It's official - I'm an old fogey.
I just checked my bank account and saw that I received my very first deposit for my government old age pension.
I have reached old fogey status. That kind of snuck up on me.
It's strange. I don't feel much older than usual. I just got back from an extensive snowshoe hike into the valley behind our home, and it felt as good as it always has.
However, I can report that sitting down nowadays feels more blissful than it ever has. Taking a load off has never been so good. I guess that indicates something.
Plus, when I sit for longer than a while I tend to fall asleep. Hmmm.
I applied for my teacher pension as soon as I could. Five years ago, to be exact. And then I also applied for my government old age pension as early as I could, which was the end of 2021.
Therefore, I am not yet an old, old fogey, but rather a fogey in training, or beginner fogey. More fogey-ish than full fogey.
Hey, old fogeydom happens (if one is lucky), and nothing can be done about it. Best to accept it with equanimity and grace, which is exactly what I plan on doing.
Now I will be doing it with a little bit more cash with which to buy my adult diapers if ever necessary.
Fun Fact: in some places diaper manufacturers sell more adult diapers than baby diapers.
I guess as an new old fogey I am hardly unique or alone. That is somewhat comforting. I am in the club now.
Fogeys unite! After a nap.
The day I left my career and picked up my pension was the happiest day of my life. I managed to make it to 57, took a much reduced pension that isn't enough to live on, but now live with hope, anticipation and JOY. Knowing that my income is small has made me adapt to different expectations - which is in fact giving me a new lease of life. I've discovered free local amenities, vegetarian cooking, libraries etc and generally have become so adept at managing a small income that I enjoy every new challenge. No amount of money can replace the exitement of waking up every and knowing that I'm answerable to no-one. Growing older is a price I'm happy to pay for a feeling of freedom I've never known.
ReplyDeleteHappy retirement to you. It's wonderful.
Sally. UK
I love the way you describe your situation. Beautiful. Linda and I are experiencing the same thing, and we also love it. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteWell, you are a very nice old fogey.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Glad you think so. Hope you are well.
DeleteAs old fogeys go, you have my vote for admission to the club. Personally, I love old-fogeydom. I love the fact that age has allowed me to cross the line from nutter to eccentric. I freakin' loooove being invisible and many of the other things some old fogeys consider to be slights by society. I worked long and hard to get here and I intend to embrace these years with as much vigor and curiosity as I can muster. Love to yourself and your lovely Linda.
ReplyDeleteI have always been an observer, and therefore have cultivated the ability to be invisible. I guess it will get easier as an old fogey. So happy to hear you are enjoying your retirement. Love back at ya!
DeleteLOVE this! Congratulations on entering the next chapter of your life. Hubby & I retired sooner than we expected, which resulted in less income, but we are both SO glad we did it. The income part is fine, but then our life together has always been much simpler than others live theirs. I am looking forward to when we can finally go out and do the short trips away. This pandemic was not the way we expected to begin our retirement together (I retired at the beginning of the pandemic), but its been nice not having to live by the clock anymore! Best wishes to you both! Deb & Mike
ReplyDeleteEarly retirement is always a good idea in my mind. As a teacher I heard too many stories of colleagues that waited too long and ended up dying shortly after quitting teaching. People tend to think they don't have enough money, then end up realizing they don't have enough time. Congratulations to you both.
Delete