Ken went out for a drink with some coworkers after work last evening. I'm glad he got a chance to relax a little bit and talk with work friends about something other than work! Apparently, I was the subject at one point. I've met a lot of his coworkers at various functions and dinners, so it's not like we're strangers. Ken was talking about how I gave my notice at work, and that I'm going to stop working soon. He said a lot of them had some funny reactions. They asked, "What is she going to DO?" and said, "She can't just...not work." When Ken told me that last one, I said, "Oh yes, I can!"
I should say that neither of us were upset by these comments, in case it sounds that way. I just found them rather curious. What has happened that we can't imagine a life without work? We've been brainwashed! I'm sure I'll find plenty of work around here (one of the first orders of business will be a good housecleaning), but I won't be doing the 40+ hour work week in the lab. As Indigo wrote a while back, boredom doesn't exist in my world. There are so many things that I find interesting, and so many things with which I can amuse myself, that I have a feeling I'm going to have a lot of fun.
Work is not the be-all and end-all of our lives, folks. It's a way to earn money to finance the parts that really matter: our homes, our times with those we love, our travels, and our various means of enriching our lives. I've enjoyed my career, and I can say that I always did my best, AND I believe I can say that I was good at it. I'll always find it interesting, and I'll continue to read about it. However, it's not my sole reason for existence. I'm looking forward to my next "phase" more than I can put into words, and I also know that I wouldn't be able to do this without Ken, and I'm very grateful for him in so many ways--again, more than I could ever put into words.
It's a big world out there, and I have much to learn. I'm anxious to get started.
4 comments:
I'll bet anyone who has the opportunity to do what you are about to do, would do it in a heartbeat. I know I would. I think you will have a grand time...doing...whatever!
xoxo ~Myra
if i won the lottery (which i do not play) tomorrow, i would never work another day of my life UNLESS i then did what i have always dreamed of doing and trust me, it is not making deli subs. I think it is just awesome that you are able to retire and move on with your life. Funny how others always have something to say about things.
Hugs,lisa
You can tell them all I'm going to drag you down into the volunteer world. ;-) We need more smart, imaginatvie people like you! After you clean your house and mine of course. haha
Jamie
I think that you are so on target with your assessment of the purpose of work. There is so much to do that I don't imagine that anyone would find themselves without meaning in their life just because they weren't engaged in a traditional 40 hour work week. Enjoy the world!--Sheria
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