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Friday, January 4, 2008

This feels so strange!


I've been retired for just about an hour now.

I've waited for this for many months, and looked forward to it, and now it's here. I think it's going to take a bit of time for it to sink in. I felt more retired these past 6 days off work than I do now LOL!

I've had many different careers and many different jobs in my adult life, but never found a place I felt like I belonged until I started working at the credit union. I've made many friends in the thirteen years I've been there, and met many people who enriched my life. Because I spent 12 years in Staff Development and Training I'm one of the few people who was privileged enough to know and work with every single one of our staff - which now numbers almost 200.

Today was definitely a bittersweet day. So many people came to my retirement luncheon and told me how much they would miss me. Lots and lots of hugs from front line staff, branch and department managers, and vice presidents, as well as a handshake and nice words from the CEO.

My reasons for speeding up this retirement were both personal and professional. I was certainly feeling burned out. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with my family and friends doing what I love. However, it's very nice to know that I'm going to be missed. So far they are having no luck at all finding a replacement.

I know I'll have no problem switching to "retirement mode" by tomorrow - but just for today it feels very strange.
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43 comments:

  1. MeredithJanuary 4, 2008 at 3:53 PM

    HAPPY RETIREMENT! I read your posts about it and now it is finally here. Enjoy your time.

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  2. Leah SpencerJanuary 4, 2008 at 4:09 PM

    Sweet! I know I sure enjoy being home all the time, and the flexibility. :) (Eh no, I'm not retired, just a stay-at-home-wife).

    Happy retirement! :)

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  3. Karen (Misiz C)January 4, 2008 at 4:44 PM

    Congratulations! I have a feeling you will find plenty to fill your newly available hours. Leaving anything you find pleasure in is hard but you know what they say about "When one door closes..."

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  4. CONNIE WJanuary 4, 2008 at 4:56 PM

    I think congratulations are in order...and wishes for all things fun, fun, fun in your future.

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  5. LibbyJanuary 4, 2008 at 5:05 PM

    Enjoy!

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  6. WendyJanuary 4, 2008 at 5:13 PM

    Congrats on your retirement. Spend time doing whatever strikes your fancy.

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  7. BethJanuary 4, 2008 at 5:13 PM

    Congrats! Just think of it as a new job..and give yourself time to settle in! you deserve it!

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  8. Quilting MemoriesJanuary 4, 2008 at 5:27 PM

    Congrats! Now is a great time to sit and sew, let yourself bask in the feeling of "retirement",It will all be so sweet when you decide what you want to do first then the rest of your life. So many good things await you!!
    Enjoy! Enjoy!!

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  9. Ila K.January 4, 2008 at 5:34 PM

    Best wishes for your retirement! I hope you're able to spend more time with family, as you have wished. Go for it!

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  10. JenJanuary 4, 2008 at 5:59 PM

    Congratulations on your retirement!!!

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  11. QuiltingFitzyJanuary 4, 2008 at 6:04 PM

    Congrats Patti!

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  12. SilverthimbleJanuary 4, 2008 at 6:28 PM

    Best wishes in retirement!

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  13. jodieJanuary 4, 2008 at 6:50 PM

    Congratulations on your retirement Patti, you must have been a great work colleague, I happy for you so many turned up for your send off.
    I am sure you will adjust quickly, enjoy your 'you' time. Jodie

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  14. KristieJanuary 4, 2008 at 6:50 PM

    Congratulations! I am a stay-at-home mom and housewife and I LOVE it! I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to stay home. Just think this will give you more time to QUILT!
    Kristie

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  15. Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmumJanuary 4, 2008 at 6:57 PM

    Yeah!!! Congratulations!!! LOl Tracey

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  16. KarenJanuary 4, 2008 at 8:04 PM

    Congratulations! You will love retirement. I retired 7 months ago and I have not regretted it for a single second!

    All the best to you.

    Karen

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  17. GailJanuary 4, 2008 at 8:19 PM

    Congratulations and may you begin many years of healthy, happy family times and sewing times.

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  18. CarolJanuary 4, 2008 at 8:36 PM

    Congratulations Patti...it will take a few days to sink in but since I retired in August not a single day has gone by that I haven't said "I Love my life"...ENJOY! HAVE FUN!

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  19. RosemaryJanuary 4, 2008 at 9:38 PM

    congrads Patti! Rosemary

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  20. Meike The DutchladyJanuary 4, 2008 at 9:54 PM

    Happy retirement, enjoy it!

