My husband has been a farmer for 34 years. He has worked very hard at his profession. I’ve been encouraging him to retire. I continued to hear, “one more year.” Then we would make time to travel.
Then one day, he came home, took off his boots and announced he was ready at last.
Just like that.
But he was worried about what to do with his time. I wasn’t. I mentally pulled out my honey-do list and sighed. “I wouldn’t worry about not having things to do.”
So, we put our lake cabin up for sale and bought a nice 5th wheel.
Isn’t that what everyone does?
Talk about whirlwind life change. I had been so settled into the idea of “one more year”, that I hadn’t really thought through how life might evolve. We have a new home, a boat, a cabin, a trip to NC once a year to see our daughter, soccer games for grandkids, and farming in between. That was it. Plenty. More than most people.
We were grateful. And still are. And grateful to be done.
Now my husband has the bug to travel. As I write this we are nestled in the woods at an RV park in beautiful Montana, enjoying the peace and quiet, taking naps, walking the dog, and doing whatever we feel like doing. No schedule, no worries except how and when to plan the next trip. On our list is Mount Rushmore, Gold Beach, CA, Fort Stevens, WA, and Yellowstone. Maybe not all right away, but, you know.
I guess this is retirement. I hope I have time to write.
Are any of you retired? How did you handle it?
Blessings and safe travels!
Jan
Enjoy your travels. Blessings, Pauline
Thanks, Pauline!!
Oh my gosh! This sounds like my life! Well at least I hope that’s how things turn out. My husband has been farming his whole life. I don’t think he will ever retire. I still hope, though. I want to be able to travel.
Susan, Things change a lot when they finally retire. But you’re right…it’s hard to get a farmer to retire. My hubby is so glad he did. No more stress! It’s worth it, but they have to be the one to walk away and choose a different kind of life! And traveling is great! Best wishes!