That may seem like a strange question, but when you are in your nineties and have been retired as long as I have, you would understand. Retirement is not all it’s cracked up to be. Oh yes, I have Social Security and a small pension from my husband’s work. Money is not the problem. Mine is a “people” problem.
I miss being around a variety of people on a daily basis. When I worked, either in a factory or in a restaurant, something new happened every day to spice things up. Nowadays, my TV and computer are my companions. I shouldn’t be complaining, but is today Wednesday or Thursday? I’m not sure.
I remember working at a drill press chamfering 75 holes in a steel head for an Acme water condensing unit. Talk about a boring job. That was the definition of one. No one to talk to; just a piece of steel to look at and claim my attention. I would stand there, trying not to watch the clock, daydreaming what retirement would be like. I conjured up all kinds of situations. I even daydreamed of building a house. The foundation first, then studding up the walls, one 2 by 4 at a time; anything to escape my boredom.
If you are still of working age, you might understand what I was going though. I could hardly wait until time to go home. Those in my family that were retired laughed at my outlook. “Just you wait,” they said. “You will yearn for your working days.” Boy, were they right.
Because of the pandemic, I have not attended church since almost a year ago. I do put together a Bible study on the Gospel of Matthew and share that with a friend. But is today Wednesday or Thursday? I’m not sure.
Lunch is not a problem nowadays. I just open the refrigerator door and look for leftovers. I remember how bored I was with carrying a sandwich for my lunch. A hot cup of coffee or tea, not from a thermos, will do.
The biggest problem is not having a schedule to adhere to. I would look forward to the weekend, planning what I would do on Saturday. Sunday was church day. No problem there. Now I’m not sure if it’s Wednesday or Thursday. I will ask my daughter Anne, “Is today Wednesday?” “No, it’s Friday,” was her reply the last time I asked. So, if you are still of working age, enjoy, enjoy. Retirement is not all it’s cracked up to be.