I’ve worked part-time selling irrigation parts, in a kitchen dish room, and winding used film. My full-time jobs include working for a grant-funded group home, a developmental disabilities office, and a state college. I’ve been employed in some capacity for nearly fifty years. Each job provided a regular paycheck. My anxiety is on high alert without a paycheck for the first time in my adult life.
I thought about retiring for nearly a year. When I was confident that I should retire, I considered when to retire. I selected a date close to my birthday and turned in a letter of resignation giving three month’s notice. I sought a peaceful exit from employment. Many events unfolded during those three months that made me question my timing. This lovely chocolate dessert was a happy departure from a series of unhappy events.
The college hired a new vice president who was my supervisor for a few weeks before I retired. He holds many similar views to my own regarding student services. It will be interesting to see if he is able to change the negative culture that shaped my decision to leave employment at this time.
It was also short-sighted of me to retire before the Christmas holiday. Another paycheck would be helpful now until retirement funds become available.
On the home front, my rural well failed. The well company was unable to remove a dysfunctional pump from the old well. The first attempt at a new well was a failure, beginning with clay collapsing into the new pit, installing 80 feet of steel piping to stabilize the clay, and running into rocks below 80 feet. It took two waterless weeks for the crew to drill a new 220 foot well that reliably produces potable water. The expense nearly drained my savings.
A colleague and I are setting up a mental health private practice in the county seat. This process also involves start-up costs to pay for office rent, insurance, legal fees, accounting fees, etc. It’s unclear how long it will take to generate income.
As winter weather settles around me, I’d like to take a vacation to a warm place. It’s 6 degrees Fahrenheit today and dropping as the day goes on. However, I’d like to feel more financially secure before I make definite plans.
LLZ Ranch 