4.8M
ALI’m 58 and not afraid to admit that:
1. I’m not part of my kids’ daily lives anymore. I would love to know what they’re doing, who they’re doing it with and what’s going on in their minds – all the time. But I know that’s not realistic (or healthy). Trying to balance the right amount of “I’m here” but without expectation or judgment.
2. I didn’t expect to retire this early. I actually loved my job as an art director for a magazine. I assumed I’d happily stay until I had a reason to leave. But the magazine publishing industry has taken a beating and it ended sooner than I expected.
3. I’ve been a little lost since I stopped working and my kids grew up and moved away. I saw this identity crisis coming. But knowing it didn’t help me avoid it.
4. I still struggle with losing my mom, even though it was 7 years ago. She was so central to my life and sense of self that I couldn’t imagine the world could continue without her. Sometimes I think about how she never knew this version of me, and that feels so strange.
5. I’m an introvert and my “rather-be-at-home” tendencies seem to be intensifying as I get older.
6. I’m fiercely protective of my people. If we’re close, I’m on your side – always – and fully ready to take down anyone who’s wronged you.
7. I’m not cool. I don’t know what’s in style, which skincare or makeup I’m supposed to use, which brands I should buy, or where I should shop. I wish it didn’t bother me, but when I’m with more “pulled-together” friends, I suddenly feel very insecure.
8. I can be a bit obsessive. I love a good project. Problem is, once I get started, I can’t stop. I literally can’t think about anything else until I finish it.
I was always a planner. But I never looked or planned this far ahead. It feels strange to think of what I WANT to do rather than what I NEED to do. I’ve never really done that before.
And right now, the answer is: I don’t know.
Follow along as I figure out post-retirement, empty-nester life in real time. and hopefully we each can learn something along the way.
_______________
#RetirementIdentity #LifeAfterWork #EarlyRetirement #EmptyNesterLife #GenX
@albertisdostuff
