Retirement

Last week a close friend of mine officially retired. He had a tough time trying to make the decision for the past year. At the age of 63 he could have worked until 65 or beyond. There was no pressure from the administration for him to retire nor was there any encouragement to stay. So as soon as the nice weather came around he quickly made up his mind and finished up the first week in June. Camping, kayaking, boating are all hobbies that he will enjoy this summer.

He stopped by my house this morning on his way out of town, headed for the Adirondacks. I quizzed him about his new found freedom. His feelings were of being up one day and down the next. Kind of a limbo. He has restrained himself from lunching at the local corner diner, thank goodness, because as I reminded him, only the misguided eat there. Instead I suggested another appropriate place where he could go for either breakfast or lunch and see other retirees that he is friends with.

He is bored. And I worry about the fact that he likes to hang out at the local tavern. I miss him at work and I now that his department now carries an extra burden without him there, but I also know that this administration makes it difficult for any of us to do our jobs. There are days that I wish I could retire or just take some time off without having to worry about the financial ramifications. But I have about another 15 years until I can even consider such a thing.