression, and here you still are! Just can't seem to tear yourself away, huh?

To quote my writing mentor: "I may not be much, but I'm all I think about."

Yes, I'm sure you'll have a field day with that little gem.

Judi Smith

Hooray for you, Syd. Do not think you should feel guilty about doing that which makes you happy. I imagine you will live to be 104 and enjoy every day. I love reading your blogs and always find them informative and amusing--keep them coming!! Judi

Dennis

Syd, I know exactly how you feel. I find that building in a schedule helps to get things going, I get to the library for opening at 9:00 AM two days a week. I think it is a matter of adapting to a new lifestyle after all the go-go years. Colleagues I have coffee or lunch with who retired a while ago said it took them up to 5 years to get into their new groove!

Amy

Don't worry about the pajamas, I have a feeling a large percentage of those who work from home, might be in their pajamas till noon. At least I admit I am sometimes. Working again is a choice I made after discovering something I wanted to do vs. a head bashing job. But there are times I miss my 'only one thing to do' slower days so I make sure to revisit them when I can. Have fun, guilt free, you are working everyday at being you!

Retired Syd

@Judi: Gosh, I better not live to 104--there's not enough in the budget for that!

@Dennis: I guess with 40+ years left each year probably won't look exactly like the year before it, that groove is probably constantly changing.

@Amy: This is unfair, because I know you, but I know you never had a just-one-thing day, EVER, it's not in your nature!

Leila

Syd: Anonymous needs to get a life, maybe! I love reading your blogs and live vicariously through them. And I shall take this one to my grave: "I may not be much, but I'm all I think about..." how true, how true. After all, it IS all about ME. Love you! Leila

Retired Syd

@Leila: Yes, while it IS all about ME as well--I also know comments are more about the commenter, not so much me . . . Thanks for the smile.

Syd

Allan

Hello this is Allan want to thank you for sharing your thoughts regarding feelings and thoughts at the time of retirement and also mentioning the difference between vacation and retirement according to you, it is really very great!!

------------------

Allan

full time part time jobs

Retired Syd

@Allan: Thank YOU for reading--I appreciate your comments!

anonymous

I make a comment that you're boring. Then you post away. 3rd one is asmuch many days. Nah. I don't affect you. Much.

Glad you're back.

Retired Syd

@Anon: (By the way, why don't you just use your name, I already know who you are?) To the contrary, you are a huge inspiration to my posts, both from your comments and your own blog.

I can't hit 'em all out of the ballpark, can I?

Glad you stuck around.

Anonymous

Syd,
I don't want any clickbacks. That's why. Of course you know who I am. AND I am loving your new posts! Yea!

We write because we just love to write and express ourselves. It's a gift. You have it.

RetireInNayarit

This is a great post! I think that retirement is like a vacation at first: relaxed fun...then people start to think of ways to keep busy and daily activities to engage in. I enjoyed this blog so much that I posted it on my blog: www.retireinnayarit.com where I explore retirement in Mexico, especially in the Riviera Nayarit region. I hope you'll check it out! Best, Rick

RIchard Westgate

Too funny ... I just wrote a blog comparing Retirement with Unemployment! Did a double-take on this post title! I see now how I should have written that post of mine! Enjoyed your thoughts and insights. I seem to have a multi-themed blog ... which I suppose a retirement-type blog must have ... or maybe I'm just unfocused and all-over-the-place. Anyhow, I'll be back.
Cheers, Richard.

Michael

I can't help but think that most of the messages here smack of narcissism - pleasure yourself as much as you can without feeling guilty. With all the free time you have, isn't it wise and compassionate to get out there and help those you are not as fortunate - Human, animal and plant? With the nation and the world reeling in confusion and turmoil, are there not ways to cultivate happiness for all beings since you have so much leisurely time now? I am getting involved in animal rescue projects on a regular basis. Although it is only a drop in the bucket compared to all the healing that must be done on our planet, it is a start that brings much contentment and smiles.

Retired Syd

Michael: Yes, volunteering is an excellent activity to incorporate into retirement! Good for you for helping animals. That would have been my first choice for volunteering, but I know I would wind up with another dog if I did, which we're not quite ready for. Gotta wait until my lust for travel dies down. I always hated leaving our doggy behind when we went on vacation--with more time to travel now, that would be an even bigger problem. How do you resist bring every cuddly creature home with you?

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