Gone Fishin’?

Pixabay

“Don’t you retired folks just go fishing anymore?”

Out of the mouth of a not-yet-retired colleague came this observation, for many of the recent retirees he knows seem to be busier than ever following retirement. Beneath his verbal outburst lies an understandable question—is retirement a relaxing and enjoyable time or is it busier than ever? Isn’t life supposed to go slow when pensions flow. Can he look forward to restful days and nights when the time comes? This busy-mess makes re-tirement look really-tired.

For some time now I have meant to share some more thoughts on retirement—for this very blog names “retirement” as a key focus of inquiry. The truth is however, that I have just been too busy. I’m working on a book; I have a number of musical projects in development; I volunteer at the local Anglican Church; I publish an environmental newsletter every two weeks; I get out photographing any chance I get. My days are full and I sleep soundly.

Some writers claim that the secret for successful retirement is to develop a daily routine. My daily round  includes walking and entertaining the dog usually twice daily. I rise early to play Wordle and check out The Guardian, The Tyee and The Walrus; I listen to CBC Kamloops Daybreak (I listen to Kelowna later in the day); and I manage my email and text messages. I do a few chores around the house, especially as I  make Kathie her early morning coffee each day. And yes, we continue to enjoy many visitors from all over B.C. And for my many sins, I am now on the Strata Council.

Phew, after all that, it’s time for a nap. I am fortunate, for given my background in the arts, and fine arts in particular, most of my interests are open-ended. There are always more books to read, more media to engage, more music to rehearse, and yes, more blogs to write. I did meet a gentleman at the dog park the other day who has found retirement truly difficult and lonely. Retired at sixty he enjoyed his career and misses the structure and environment the workplace generated. He has now returned to work at a local grocery store, which is great. He now enjoys a new routine, likely with less pressure and hopefully enough compensation to make it worthwhile. In my case however, I have always been able to (and had to) generate my own structure.

I enjoyed two sabbatical leaves during my years working as a priest. In each case I used the space for creative endeavours—first exploring Jazz and Liturgy, and secondly a deep dive into Photography and Spirituality. While many sabbaticants use such times to complete work such as writing a book or composing music, I have always used that same time for exploring new creative opportunities. Retirement is the quintessential sabbatical.

Prior to my retirement many people advised me that you just can’t sit around and do nothing. Maybe for a week or a month, but not for ten or more years. Someone told me that they watched baseball, but truthfully they have found local projects assisting friends with small-scale construction and farm work. Another friend enjoys the challenge of solving technical problems such as outhouse design and construction, and maintaining irrigation equipment. Some are politically active—others politically naïve.  

As with retirement generally, it is hard to know when and how to retire. Kathie and I attended at least three retirement planning sessions before we took the pledge and dropped the pin. I remember my father who retired at age 65 as most folks did way back when. For a year or two I remember him being quite lost, until he found an outlet volunteering at a local foodbank. It was just enough responsibility for him—it got him out of the house, and out from under my mother’s skin.

Some people travel, as long as their health and finances allow. I know one couple who have been to Ireland ten times now. Works for me, but I am increasingly concerned about the climate costs of long distance travel—I also find the logistics of travel challenging. Our recent move back to the small Town of Summerland has reduced our scope of engagement wonderfully—so much so, that we turned down the offer of free accommodation in Victoria this summer, because, well, we live in paradise—people spend thousands of dollars to visit our local hood—what we enjoy around us is more than satisfying for now.

I acknowledge that I write about retirement from a very privileged position. Kathie and I have both enjoyed professional income over the years and have managed this wealth reasonably well. We are debt-free and hope to remain so. We are blessed with a wonderful community of friends and have enjoyed wonderful visits from so many visitors since our arrival here eight months ago. We are socially and environmentally aware and take responsibility for our own lives, and as we are able for the lives of others and all creation.

What we enjoy, we wish for others. Take care everyone, and remember Will Rogers: “Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.” Now I’m off to clean the barbecue.