After many years of working I have decided to take a bit of time off and maybe, in the process, reinvent myself. I don't feel my age (retirement age) and still believe I have something to offer, but a bit of time for reflection may not be a bad thing.
For those of you who know me, most of my working life was spent in education as a teacher, administrator, Associate Commissioner, and college instructor. I spent some time in the financial planning and insurance industry and most recently was part owner of a small local newspaper.
(I really enjoyed my experience with the newspaper, although it was short lived. I had the opportunity to meet and interview some very interesting people. It was unfortunate that my business partner really did not have a clue on running a successful newspaper business or maybe any business and the lesson I learned was to do a bit more research about business partners before jumping into something like this, especially where money is involved. Unfortunately it was not until after the fact that many people came forward with warnings about my business partner and that information, in advance, might have caused me to make a different decision. But it is over, at least for a while, and as always... time and experience are often the best teacher.)
So I have decided to kick back for a while, at least for the next few months and I must admit I like the “free time” to do as I please, when I please. Yeah.....right.! There is always something to do. When did I find time in the past to really enjoy life?
One of the things I did not anticipate upon retirement was what to do with all my clothes. Now before you get all in a panic.....I still wear clothes. But what I wear is very different now.
A look into my closet does not reflect my current clothing needs. There are at least 10 pairs of slacks, neatly arranged from black to charcoal gray to lighter gray.....you get the picture. Next... the shirts. There was a time a few years ago when I had at least fifteen white shirts, starched, ironed and ready for action. (Fifteen shirts would get me through three weeks at work). It was white shirt, dark suit and tie. There were twenty pairs of black socks, at least one pair of dress black and cordovan leather shoes, but never brown.
Over the years as jobs changed and dress codes became more relaxed, the suits were replaced with sport coats, colored shirts and trendy ties. Today, in the closet down the line from the slacks and neatly ironed shirts are about eight sport coats. I always did like gray tweed, with the leather elbow patches! And there is still a suit or two tucked into the mixed as well.
Today I have four pairs of jeans, several older shirts and a sweat shirt or two that make up my current daily dress code. It's usually sneakers or boat mocs for shoes although if I am feeling a bit daring, I will put on a pair of tassel loafers. Looks pretty cool!
So what to do with all the clothes? Like many other baby boomers who have or will be retiring soon, I suspect they are facing a similar dilemma. For me...I think I'll let things hang around just a bit longer. You never know when you might need a nice pair of slacks, a shirt and tie and matching jacket, especially if the 'right retirement job ' comes along!
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