Looking Ahead to Retirement
Well, it's official!
I've handed in my notice, and November 30th will be my last day in real estate after 24 years!
I'm excited and a little apprehensive, all at the same time. Is that normal when you retire? I have no idea — I've never done it before! 😂
I remember when my dad retired. We threw him a big party to celebrate the beginning of his next chapter. Apparently, we thought that chapter would involve a lot of golfing because we bought him a beautiful set of golf clubs!
When my husband retired from teaching, we celebrated with a trip to Israel and Italy.
And my retirement?
Well, I just stop working.
No big party. No holiday. Just no more selling houses.
I suppose that's a celebration in itself! 😂
Maybe part of the reason it doesn't feel like such a big change is that real estate was never a typical nine-to-five career.
I could take time off when I wanted, work long hours when I needed to, and arrange my appointments around my life.
And I certainly never scheduled early appointments if I could help it. I enjoy my slow mornings far too much! 😂
So in some ways, I wonder how much my everyday life will really change.
But it got me thinking.
What does retirement actually mean?
I know people who count down the days, hours, and practically the seconds until retirement! They can't wait to travel, sleep in, escape the alarm clock, and finally do the things they've been dreaming about.
I also know people whose careers became such a big part of their identity that when they retired, they struggled to find their purpose.
And then there are those who simply never want to retire.
I suppose retirement means something different to everyone.
But here's what it means to me.
Retirement isn't checking out of life. It's not the end of the road. It's the beginning of another adventure!
Just because I'm leaving a career I've spent 24 years building doesn't mean I'm finished working, learning, creating, or dreaming.
Quite the opposite!
I'm looking forward to spending more time writing, painting, illustrating children's books, doing art projects with my grandchildren, and pursuing all those little things that bring me joy.
And perhaps, once in a while, I'll enjoy an entire day of doing absolutely nothing.
Just because I can! ❤️
So this Future Self Friday, I'm curious.
What does retirement look like to you?
Is it something you're counting down the days to? Something you've already embraced? Or something you have no intention of doing?
I'd love to hear what your next chapter looks like!
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