I imagine most of you are retired, and having retired you may have found it wasn’t as simple as you had expected navigating the five common stages of retirement: “I can’t wait!”, “Retirement is great!, “Now what?”, “Who am I?” and the final phase, “Ah, Life is good”. It could be an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Many retirees, when they reached the “Now What?” stage, found retirement really wasn’t satisfying, and decided to jump back in the workforce — although this time just part-time because they hadn’t lost their minds completely to work full time!
If you are thinking about unretiring, before you take the leap, Richard Eisenberg, in his article “6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Unretire”, suggests you think through your decision by asking yourself six essential questions.
1. Why do I want to unretire?
In a 2024 report published by T. Rowe Price, roughly half of unretires surveyed (48%) felt they needed to work for financial reasons. Another (45%) chose to work primarily for the social and emotional benefits: fending off boredom, social interaction, or finding a new sense of self by doing something they truly enjoyed. What is your reason?
2. Am I healthy enough to work in retirement?
Your physical and cognitive health are vital factors in whether you’ll be able to keep working in retirement. Although my ego says I’m as strong and sharp as I was 10 years ago, reality tells me something different. Just standing three hours preparing sandwiches at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center’s Bingo wears me out. And I won’t mention how many times I forget to add the tomato slice! Know your physical and cognitive abilities.
3. How much extra money do I need in retirement?
What are your expected expenses in retirement compared to your income from savings, investments, and retirement plans? How does it affect your Social Security? Will you run out of your savings and when? How angry will your children be when you tell them you’re moving in with them to save money? (Hey, they don’t have children, so they have the room!)
4. Will I have enough time to work part-time in retirement?
Will you be caring for your parents or grandchildren, traveling to exotic places, joining social activities, and enjoying your favorite hobbies? How busy do you want to be in your retirement?
5. Is my partner on board with me working in retirement?
Will your partner be ecstatic that you‘re working and finally out of the house? Or upset because you’re not home cleaning out the basement as you promised. Make sure you both have a similar idea of what you expect in retirement.
6. Will working in retirement help me find meaning and purpose?
Although working can be emotionally satisfying, can you find that type of work? Or if money is not a concern, should you look for a volunteer position helping others in an area you enjoy?
If you are considering unretiring: driving a school bus, working retail, or being a Walmart greeter (my idea of the perfect job!), ask yourself these six questions. For more explanation about “The Great Unretirement” go online to www.nextavenue.org/the-great-unretirement/
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Brain Tease. The following quote is about forgiveness. HINT: P = O
The title for the Our Gang comedy short films that were repackaged and released for television in 1955 was The Little Rascals. I received correct answers from Doug Nelson, Donna Mollet, Judy Kiser, Steven Woolpert, Jess Birge, Lana Tepfer, Keith and Marlene Clymer, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Linda Frizzell. And last week’s Pedal Pusher answer keeps coming in from Pat Evenson-Brady, Becky Podvent, Kim Birge, Kathy Smith, Kathy Bullack, Rose Schulz, Ken Jernstedt and Lana Tepfer.
Unlike the Little Rascals, I never cut class, although I do remember being sent home in high school when I wore patched madras pants on the unauthorized “Dress Down Day”.
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This week’s “Remember When” question is for those of you who may have taken a unexcused—although I’m sure well-deserved—day off from school. What was the term, seldom used anymore, for when a student was absent from school without an excuse? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it in with the Little Rascal short film about the day they skipped school to go fishing.
Well, it’s been another week trying to catch a glimpse of what’s yet to come. Until we meet again, stay on your toes — but don’t slip.
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“I am never upset for the reason I believe.”
— Helen Schueman
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Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on second and fourth Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Town Hall (541-308-5997) — Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
Answer: Most of us can forgive and forget; we just don’t want the other person to forget that we forgave.
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