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Episode 287 Why Retire?
Ever notice how often we think other people are just like us? Or if they aren't like us how often we think they should be. We find ourselves saying to others; "I just don't understand how people can think that way". "What are they thinking". Retirement is one of those things where we think others are just like us or should be. Of course, they aren't.
This is Retirement Talk. I'm Del Lowery.
About 10% of the people who retire do so because they want to be free to do something else with their life. Thats the figure I came across this week in The Experience of Retirement by sociologist, Robert S. Wise. He didn't just assume that all people retired for the same reason he did. He conducted interviews and tabulated results. Another 10% retire because they want to spend more time with their family or feel obligated to do so.
80% retire for other reasons. I never conducted any studies. I always just assumed that most people would be just like me and look at retirement as a gateway into freedom. Freedom to make a life, or create a life of your own choosing. Well, I was wrong. And wrong by a long ways.
Once this idea was brought to my attention it seemed obvious. There are all sorts of reasons for retiring. The study revealed that many retire because they feel marginalized - they feel like they are no longer valued at work. They are no longer on the cutting edge. They have not read the latest research. They haven't been to the latest workshops and conferences. They are no longer physically able to work all day and into the night. Nor do they want to. Each and all of these can make them feel inadequate.
They are not technological up to speed. Computers and other modern technology have created new ways of looking at the world. There grandchildren or more knowledgeable than they in that area. Computer technology has created new ways of responding to changes in production and distribution of good. Frustration and a lack of confidence becomes a daily problem. They feel forced out of the world of work.
Then there are health reasons for retiring. Either their health or their spouse or parents need attention. Someone has to put time and effort into the physical realities of the aging human body. Think of all the things that can go wrong as we age. Then consider that if it happens your spouse, children or parents you may find yourself needing to leave the world of work. You retire. In a way it is forced retirement.
Then there is the problem of being supervised by younger people. You may have been passed over for promotion. The bosses son may start telling you what to do. Or some bright, young hired gun may appear on the scene and you are to follow his lead and commands. This can be hard on the ego. "It just does't seem right". Resentment builds and then turns into refusal. Retirement is the only way out.
And then of course there is boredom. We have just done the job so often that it gives no sense of fulfillment or development. We could "do it in our sleep". The charm is gone. The challenge is gone. What once excited us now only takes our time. I have to confess to thinking this way a few times before I retired. I taught school for 22 years and I started to feel a bit tried. I had moments when I kept thinking I had seen or done this before - many times before. I certainly liked the interaction with the students but the material that they needed to study became all to repetitive to me. I tried to vary the presentations and method somewhat but I felt trapped by my own strengths and weaknesses. I played to my strengths and tried to minimize the time devoted to correcting my weaknesses. Big mistake.
The next time I engage someone who has just retired I will be a little more circumspect when discussing reasons for retirement. I will not assume they left to gain greater fulfillment from exploring the big wide world. I will not assume that they were motivated just as I was.
It might be good if I could carry this basic rule in other aspects of life. There are good reasons why everyone is not a Republican or Democrat. There are good reasons why people are good Christians, Buddhist or Atheist. There are good reasons why people are eager capitalist or confirmed socialist. There are good reasons why someone advocates for faith based education just as there are good reasons for some to advocate for a scientific approach.
This ability to see differences and acknowledge their validity is not an easy task. My mind moves to human rights violations, the twin towers attack, the drone attacks, Guantanamo Bay, etc. I'm sure reasons exist for all despicable action.
Our son is a public defender and as such defends people who sometimes commit horrific crimes. It is always interesting to hear the inside story of the reasons for such acts. There are always reasons. Alcohol, drugs, child abuse, sexual abuse, post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), or some other considerations.
We all grow up in our own worlds. Our experiences are different from our brothers and sisters, our neighbors, or people that live across town. No wonder we have differences with people in other communities, states, or countries. No wonder we have different reasons for retiring. No wonder we have different plans.
This is Retirement Talk.
If you have questions, comments or a story to share please contact: del@retirementtalk.org
A resource from a listener: Best Free Online Degrees for Seniors guide is designed to assist seniors who aspire to enhance their intellect or consider starting a new career path. It features an overview of the top online degrees for seniors, emphasizing their numerous advantages, and a broad range of subjects to choose from. A friend's website: Terra Firma Designs: Fine Furniture, Stained Glass and woodworking workshops. Copyright 2010 RetirementTalk.org |
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