- After medical break seven years ago, I did not return to my full -time work.
- However, I have written a memory and write independent work, so I am not fully retired.
- I consider myself “in running of running” for now.
When I was a young professional, I never scheduled to retire. My career as a health education specialist fulfilled me in a way to be a wife and mother could not. In the early 1950s, however, that alarm 5 in the morning became increasingly intrusive, and I admitted that one day I would like to call it. Probably in 66 years and 8 months, when I would reach the age of full retirement as determined by social security. Or maybe I would push it to 70.
My body had other ideas.
After paid medical break I never returned to full -time work
At 58, I would work in Wellness Wellness space for six years, finally making a good salary. But after decades IBS and three years of deteriorating GI problems, my intestine was a mess.
Then, mine colorectal surgeon found a new complication. It was not immediately serious, but if I had a chance of healing, I would have to line up and focus on my health. As I left the meeting that day, I put on sunglasses to hide my tears.
I got a Paid medical break From my work, I never intend to abandon my career. “Once I’m better,” I said to myself, “I’ll go back to top of my game.”
As I was home, I spent most of the time running in the bathroom or leaned to bed with a heat pillow. Traditional medicine, alternative treatments and small surgery did not improve my condition. Regardless, my benefits took place two years later. (Thankfully, mine Husband’s salary supported us both.)
On good days, I worked on a memory About my motherhood and the liked people I would start years ago, but I knew I could not fulfill the commitments of a full -time or even part -time position.
Was I retired? If asked, I replied no. I did not have a disgust to the idea or thought that pension was a concept of age, but the term simply did not fit.
Four years later, I am now 66 and 3 months, a published author, engaged in independent writings when inspiration hits me. My GI issues are better but not excellent.
Am I retired now?
I have not stopped working completely
I still don’t know how to answer this question. I applied for “retired” status from my professional lending association, but what was my pension date? September 2016, when did my medical break started? October 2018, when did it finish? June 2024, when I started drawing my meals barely enough retirement?
In medical and insurance forms, I check “retirement” for lack of a better answer, but I worry that my doctors will treat me differently as a result. At LinkedIn, I am “self -employed”, and in my taxes, I am an “independent writer”, although if income determines success in every role, I am a failure.
I have many companies in my confusion: elderly workers who never retired, are still not working full time, workers over 60 who were reduced or restedand freelancer freelancer who slowly deducted their commitments. Many of these individuals did not choose to finish their careers, and few took a tile or party before leaving the door or finishing their last zoom call.
In five months, I will be acceptable for social security. Will I finally go out then? I will decide when it arrives that day. I have come to the conclusion that, regardless of age, you are retired if you think you are.
I miss a steady payment, but I like freedom to spend my time the way I wish. If I’m not writing, I’m sewing, gardener or enjoying the timeless time with my husband. Maybe I will write another book. Maybe you don’t want to.
Now, if they ask me about my Pension statusI say, “I’m” retired fluent. “This phrase will not appear in a form with a box to check, but working outside the box is often where the pleasure lies.