Leaving The Daily Grind Behind

During a conversation with a neighbor this afternoon, I came to the realization how much I miss my former job at the Health Clinic. It's been only 5 years since I retired. 

Don't get me wrong, I am happily retired. I enjoy the freedom of having full control of setting up my own schedule and leaving the daily grind behind. I am so looking forward to many years of happiness, health, and many happy memories in the years to come.

Tinkering With Harleys

Woke up this morning thinking about expanding my skills and maybe start working in other motorcycle brands. If I put my mind into it, I can probably dabble part-time into Harley-Davidson's repairs. As a former motorcycle technician of Japanese motorcycles, I believe I can transition to work on Harley-Davidson motorcycles as long as I get the proper tools to work on them. 

My only concern is that as part of my retirement, I only plan to work part-time on bikes. Harley-Davidsons, especially older ones generally require more frequent maintenance and repairs compared to newer models. And from what I gather, there are lots of Harleys in Puerto Rico. 

Would it be worth it to spend more time at the motorcycle shop than enjoying my retirement? Regardless of what happen once I am living permanently in the island of Puerto Rico, I don't expect that to be the case.

I Absolutely Love Being Retired

A couple of days ago, after I finished creating this cartoon image of myself sitting in my old health center office, I felt kind of nostalgic. It's been five years since I retired from a career in healthcare that I loved. 

After 26 years in the HIV/AIDS field, I think is normal to feel nostalgic after going through a major life transition like retirement. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy being retired and my newfound freedom from work-related stress. 

It's been a blessing to pursue my hobbies, setting my own schedule, and spending more quality time with family and friends. The bottom line is that I absolutely love being retired and living life at my own pace.

Stay Busy

During last Saturday Health Center anniversary celebration, on three separate occasions ex-co-workers suggested to me to stay busy during my retirement. I replied with a little humor, "if I wanted to stay busy, I will still be working at the health center".

El sabado en una actividad social que fui invitado, tres diferentes ex-companeros de trabajo al enterarse que me habia retirado, me recomendaron que me mantuviera ocupado. De broma les conteste que "si yo quisiera mantenerme ocupado, todavia estaria trabajando en la clinica".

Fired On The Spot

I read somewhere that in 49 states of the United States you can be fired on the spot without warning. They are what is called "at will states".

This morning I was talking to a friend of mine, who at 63 is thinking about retirement. He shared that last Tuesday he hurt his back, and it's been out of work and seeing a back specialist since.

I told him to get his financial papers in order, to find out if he can live well financially with his current savings until 65. If you have the finances, go and never look back, you are just a number to them, I said to him.

Coincidentally, reading the local news today, I noticed a report about a 63 year old woman who had worked hard her entire life. She announced her retirement, and gave her employer a few months in advance as a courtesy to the company. How did her employer valued her years of loyalty to the company? Her employer fired her on the spot.

Today Is A Great Day, It's My Birthday

What a difference a day makes. Just the other day I was talking about my retirement, (12 months, 1 hours, 18 minutes, 50 seconds until I retire). Now I'm worried whether this time next week I would still have a job. Yesterday, my employer announced another round of temporary furloughs. A move that will affect healthcare services to our community. Looking on the bright side, I still have a job.

For my 64th birthday, I thought I would be spending my special day in a weekend mini vacation getaway somewhere; attending a Phillies game at Citizens Park, in Brooklyn Bridge Park taking pictures of the New York City's skyline, spending time with a small group of close friends.

As luck would have it, thanks to the Coronavirus, this morning I ended up sitting in front of the computer talking with family and friends over the phone. The main conversation revolved around what to do on my first week of retirement. I had a friend ask me if I was scared. I answered that I am frightened, and excited at the same time. There is an inspirational quote that says, "As you embark on the exciting journey into retirement, you will experience a transition that will be both thrilling and terrifying.” Only time will tell.

Happy birthday to me!!!