Transitions Through Life

Surviving every stage of life.

by Nancy K. Schlossberg, Ed.D

Retirement Quiz: Will You Pass or Flunk Retirement?

By Nancy K. Schlossberg, Ed.D. on June 28, 2011 in Transitions Through Life

As Sue considers retirement, she reported, "I know I will be a retirement failure. I've been struggling with the 'afterlife' for about five years; indeed, this is the most difficult 'transition' I have experienced, and it seems to be the case with many professional women of our ilk. We don't want to 'roll bandages.' What else is there?" Read More

I AM A YOUNG RETIREE

Submitted by Mary on June 28, 2011 - 4:39pm.

-----" Retirement is changing gears--leaving one major set of activities and moving toward new adventures and new paths."

I have been retired for 10 years now, retiring from my professional life at the age of 43. I am a retired military officer.

I never looked back and don't miss one single day of working. I have not worked in 10 years.

I was single when I retired and have no children.

Retirement is being able to live by your own priorities and that is exactly what I have done.

One of the best feelings I ever had was when I realized, at the time of my retirement, that I never had to work again if I choose not to. That was the most liberating feeling.

I went to college and earned a college degree.

I bought a new house and had my clay studio built in my basement.

I did get married.

And every day that I wake up and don't have to go to work is another day in paradise.

For me, living by my own priorities is the best part of retirement.

I never felt a sense of loss and I always feel a I have a purpose to my life, even to this day.