This is my first day that I can say I'm retired. Even though the first day that I did not go into work was... what do ya know?: The First Day of Spring!
So, I saw a couple of my good friends here- TriciaJ and Daisy4RN- and thought I'd come hang out in this forum a bit, relate, stir things up, cause some trouble, and whatnot.
So: When did you really feel like you were retired? Nursing has been a very big part of our lives for decades and now we have to kind of let it go; a transition, a grieving process, if you will.
I haven't received my first SS check yet and I've still got a paycheck coming from Wrongway of time worked, accrued vacation, and PTO. I'm thinking when I receive my first SS check, I'll feel retired.
Probably an oft asked question on this forum, but: When did you finally feel truly retired from the nursing profession?
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
When it got hot last Summer, I didn't feel like doing any hard manual labor in the heat. But I did want to be outside, so I sat in the shade and got the idea to whittle.
Whittling turned into wood sculpting and I carved my cartoon character Davey Do out of a piece of cherry from a tree that had died on my property. I wanted to do a Retired Davey Do to convey the excitement of my new found freedom.
I've since learned how to make GIFs in order to animate the excitement:
Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.
Y'all don't remember me but I was active here years ago under another name. Many of the above names were kind to me, including DaveyDo, Ilg, caliotter, Esme (RIP), Viva, and others. Now I'm ratcheting down my work hours and plan to retire to my full Social Security next Spring, and write, mentor, and read ... and be able to write "Hannahbanana RN (ret)" after my name. It's time.
My spouse, who retired years ago, notes that you have to retire TO something. His classmates, all in their advanced years now, often took up a new hobby like woodworking or travel or golf or got RVs, but after about 6 months they were done c it, and lying around the house getting in the way of their wives, bored, and often dying within 2 years. He, OTOH, has had a very part-time volunteer job he loves, worked in volunteer management positions for several charitable and youth orgs, and taken care of keeping me happy, LOL, so the 20 years since he retired has been stimulating and fulfilling. I take that example seriously.
My spouse, who retired years ago, notes that you have to retire TO something. His classmates, all in their advanced years now, often took up a new hobby like woodworking or travel or golf or got RVs, but after about 6 months they were done c it, and lying around the house getting in the way of their wives, bored, and often dying within 2 years. He, OTOH, has had a very part-time volunteer job he loves, worked in volunteer management positions for several charitable and youth orgs, and taken care of keeping me happy, LOL, so the 20 years since he retired has been stimulating and fulfilling. I take that example seriously.
Hi, Hannahbanana.
I finally took the plunge about 6 weeks ago -- retired from my main job at a hospital. I am still doing a little on-line teaching and hope to be able to continue that. Because I sold my home and moved in the same time, I have been too busy (and stressed) to feel retired. I hope to actually start a lifestyle that seems like "retirement" after the holidays.
I had a friend in college named Hannah that we called Hannahbanana. Wouldn't it be a coincidence.....?
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
All the best to you, @Ilg. As I mentioned to Davey a while back, I'm taking the gradual approach. I've drastically scaled back my accumulated possessions and moved to smaller digs. I had no idea how time-consuming it all really was until it wasn't there anymore.
9 hours ago, Davey Do said:
Your spouse is 100% spot on! I have retired to immerse myself in my art, which I do every day, for stretches as long as 12 hours!
You're amazing. I've been tip-toeing into the artistic world, learning to build websites and simple coding but so far haven't learned how to do the gif thing.
I remember when I chose nursing as opposed to an art degree. I didn't want to spend days schlepping a portfolio around. Yes, I wanted a job and a paycheck on a regular basis. It's nice to have time to indulge that side, and enjoy the artwork you share here.
@Hannahbanana I'm sure I must know you as I've been here since 2005. Best wishes to you!
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
11 hours ago, nursel56 said:
You're amazing. I've been tip-toeing into the artistic world, learning to build websites and simple coding but so far haven't learned how to do the gif thing.
I remember when I chose nursing as opposed to an art degree. I didn't want to spend days schlepping a portfolio around. Yes, I wanted a job and a paycheck on a regular basis. It's nice to have time to indulge that side, and enjoy the artwork you share here
Thank you, nursel- I hold your opinion in high regard.
I can identify with you in not pursuing an art degree, for I thought that art was just a thing that I could do and not worth a serious expenditure of time and resources. In fact, I took my last art class in high school, over 45 years ago.
Even though I have received accolades for my artwork throughout my life, I never really thought of myself as an artist- just somebody who liked to draw and paint and whatnot. I thought of artists as professionals with education and degrees who produced great works of art and had shows.
It was in my late 30's, when my Ex, Akie, a recreational therapist, allowed me the epiphany that I truly am an artist. My art really took off after that.
I could go on and on and on, but just because it's about me doesn't make it interesting. I do want to say, nursel, that I would be very interested in exchanging ideas, perspectives, and information with you.
The ball, as they say, is in your court.
I must go now, because I have an idea for a self portrait. And, on another level of reality, thoughts are tangible things.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
I was once told that a fan is short for fanatical: a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal.
If what I was told is correct, then I am a true fan of Johann Sebastian Bach- especially the Brandenburg and violin concertos. I was introduced to Bach in Junior High and immediately fell in love with his music. I bought the Brandenburg Concertos album in 1981, the Winter I was snowed in a cabin. I bought the CD in 1984, before I had a CD player, and I was the first person I knew that had a CD player.
A bust of Bach rides on the dashboard of my Jeep and I have no idea where it came from. In fact, Bach continually plays in my art room and is playing at this moment.
For Christmas last year, Belinda presented me with a two CD set that contained BOTH the Brandenburg Concertos AND the violin concertos!
Specializes in Med/Surg/Infection Control/Geriatrics.
Congrats to you, DaveyDo! I retired last July. It took me a few days to realize I didn't need to be somewhere! It finally settled in when I sold my house and moved to another country town.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
And congratulations on your retirement, Have Nurse!
On 12/16/2020 at 7:53 PM, Have Nurse said:
It took me a few days to realize I didn't need to be somewhere!
I can identify, but more so in time management. I would prioritize my duties when I was employed, telling myself, "That's not important right now" and some things would be left fallow.
Now when I start to tell myself something isn't worth spending time on, I remind myself, "I'm retired- I have time!"
I’m right behind you, DAVEY-DO !! Second rotator cuff surgery is in the toilet, after I went for a follow up MRI and found out (only after several anchors were ripped out of my arm because the newly installed hardware, is incompatible with MRI) that my bicep, as well as my supraspinatus and infraspinatus, are all torn...again...so no compressions for THIS chick....seriously limits my nursing options, considering that 90% of positions require you to have BLS at minimum. I applied in September, just waiting for my answer! Congratulations to YOU !! ?
Davey Do
10,666 Posts
Behold! This day, Davey Do has learned, on his retirement, how to do simple animation!
Let's dance!