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  21. atetJanuary 5, 2008 at 12:51 AM

    Ohhh -- I'm sure you can find SOMETHING to do with the extra time (I'm looking at your side bar here!). Congrats!!! It is nice being appreciated though isn't it?

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  22. FionaJanuary 5, 2008 at 1:36 AM

    Perfect start to the year - just think of all of the goals you'll have struck off the list by this time next year. All best wishes for a happy and fulfilled retirement.

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  23. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2008 at 1:59 AM

    Looking at your lists on your sidebar I don't think you are going to be bored!

    Enjoy it Patti!

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  24. JoyceJanuary 5, 2008 at 4:28 AM

    Happy Retiment. I know the feeling but it passes pretty quickly and then you just enjoy your time off.

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  25. DarleneJanuary 5, 2008 at 5:21 AM

    Congratulations, Patti! A well deserved new chapter in your life is about to begin - Enjoy!

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  26. JanJanuary 5, 2008 at 5:22 AM

    Enjoy, Patti!

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  27. MeganJanuary 5, 2008 at 5:44 AM

    Congratulations Patti! What a wonderful new day it is for you! Can't wait to see all your new projects.

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  28. HollyJanuary 5, 2008 at 7:18 AM

    Oh Happy Day!

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  29. MarJanuary 5, 2008 at 8:30 AM

    Oh you lucky ducky, congratulations! ENJOY!

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  30. PamJanuary 5, 2008 at 9:29 AM

    Congratulations Patti!! I am sure it must feel a bit weird. The reality of it is probably very different then the imagining what it will be like. Good luck and have fun!!!

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  31. Mrs. GoodneedleJanuary 5, 2008 at 10:06 AM

    Congratulations, Patti! I'm sure it will take no time for this to sink in and for the pleasures of daily living to the most important things in your life. You're fortunate that you've been able to identify your priorities; enjoy!

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  32. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2008 at 10:15 AM

    Like you, I never found my work home until my current one--it will be 15 years next month and even I am amazed. But they're like my family--love 'em and hate 'em sometimes!

    I always found that between the fallow and productive seasons (working and staying at home), there was a transition period where I'd think, "Now, what was it I used to do when I stayed at home?" or, "How was it I managed everything when I worked?" It will probably take a little time to find your new groove. Congratulations.

    (And are we a teensy bit smug?!! "So far they are having no luck at all finding a replacement." Well, of COURSE they are!)

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  33. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2008 at 11:51 AM

    It takes a bit of getting used to this 'retired business'. May you have a long and healthy retirement.

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  34. MelanieJanuary 5, 2008 at 12:28 PM

    Congrats Patti! What an accomplishment! You are going to love it...

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  35. dutchcomfortJanuary 5, 2008 at 2:45 PM

    Congratulations! Imagine... all those to-do-lists getting shorter by the day!

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  36. QuiltMomJanuary 5, 2008 at 3:03 PM

    Hi Patti,
    I am sure that it does feel a bit strange as you transition from one part of your life to a new page in your life. This is an opportunity for you to reflect and celebrate your many accomplishments, Patti. May you enjoy many years of a happy healthy retirement spent with the people you love most doing the things that you enjoy most.
    I look forward to seeing the many quilts that you will continue to create.
    With best wishes from a Western Canadian quilter,
    Regards,
    Anna

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  37. Dawn's Daily JournalJanuary 5, 2008 at 3:37 PM

    Congratulations on your well deserved retirement!! May you fill up your lovely down time with fabric and quilting projects!!! :)
    dawn

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  38. McIrish AnnieJanuary 5, 2008 at 5:27 PM

    I can't believe your special day is finally here! Can't wait to see what you do now that you have time~~LOL. I was dizzy just watching what you did when you worked full time!. Congrats and enjoy!!

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  39. Quilter KathyJanuary 5, 2008 at 6:38 PM

    Congratulations!
    Enjoy your quilting time!

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  40. Carol E.January 5, 2008 at 7:11 PM

    Congratulations! I am so glad your last work place was so special. I can imagine how odd it feels, while at the same time, FUN to have your time your very own. Enjoy!

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  41. ToniJanuary 5, 2008 at 8:01 PM

    Congrats! You deserve the best! Enjoy. Toni

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  42. Mary JohnsonJanuary 6, 2008 at 12:02 AM

    Congratulations Patti, I'm sure you'll find plenty to keep you busy. When I stopped working I just replaced it with quilting and travel.

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  43. Sweet PJanuary 6, 2008 at 5:58 AM

    Happy retirement! Enjoy your time off from working.

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