...as a Career Woman. Which is how I used to think of myself. For a long time, if I met you at a party the first thing you'd learn about me was what I did for a living. Eventually I married, and then Peter and I got into Saints baseball and saving a carousel, so you had an even chance of hearing about one of those activities first. For nearly four years now, I identify first and foremost as a grandma.So I'm not losing my whole identity, as once would have been the case. And I've been retiring in stages, working less and less time and participating in fewer meetings, social events, and the like. In fact, they've invited me to say a few words at my retirement party on Wednesday, and I can't really think what to say. It's forcing me to examine my feelings instead of just slipping silently away.
I'll let you know what I come up with.
17 comments:
I will be interested in hearing what you come up with to say. I think I would be more comfortable slipping silently away, but it doesn't usually work that way.
Changes are not always bad. When they come gradually, they're easier to take. Just go with the flow and see where it takes you!
Retirement can be fabulous, trust me. I recently retired, and keep active with my second career as a writer. Gardening, family, church, volunteer work, exercising with friends, it is all good.
I look forward to hearing your new adventures here.
Eek! Speechifying sounds a bit terrifying. I have faith that you'll manage just fine. Slipping silently away is the way most folks I know prefer to roll.
At my retirement party I said I had lots of plans and would miss the people.
When people ask now what I do, I say I'm not working right now, but that I'm a freelancer.
That means I'm free to do anything.
If this last week feels weird, you're normal!
Well IF you are at a loss for words you could always do a" Happy Dance"..Wednesday, the 8th..I will be thinking of you! :)
you make a good point, about identity. sounds like you're doing this just the right way.
I know you are excited about retiring! You will love it ......I'm sure!
When a former, much loved boss, retired we had a small dinner party with the other administrators and we were all asked to say something. I was the last one to speak. She had been my mentor and words did not come easily...I led the crowd in singing "Happy Trails to You." It was a perfect send off. I hope you find the perfect words and that you enjoy the last week. The best is yet to come!
Jann
Time for a new adventure!
You did it! (Almost!) I remember when it was MONTHS, not one WEEK left for you. Good luck with saying a few words. I always get verklempt at such things so it's probably good I was never much of a career woman who stuck with something long enough to bid it a fond farewell. Can't wait to hear your parting words. Good luck! And enjoy this last week!
Congratulations! I wish you a happy and fun retirement! It sounds like the transition should be fairly easy for you... good luck with chosing what words to say at your party. Oh, and have FUN! :o)
You not only beat Bob Dylan in a talent contest, you get to retire first. :)
It's good to come up with the words which express your feelings at that moment of retirement. I made myself send a letter to my boss and staff where I worked at retirement and it bacame a great way for me to summarize just where I was at and feel complete, all done. I'm excited for you. It's a wonderful life stage.
You have earned every right that comes with being retired. Yet, I don't call running a daycare retired! You are the best grandmother! Can't wait to see the Fred Astaire scene!!!
What an exciting time. I look forward to hearing how your last day goes.
Retirement just doesn't seem to go like you might think it will.
I still have no idea how it was that I ever found time to have a job.. and kids.. a clean house .. etc...
You may have to eat a few of your words as time goes by.
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