We have all heard people say, "Oh, I could never retire. I don't know what I would do with myself." How many times made that statement yourself?
It occurred to me this morning, while sitting at my kitchen counter with a bowl of Special K and the Times, that yes, I certainly could retire. Glancing at the clock at precisely 8:20, I realized that if I was still had my former job, I would be at my desk right now (probably reading the Times, but still...).
But there I was, in my lounging pants and t-shirt, relishing a leisurely stroll through the morning's paper. I was actually take the time to read the coverage and analysis of last night's State of the Union Address. I could enjoy taking in all of Mark Bittman's final "Minimalist" column in the Dining section.
Of course, I am not retired, nor am I even remotely close to even be able to dream about what that must really be like.
But working for myself these past few months, I've gotten a glimpse of retirement life. There are days when I'm swamped with work. There are others that I fret over how and when this fledgling business will be stablized.
Regardless of the type of day, at least right now, I enjoy a bit of what retirement might be like.
I can take my dog for a walk at 12:30 in the afternoon.
I can schedule a meeting with the amazing dean of the School of Education at a nearby university as part of some probono work I am doing.
I can even contemplate taking a 10 a.m. yoga class (as I was doing this morning until writing this blog post seemed more important (there's always the 6 p.m. class to consider)).
Working for myself is allowing me to think very differently about my life.
Previously, my life was compartmentalized: work, volunteer activities, house projects, socializing, and a few scraps of time to pursue leisurely interests.
But now I can interweave many aspects of life. Pro bono contributions (planning a conference for non-profit leaders) can enhance the business. I can read and think about things like civic engagement and find a way to weave them into ideas for my clients. I can do laundry while writing a development plan for my community college client.
It's true that I don't yet have as much business as I need, so I know the flow of day-to-day life will change.
But if this is a hint of what retirement could be like, bring it!