Please forgive me for
being so personal today. In 2019, I completed my third leave of absence. A big
long 8 months for that one after shorter but still extended 6-month periods on the
first two occasions. You could say I already tasted retirement three times or
at least semi-retirement.
I am very grateful for
it. My first go at it in 2012 was quite enjoyable, but I have to say I often
felt lonely during my last two prolonged stints away from work. I felt less
lonely in confinement the last few months than during those last two leaves of
absence. Maybe in part because my two ladies stayed at home with me but
probably much more because I worked my butt off.
I was lacking the sentiment
of making things better. I missed helping others. For me, it’s not just a
question of being around people. It’s more about lacking being useful to
society.
During our recent
isolation, it was completely different. Many facets of that crisis were and
still are unusual and tough yet, the fact my position allows me to help out
others teleworking makes me feel a lot better.
It’s funning because
before that, the psychological aspect of retirement was never on my mind. I
would be the last person to talk about it. For me, retirement planning was all
about money and accumulating enough of it to stop working. I was not even
considering it and secretly laughed about others talking about it. I mean, how
could it be a problem to be on vacation all the time?
Being Passionate About Helping Others
So, let’s face it! Retirement
can make you feel lonely!
