By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
I grew up in a neighborhood where most people had some type of job. Some were self-employed while others worked for a company or corporation. All proudly provided for their families.
There were also folks in my Winston-Salem NC community who had worked for many years and were now retired. To be honest, the word “retired” wasn’t in my vocabulary as a young boy. I would ask my parents about a particular person, and they would simply say he\she was retired.
They went on to explain to me the meaning of the word, thus my understanding of it.
When we would walk home from school or played in the street, we would see them sitting on the porch. We always spoke and were kind as we would sometimes run errands for them. There were occasions when they would tell us about their working lives.
I found those moments of self-disclosure quite interesting. In a profound way, they were role models for us, and we didn’t know it at the time. Their work experiences were varied and from listening to them fulfilling as well.
Over time, my friends and I realized that we were getting advice and counseling free of charge. Sometimes our street baseball games ended early because we were listening to them.
Mind you, these retired people were in their right minds and speaking clearly. There was no hesitation in their speech or in their opinions. I was admittedly mesmerized by them.
It made me wonder what they were doing at this point in their lives. Was sitting on the stoop and watching television all they did? I didn’t know that we ever found out. You know the old expression, “that’s grown folks’ business”.
Now, if you are retired, you have joined the ranks of the porch sitters and the television watchers. We can watch the cars go by and wave at everybody. In a way, nothing gets by us.
As I was considering retirement some years back, I realized that I needed a post-work plan. My plan was interwoven with financial stability, emotional well-being, physical well-being and something else to do.
Retirement is nothing you can do suddenly. It is a process that is filled with apprehension, excitement and a lot of ifs. It is a period of our life that we have earned through hard work and dedication. Therefore, it requires some reflective discernment.
There was a song at least for me that was humorously guiding me along the road to retirement. Do you remember the hit song entitled, The Gambler by country crooner Kenny Rogers? I remember the lyrics, “you got to know when to hold’em, know when to fold’em. Know when to walk away and know when to run”. If you are nearing closing one chapter and opening another chapter, then listen to that song. It will make you smile.
I think one of the most important components of a retirement plan is to have something else to do. Making sure that you are engaged in something that will bring you satisfaction is important. Equally important is that it is on your terms and conditions. Otherwise, it will be a form of work, just disguised.
Our experiences are needed during these times. In some ways, we are unofficial griots. We advise and do our best to help those coming after us. That is our calling.
According to reports, there are 54.1 million retired workers receiving Social Security benefits. Some say that 63 years of age is the best age to retire. Of course, that depends upon your retirement plan and timetable.
Those professionals who study retirement trends say that it can be a wonderful time in our life. Less stress and responsibility immediately come to mind.
Fred Rogers, professionally known as Mr. Rogers said, “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” Enjoy retirement and have fun.
