Retirement
A Story Every Day in 2024 Dec 27th 362/366
"And so, we'd just like to say 'Thanks John' and hope you don't miss us too much in your retirement!"
The staff laughed as John accepted the gift offered and forced a smile. He was seventy years old: seventy years strong. He hadn't wanted to go; did it for the young ones with families. Compulsory redundancy would hit them harder. Space needed to be made.
He cradled his engraved clock on his lap on his last bus ride home from work.
Once home, he sat and it was then that the tears came.
What was he going to do now?
***
100 words- a drabble
I think a lot is made of retirement and the prospects that it offers but what about those people for whom it is a lifeline, who have nothing else except work and all it gives: routine, camaraderie, a purpose?
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Comments (11)
Indeed, though the sadness and longing may come after things settle down a bit. It's definitely strange and a bit sad, to say the least, even when well-earned and the thing sought.
How very sad. I imagine it would be a hard adjustment if it wasn't a sought after one
A beautiful story… hopefully he can get involved in volunteer work and put his valuable skills to good use. There’s a huge shortage of volunteers these days 🥹.
See, this is something that I can never relate too. But my heart goes out to those who feels this way.
Well done. One of my own major worries. hopefully I’ll still be able to write- maybe with my mind by then
As one who has just recently taken early retirement, it is an adjustment in routine. But one should also know and plan to do something. Making work your life isn’t healthy in most cases. As long as you still find it rewarding then keep doing it.
Not sue about the UK, but in the US, older workers are working longer now (I’m one of them and currently the oldest employee in the company). I loved the story, Rachel. It moved me.
Daahlink-Rd - Who you retire ~ it's not inya. You'll just go shopping at 'HouseCoats R/Us' and reinvent your scribbler style a bit with a new look - then off you'll go; a good thing! Remembering when I tried to 'Completely' retire it didn't "Work" for me. Rachel, it's kind of like if you're a good 'Bowler' you keep rolling the ball. Your career-job often identifies what it is that you do. But there are those who feel that they identify with 'the j.o.b.' as an intricate part of their being: Others may simply say, "I punch a clock - Gotta pay the Rent - Nothing more." You have the innate 'Power of the Pen' My respect, always j-bud.in.l.a.
I’ve always wondered the same about retirement, if it’s really as great as they say for all kinds of people. Some people don’t even know how to relax or stand still, but maybe it’s for the best that they learn to! Interesting piece, Rachel.
Not me. Great piece.
I think retirement’s easier, as you say, if a job doesn’t make up a person’s entire identity. But everyone, regardless, has to cope with the aftermath -bills, having enough savings, etc. This was thought-provoking, Rachel.