Out of the tunnel.
It’s happened, the first time in over 40 years I am unemployed. Oh? Yeah, some folks call it retired. It was official yesterday; Last working day of February, 2015. I know it’s a record run of continuous but varied employment most people don’t experience. I always had the next employment in hand when I made the changes. This time I am at the far end of the tunnel with as of yet, no solid plan. Actually that feels good for now, feeling really free so soon after breaking out.
On the brightside of this forty plus year ride through the often dark and sometimes mystical tunnel is the sun is still shinning very bright on the outside and I am in a beautiful wide open space. The old track in the tunnel has ended but I am free to build new tracks in every direction except back. I figure it is not a good plan to “backtrack”.
I have a lot of options. I have seen the light coming from the end of my tunnel for some time (no, not another train) and noticed some writings on the wall. I have been preparing for the day. I laid the groundwork so I could exercise many options when I came out, prepared to build new track. Now it is time to sort those options and pick the new direction to lay rail.
The plan includes shedding the load I used to carry. Dropping a lot of those heavy loaded cars I have been hauling and choosing a lighter load. Excursion runs hauling tourist might be fun. I do want to pack a little paying freight in the baggage car.
For me retired life is not pointing to another full time job. I will always be in some sort of “business” as that is as I believe, still a part of my nature. It will be a business vocation I enjoy just so I can continue doing what I really like. I will be working on my terms (as much as possible) and not punching a “9-5″ time card.
We all have read the axiom; “If you love what you do, you’ll never work another day in your life.” Well, I have always loved what I did. I made adjustments along the way to keep it that way. For me it is how work has always been. Again, lucky for me you might suppose. Those adjustments were to, “Keep things on track”.
I created a slogan on my DimensionalArt.Org website, “Doing what I love for those who love what I do.” That is my retirement plan. It is far easier to live up to that axiom when it is not the main source of one’s survival. Philosophers can write truisms all day long but reality states, “One must do what is necessary to live.” I leave it at that. Reality is not always a philosopher’s dream world and goals are not things already possessed.
So what has actually just happened is one of those transitional periods where I (and my spouse) adjust for the next stage of living. It’s new, scary and an adventure all in one. We pray we can keep it on our terms and God’s will.
Turning fun hobbies into business can be the best way to spoil a good hobby. But I believe there is both a psychological and emotional difference between loving what you do and a hobby. Now that I am retired, I’ll be wandering between those differences. My goal is to maintain a proper balance.
Certainly I will be blogging about my new adventures. – RD
Congrats and good luck!!!!
Glenn
Thank you, Glenn!