I got an email from an former colleague who, like me, uses Linkedin as a career-related social networking site (real men do not use Facebook). He commented about the update that I had posted recently saying that I had left my part time job. I think he was a little bit surprised that someone would voluntarily leave a job during these hard times.
I replied:
"Yes I decided that job was not for me. The pay was $12 per hour and although I only worked 20 hours a week, I had to work 3 out of 4 Saturdays. It was mainly a retail mentality: people are interchangeable parts, no sense of humor or opinions appreciated by the management, autocratic bosses, archaic processes, demanding, but clueless customers, shall I go on? Besides, I wanted to take the Summer off to allow time to help my wife watch the grandsons 7 and 9, who were not going to camp this year. We had them for two or three overnights every week in July and August. They were exhausting to keep up with, but it was more fun than going to work, I assure you.
"IF (big if) I ever go back to work, it will be in some admin or professional organization, part-time, earning at least $20 an hour, no weekends, a buxom & attractive secretary, an office with a door and a lock (for privacy during 'conferences' with secretary.) No commute, no elevators, no staff meetings and no status reports.
"If that is too much to ask, then I will just stay retired: staying-up late watching TV, sleeping till nine every morning, having a leisurely breakfast (involving chicken and pork products), reading the paper, planning the rest of the day."
As I wrote these words, I began to realize that I am doing just fine without a job. I had often stated that a man needs work in his life. And I was convinced that I needed the structure and sociability of a formal workplace. But, as time passes I am becoming more comfortable with the prospect of full retirement and the subtle joy of not being structured.
For example, it is 10:40am and I am dressed; I have had my weekly shower and shave. I've fed the cats, read the Globe, eaten a bacon toast sandwich, drank 3 cups of Starbucks Cafe Verona, and spent a half hour answering email. If it wasn't raining, I probably would be outside, finishing my painting activities, but I am in no real hurry; I can finish next week (or the next). Later this afternoon, perhaps I will mosey down to the cheap haircut place and get a senior cut for $11.95 plus tip. (When I was working my haircuts at the fancy salon cost $35. (I did look good, but these days looking good is an unnecessary luxury). Most of the day will be amiably frittered and puttered away. I didn't get my morning walk because of the weather, but who knows - it might clear up.
Tomorrow, assuming a partly sunny day, I plan to go fishing with a buddy. Striped bass for dinner! Ok, if this outing is as bad as my last day of fishing , I may have to stop at the fish market on my way home.
Last week turned out to be pretty full too. Got my teeth cleaned, repaired a broken washer arm on the dishwasher, saw my children and grandchildren, went for walks every day, scraped and painted the east side of the house, cut down an overgrown yew that was blocking a window, spent Sunday at Little Compton, R.I. eating and drinking with friends, had a day-trip to York, Maine with my wife, did laundry, went to the dump, read a book, and so-on. Nothing remunerative or remarkable, but not so bad....
Hey, It's stopped raining, I gotta go take a walk.
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