After a seven-year medical leave due to chronic GI issues, the author, now 66, reflects on their fluid retirement status. While they haven't fully returned to the workforce, they have embraced freelance writing and authored a memoir, finding autonomy in their work. They grapple with the label of 'retired', which feels inadequate, yet they mark that on forms out of necessity. The author emphasizes the significance of self-definition in retirement, valuing freedom and diverse activities over a steady income.
"I haven't stopped working completely. On medical and insurance forms, I check 'retired' for lack of a better answer, but I worry my doctors will treat me differently as a result."
"I haven't stopped working completely... I worry my doctors will treat me differently as a result."
"I've concluded that, regardless of age, you're retired if you think you are."
"I love the freedom to spend my time as I wish. If I'm not writing, I'm sewing, gardening, or enjoying unfettered time with my husband."
Collection
[
|
...
]