Even approaching 10 years in retirement, I still stumble over answering the question, “What do you do?’ For 30+ years, my total identity was singular and tied to my career, to what I did. I was a Products Researcher at P&G. [For those not familiar with the Corporate lingo, that’s a product designer for Procter … Continue reading Should I Join the Multi-Hyphenate Identity Trend?
I have not picked a WOTY (Word of the Year) for a number of years, but put serious thought into doing one again for 2024. I enjoy reading what words others pick and why. I enjoy watching how those words play out over the year. I’ve had success using a WOTY before – JOY one … Continue reading Around and Around on a WOTY
Volunteering is often a large part of many retirement plans. It’s assumed you now have time to donate! But, I’ve struggled with this concept as I was never engaged pre-retirement with any volunteering and therefore had no relationship with any organization. I didn't have any deep desire – to teach ESL, to read to children, … Continue reading Volunteering in Retirement
The last couple of months I had a number of posts talking about various situations I was struggling with. First, I want to express thanks to all for the heartfelt comments on those posts – perspective, insights, commiseration, virtual hugs, and advice (even if I didn't take it, I did consider it!) The comments helped … Continue reading A Follow-up/Wrap-up Post
It’s been said that for many, a blog is an on-line diary. Although I try and keep my blog on topic of its name (retirement transition), it does reflect the state of my life. So here is a look back at my 2023 life, through my blogging lens. I did have a number of posts … Continue reading A Year in Review – Through a Blogging Lens
Finding new connections is often a large element of retirement transition. Many people lose a sense of belonging, as they no longer have their work/career connections. A move to a new location, another element often in retirement, can exacerbate this feeling of not belonging. Having a feeling of belonging has always been a challenge for … Continue reading How Can I Feel a Sense of Belonging?
Habits. I’ve been seeing random quotes about habits recently. It’s always intriguing to me when a repeat message shows up. What is the Universe trying to tell me about habits? Here’s two that stuck in my head: You become what you habitually do. Optimism is a learned habit. Why is it that dropping good habits is … Continue reading A Look at Habits
Yesterday and today I’ve had conflicting messages coming at me. One was about following your dream and not to be dissuaded by others. The heartfelt message communicated was, it is never too late to manifest your dream. Take up an old/new passion in your 50’s or 60’s or 70’s! Join a band, learn to paint, travel your … Continue reading Which is it – Follow your Dream or Find Joy in the Life you’re Living Today?
I love lists. I’ve been contemplating crafting another book that lists things (in words) that impacted my retirement journey. I recently saw a number of A to Z taking stock posts, which is a form of listing. I’ve used an A to Z list approach before. It gives structure; I love structure. So, why not … Continue reading Retirement A to Z
When I retired, I believed that I was leaving behind any worries about work culture. Throughout my career, I experienced both positive and toxic work environments, almost always in relationship to the leader of the group. Yes, as stated in the literature, I lived a few of the “bad leaders create toxic work culture” situations. Most times … Continue reading To Quit or Not to Quit?
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