encore, encore....7x
This is another chapter in the continuing series showcasing retirees and the new choices they make after leaving the day-to-day rhythm of performing from 9 to 5 for many years. We call these new choices, Encore Performances.
These select interviews are certainly not meant to be scientific or representative of a larger group as a whole.
Certain expressions, such as, I wanted something to do, I was getting bored, or even, I can't hang around the house all day, are heard many times over and uttered by both men and women. It doesn't seem to take long before some people require new activities to fill the void created by retirement. It seems having all the spare time retirement affords catches many people by surprise and they are ill prepared to handle the vast amounts of freedom.
A former Humana computer programmer said he wanted to learn some plumbing skills, or in his words, Just enough to make minor fixes.
A retired teacher confided she wanted to start a reading program that goes beyond what schools are able to provide.
A police officer who had spent 30 years on the Louisville, Kentucky city police force accepted an offer to return to the force just 44 days after stepping down. (There have been several instances of this occurrence)
A 68 year old semi-retired bakery chef said he wants to teach a cooking class for retirees.
A petite woman, who was perhaps 70, confessed she was interested enough in martial arts to sign up for a class for seniors.
There have been several individuals interviewed over the course of the past year who have registered for adult education classes.
The state of Kentucky is offering retired teachers full-time benefits and salary with no disruption of their retirement account if they will return to the classroom. Needless to say, dozens are taking the state up on the offer. However, that may be a financial consideration instead of a boredom or want something to do, concern, or perhaps a combination of both.
Regardless of the motive or inspiration, many retirees simply prefer the rigors of a disciplined environment, while still others choose to bask in the sunshine.
Here are a couple more interviews conducted in the past four months.
Dr. Charles Sarasohn is a retired pediatrician.
I retired five years ago, he said. I had a major medical problem and it forced me to leave my practice much sooner than I wanted.
So, had you not had this medical issue, you would still be seeing patients?
Absolutely, he confided. I'm still relatively young, but we do what has to be done at different times in our lives and this was one of those times. The choice was certainly not mine. That's just it, sometimes we don't have a choice.
Do you have any hobbies or outside activities?
I was never a hobby person, per se, he admitted. I walk a lot when weather permits and I help my wife around the house too. That's something new for me. I read a lot.
What about children?
I have three daughters, he said as he smiled. One lives here, one is in Nashville, and one is in New York. We travel to see them often and of course, they come home.
Is there anything that stands out on your Bucket List?
Not really, no dreams, no wishes, I just want to stay healthy for the time I have left, however long that is, he offered.
Debbie Ludwig retired two days before Christmas last year.
I was an account manager for a fire suppression company, she said. It's a system that doesn't use water and sprinklers.
So, you decided to not only pull the plug, but go elsewhere?
Yes, she smiled. My husband, Ken, and I decided to go to Fort Myers for three months. We've rented a condo there.
What do you see yourself doing down there?
Not much, she laughed. We're going to walk every day, learn our surroundings, and sit by the pool.
Do you have any hobbies you plan on taking with you?
Oh, yes, she said. I love to cook and I love to read. I've already got a whole sack of books and a complete set of pans all packed up.
What do you like to cook for you and your husband?
Meatloaf and chicken and dumplings are our favorites, she confided.
Cracker Barrel Food.
Yes, Cracker Barrel Food, she admitted.
Will you find an Encore Performance when you come home next spring?
I'm not sure what we'll do then, she offered, I can't really see us doing nothing, but, we'll see.
Have a safe journey.
Thanks so much, she responded. I appreciate that.
Coming up! The Run for the Roses is less than 90 days away; and, meet more POS!
And, finally. While traveling the Blueridge Parkway outside of Charleston, West Virginia last fall, my wife and I saw a service truck that said:
All Things Basementy in large letters on the side of the truck...crawl spaces, radon, foundation and basement issues.
We thought that name was pretty cool.
HUH? What's up with that?
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