So I am really and truly unemployed
. I’m on Day 8 of this new adventure. It really does feel, however, like I’ve just taken a few days off from work and am only catching up on ‘stuff’. I’m getting a lot done, but this really isn’t what I envision as ‘unemployment’.
. I’m on Day 8 of this new adventure. It really does feel, however, like I’ve just taken a few days off from work and am only catching up on ‘stuff’. I’m getting a lot done, but this really isn’t what I envision as ‘unemployment’. I’m having the odd nap, setting up some coffee dates, making travel plans for a trip to Malaysia in December (had already determined this before the end of work), procrastinating about doing some yard work, and had the winter tires put on the car. I’m on top of the birthday cards, grocery shopping, and laundry. Hmmmm.. now what?
I’m conscious of needing to balance the retirement ‘essentials’: intellectual, social, fitness, creativity, and philanthropy.
‘essentials’: intellectual, social, fitness, creativity, and philanthropy. Social: I’ve scheduled some coffee dates – Check
Fitness: Ok.. I’ve missed a few runs since I pulled a calf muscle last week…but I went this morning – Check
Creativity: Re-started guitar lessons (took a break through the summer) and started my Creative Writing course – Check
Philanthropy: Doing a few small projects at the YMCA and planning on taking a bigger Corporate Volunteer Fundraising role – Check
Intellectual: TBD (not a lot of stimulation at this point!)
So, how can I increase this intellectual bit, without doing ‘work’ in my field of expertise? I suppose the philanthropy is sort of using my skills, but to date hasn’t been strenuous.
Open to suggestions…
I'm on a 6 month sabbatical from work and after almost two months I have decided to make less plans & be a little more spontaneous. It's amazing the things that have come from that. I'll be interested to hear how things progress for you.
ReplyDeleteTracy, I do try to be more spontaneous and less structured, but somehow, if it doesn't get into my calendar, it won't get done or I neglect to see folks. I will be interesting to see how this goes...
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're making an effort to lead a balanced, well rounded life. I recently quit a management position to move to Germany to be with my German fiance so I understand your dilemma. The "what's next" step? I was also very concerned with finding something intellectually stimulating. Fortunately, I've always wanted to write so am focusing on that which I'm enjoying, well that and learning German which I'm not enjoying as much, but is necessary and is "intellectually stimulating" as much as I don't enjoy it. I'm looking forward to seeing your next steps!
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