A Take on Retirement by a Columnist
Yesterday I read an interesting viewpoint put forth by Margaret Wente of the Globe and Mail. She wrote the article after 92-year-old Andy Rooney died one month after leaving work. I must say I was a bit disappointed in her take on things since she appears to be saying that people are only fulfilled when working flat-out. And basically they should do so till they die. So many people don’t bring home a paycheque-by design or by destiny. What of them?
Being beyond full-time work means not having to rush off to work with a response to an interesting media bit in your head. It sits there and likely dissolves quickly as meetings and commitments and work things trump the outside world. A couple of responses to Wente’s column were published today (mine included). It’s important to plan for life beyond full-time work-no argument there. There are many ways to lead a fulfilling life and contribute to society. It is an individual choice (if you are fortunate).
And While I’m At It
Today is our wedding anniversary-number 37. Yesterday I got a letter from an institution that had requested proof of marriage stating they don’t recognize the only document we have had for all those years. It is a certificate from the church. That certificate has been used and accepted whenever it was requested for almost four decades. So off we go to swear an affidavit. I did call customer service at the institution-they answer quickly and they are courteous. He did give me some rationale while I relayed my perspective. He thanked me for “complaining in a classy way”. Funny how you know nothing will likely change but you are glad to be heard.
My husband said, with this opening, perhaps he can get out of being married. I gave him one of my mother’s lines: “You never had it so good.”