Like many folks I have been working since I was 16. I am now 54. Lately, I have really been struggling with the daily grind. It's not that I hate my job, I enjoy my work and I am very grateful to have a good income and job stability. But I find myself longing for my time to be my own. To sleep in on a rainy day, to linger over my coffee in the morning while I catch up on the news. I would like to be able to attend to all of my errands and chores during the week so that my weekends are free and not crammed with obligations. Since I am not financially able to retire yet, I have really been focused on making sure (as sure as I can) that I can retire at age 62. I would want to continue working part time but only 2 days a week. My next blog entry will focus on my thoughts on housing. Do I want to stay where I am? Downsize? There is so much to consider but I am excited to really focus on a plan to achieve my goals.
Tired of Working
October 15th, 2014 at 09:52 pm
October 15th, 2014 at 10:13 pm 1413411210
Looking forward to reading your thoughts on housing.
October 15th, 2014 at 11:16 pm 1413414980
October 15th, 2014 at 11:16 pm 1413414986
There are a lot of services available you just trade money for time. Groceries can be ordered and delivered, Molly Maid sends two cleaners to dust, vacuum, load the dishwasher.
October 16th, 2014 at 09:35 am 1413452119
I too would love not to have cram my weekends full of chores and I absolutely hate rushing around in the morning to get ready for work.
Snafu had some good ideas, and I would also suggest you think of little ways to make the monotony of your routine more bearable.
For instance, I was able recently to adjust my hours back to "winter hours," meaning 9 to 5:30 instead of 8:30 to 5. That extra half hour in the morning means I can awaken more naturally, without an alarm clock, and most of the time I won't be waking up in the dark,which i really dislike.
I make an effort in the summer to do my lawn mowing after work on weekdays to further free up weekend time. I'd love to hear more suggestions from others here about how to free up weekend time.
October 16th, 2014 at 07:40 pm 1413488411
I was actually never an early bird in the slightest until I had kids. Necessity is the mother of invention. But I've really come to enjoy long leisurely mornings. My body rhythm is so changed I could not sleep in if I tried. (I share just because I think people would be surprised how much they could change their sleep habits). That said, I totally understood this does not work for everyone. My spouse will never be an early bird. The flip side of that is that he has often worked nights. Whatever you can do to work with your body.
That said, I look forward to hearing more about your plans.
October 16th, 2014 at 10:37 pm 1413499033
October 17th, 2014 at 12:38 am 1413506297
My goal is to pay off my house as early as possible and retire at 68. I also want to keep in good shape so I can enjoy that time, and work longer as a volunteer.
And I want to take up belly dancing.
October 17th, 2014 at 11:33 am 1413545582
October 18th, 2014 at 03:20 pm 1413645631
October 22nd, 2014 at 12:52 pm 1413982362