You’re definitely not alone. I have a wild mind that isn’t the “retiring” sort. The best thing about the end of traditional salaried work is the freedom to apply my wild mind to all kinds of work—writing, critical reading, golf, community service and relationships.
I've been grappling with this exact thing since my husband retired. I think for me it's more of a mindset shift away from 'having' to do something to 'wanting' to do it. Taking the pressure off and not setting arbitrary deadlines that mean we can't just take off and explore somewhere new for the day. As a type one recovering perfectionist it's still a challenge but I'm slowly peeling back the productivity layers 💙
There are many of us! We are all just trying to figure it out. Be flexible and do what feels right to you in all areas of your life. Just follow your heart.
I love your stories regardless of the day they show up in my inbox. Thanks for every one of them.
Thank you for sharing this. You are not alone. I can relate. I am retired, but my husband is not. He works from home. So it's especially strange to try to relax and not have a to-do list while he is working so hard nearby. I find myself feeling guilty if I am not staying productive during his work day, even though he tells me I should relax. Hopefully retirement will feel more relaxing when both of us are there.
My partner retired before I admitted to be almost retired. That was a challenge but we kind of rolled with it.
I have to call it that because I started writing fiction with the goal of publishing so it’s still a responsibility and honestly, a business. And one I can’t give up. The difference is that we can choose what we do. That’s a good thing.
You’re definitely not alone. I have a wild mind that isn’t the “retiring” sort. The best thing about the end of traditional salaried work is the freedom to apply my wild mind to all kinds of work—writing, critical reading, golf, community service and relationships.
I've been grappling with this exact thing since my husband retired. I think for me it's more of a mindset shift away from 'having' to do something to 'wanting' to do it. Taking the pressure off and not setting arbitrary deadlines that mean we can't just take off and explore somewhere new for the day. As a type one recovering perfectionist it's still a challenge but I'm slowly peeling back the productivity layers 💙
There are many of us! We are all just trying to figure it out. Be flexible and do what feels right to you in all areas of your life. Just follow your heart.
I love your stories regardless of the day they show up in my inbox. Thanks for every one of them.
Oh Lynn - your support means so much to me. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this. You are not alone. I can relate. I am retired, but my husband is not. He works from home. So it's especially strange to try to relax and not have a to-do list while he is working so hard nearby. I find myself feeling guilty if I am not staying productive during his work day, even though he tells me I should relax. Hopefully retirement will feel more relaxing when both of us are there.
3 years is not long!! I love writing fiction!! I am so glad I discovered it.
My partner retired before I admitted to be almost retired. That was a challenge but we kind of rolled with it.
I have to call it that because I started writing fiction with the goal of publishing so it’s still a responsibility and honestly, a business. And one I can’t give up. The difference is that we can choose what we do. That’s a good thing.
How soon before he retires?
Hopefully you enjoy writing enough that it is enjoyable, even if it is a business.
My husband is planning to retire in about 3 years. So not too long now!