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Sue Kauffman's avatar

I've been retired for exactly 30 days. I'm still in phase 1. I've wanted to retire for so long that it's just bliss. I can pour more time and energy into things I was already involved in…like being a present grandma and being a CASA for foster kids. Also, I can read more books. Ironic when you know I worked at a library! 😁

Pat Pagano's avatar

I’m 8 months retired and I did not even reach phase 1. I still work a little in the morning otherwise I do not feel as important. My sleeping habits have not changed. Instead of waking at 2:45am….I am waking up at 3:45am. I am still doing the house chores…yoga…watching the weather models so what has changed ? I have more freedom…not watching the clock as much and not making or spending as much. Maybe by the end of the year I will adjust with God’s help.

Michael Hudson's avatar

Great stuff!!

You won’t be surprised that I love the breakdown of the phases and am traveling the path in a similar way (though I am about 6 months behind you and may not pursue anywhere near the number of things you did in Phase 3…which is where I am just beginning to live as I am about 6 months behind you in the timeline. That said, I can acknowledge the shift is occurring in the way I see things and I look forward to seeing where it leads.

Rebecca L. Jones's avatar

Wow. The steps of retirement sound quite a bit like the season from which I have been emerging -- SAHM. My eldest is going to be 33, while my baby is going to be 20 (mind-blown), and it's been an adventure.

Before my husband and I decided that -- while difficult -- it would be best if I stayed at home while he worked, I worked as a respected copywriter in the Williamsport, PA market, at the number one-rated station, then at a Christian station, where I worked a close stroll from my apartment.

Even though I knew I was helping to shape a generation for Christ, those around me seemed to keep doing their thing, and now I was "someone's wife" and "someone's mother." I kid you not -- as my children grew, their friend's would call me "(friend of whichever child of mine you happened to me)'s mom."

Sure, I became an oral storyteller during the summers at libraries across the state, but it wasn't a "regular job." Afterall, according to some, I was just, "staying at home, playing with the kids all day." Oh. Yeah. I homeschooled my children, as well.

So, now, "retiring" from full-time motherhood and homeschooling for 27 years has been a very interesting development. So very thankful for my part-time job! A new sense of purpose has arisen in me.

And so thankful for your posts, Bill. I love to learn new things. What you shared was good. Thanks!

Brian Sanders's avatar

Great read. Thank you sir.