At 11:42 PM 5/26/2006, Udhay Shankar N wrote:
Bruce Metcalf wrote: [ on 04:04 AM 5/27/2006 ]
Worst case, I decide "screw it!" and try retirement again.
Just what does "retirement" mean to you folks? And does the prospect
seem inviting or otherwise?
Well, uncertainty about the definition of retirement is most of the
fear factor involved. For me, it's not an economic issue, as I'm
sufficiently well set that income isn't a motivator.
The last time I tried retirement, I wasn't satisfied with the
situation, and returned (part-time) to the workforce. I found that I
was spending all of my time sitting at the keyboard in my skivvies,
and dealing with people *only* thru electronics. Add to that the lack
of exercise, and it was a condition I determined was unacceptable.
Today, I wonder if eight more years have granted me sufficient
maturity to have a better take on the status. Compared to last time,
I'm no longer a newcomer in this town. I've developed a collection of
friends who I deal with in meatspace, and I've adopted a regular
exercise program that's actually started to peel some of my excess weight off.
My ongoing activities (other than work) include regular, but not
continuous work as a technical editor and writer; positions in
several non-profit organizations; and a number of model building and
writing projects that are presently laying fallow for lack of time.
One might suggest that I could occupy myself in more productive and
more social ways than during my first retirement.
On top of all that, I've got a standing offer from a gadfly group to
photograph show quality issues at work for publication on the 'net in
hopes of shaming the Company to make repairs. Not as good as my
present ability to cut work orders inside the system, but a lot fewer
restrictions overall. Very tempting!
Today, I'm wondering if I have the stomach to go in to work on
Monday. When I'm contemplating illness this far in advance, it's a
pretty good sign that I'm not having fun -- and I'm philosophically
opposed to not having fun. Part of me doesn't want to "let the
bastards win", but I can at least recognize the juvenility (and
probable futility) of such an attitude.
I'm also looking at a third alternative to fight or quit -- taking a
transfer to another department. The Company is offering $1000 bonuses
to anyone who can bring in a new hire to work as a hotel lobby
concierge. Seeing as I've done that and meet the other
qualifications, I'm also considering taking a transfer. As we're now
expecting daytime temperatures above 90ºF (32ºC) for the rest of the
Summer, hotel air conditioning is sounding very attractive!
Comments and suggestions will be welcomed.
Bruce Metcalf,
Lake Buena Vista, FL
