It’s not the concept that I mind. As a matter of fact, I’m enjoying it thoroughly. It’s the name, the term, really it’s the actual word that bothers me. Now I understand it originated in Europe in 16th century and is from the French word “retirer”. I know it was first used to describe “drawing back” from the battlefield and was related to military retreats. Given that the prefix “re” means “back” and “tirer” means “to draw” it makes sense. The term was also used to describe a person retreating from a situation like “leaving company and going to bed”. I’m okay with that, too. And since the 1660s, it’s meaning has shifted to “leaving one’s business or occupation”. Again, that’s alright. So, what exactly is my problem?
Let’s start with the prefix. After years of solving crossword puzzles, I think of “re” as “again”. For example, if the clue is “come together again” I think “reconvene”, or “design again” my answer is “remodel”, or “broadcasts again” I’ll write down “reairs”. And then there’s the root, which is “tire”. Automatically I think of the English verb meanings, “to feel in need of rest” and “to become bored with”. So anytime I hear “retire” or the adjective “retired” my mind conjures up a person who is continuously in need of sleep or who is constantly bored. And it doesn’t help that my earliest experience with retirees supports this notion.
Decades ago, the only people I knew who retired were elderly neighbors, white haired teachers, and frazzled school principals. There was Mr. Mazzeo who was quite gray by the time he put his scissors down and passed his barbershop on to his son. There was my 2nd grade teacher Miss Maley who bid farewell to Bartlett Elementary School after 35 years, with cane in hand. And there was our principal at the same school, Mr. Kelly who turned the reins over to the younger, spryer, Mr. Clarkson with far more hair. It seemed to me that they may very well have been bored doing the same thing for years and years, and they definitely appeared to be tired and in need of rest. But today’s retirees, of which I am one, I can’t imagine this is the case.
From my journal: October 26, 2022, Newbury Park, California
“…busier than ever…great that I can say NO to the things I really don’t want to do and say YES to things I want to do!”
Some people may equate retirement with the “golden years”. This term was first introduced in the 1950s and referred to the time in which 65-year-olds, after working 30 to 40 years, often for the same company, said good-bye to their careers and hello to leisure time. Since then, the concept of retirement has changed considerably. Due to longer life spans, economic and technological changes, and better health, today’s retirement is defined by purpose-driven activities.
While previously focused on a complete withdrawal from the 9 to 5, a more sedentary lifestyle, and on family, today’s retirement may mean freelancing, traveling, and seeking personal fulfillment. According to Greenwald Research, people who leave work nowadays want to accomplish something meaningful. Simply put, they don’t want “every day to be Saturday”. I, and many others, agree!
Since I left teaching eight years ago, I have followed in the footsteps of the modern retiree. For the first few years, I was a paid tutor and then I decided to volunteer for a few organizations that were aligned with my values. I have enrolled in art, writing, and exercise classes, and continue to do so, as well as traveling near and far. And, I don’t see my lifestyle changing or myself slowing down anytime soon.
The same is true for most of the family and friends I know who have left the workforce. Some are busy loving their new role as grandparents. Others are consulting, a few are working part-time, and a couple are volunteering. Some are becoming more artsy, as one has taken up the electric guitar, a couple are taking drawing classes, and a few are writing novels. Others are honing their sporting skills playing pickleball, tennis, and golf. Some are hitting the road and skies making travel a priority with trips to national parks, cities and states throughout the U.S., and countries on different continents. And still others are dabbling in some or all of these ventures.
Given this new perspective, I propose a new name, term, or word be used when responding to the question, “Are you still working?”. I’ve been racking my brain trying to come up with just the right answer to, “No, I am (insert word here).” A term that conveys being active, interested, and engaged. Maybe…renewed, refreshed, rejuvenated? Reactivated, restored, refocused? I don’t know. Perhaps you have a suggestion? But suffice it to say, for me “retired”, isn’t it.
A Journal Journey 