We have pretty much grown up with the idea that if we are not fiscally productive, we are irrelevant. This sentiment, generated from the Puritan work ethic, makes it hard to retire. We were brought up to push harder, work longer and do a better job than the next guy. This sentiment makes it really hard for us to retire.
Society gives us conflicting messages. The idea of longevity in the work place has been put back on the agenda, according to an article in The Gold Coast Bulletin: Southport, QLD: February 2, 2010), and I see this sentiment reflected in articles here in this country too. Some researchers are telling us that retirement leads to an early grave because we get bored with our own company. Perhaps this type of thinking is generated by the fear of who is going to support us if we retire too early, and if we persist in living to a ripe old age. However, in order for this to happen, the workplace needs to change its thinking about people being too old or too expensive to keep around the workplace. I don’t see much effort being placed in changing work schedules to meet changing needs. I have mixed feelings about that too. If seniors are all still working, who is going to fill the gap (the productivity) generated by their wisdom and tireless volunteer efforts?
Whether you can or want to continue working is a decision that should be up to you, whether generated by the need for financial security or if you just can’t imagine yourself doing anything else. When is the right time to retire?
The drive to be productive is part of our heritage and it doesn’t go away because we aren’t earning a salary anymore. The transition from one type of productivity to another can be quite difficult. It is a struggle to put a finger on what productivity means in later life. That inner drive or switch never really goes off, but it is nice if you no longer have to gauge your workload according to someone else’s vision of productivity. Perhaps it is time to come up with a new definition of the word productivity, one that reflects your new priorities.
Productivity, according to Bernice Bratten the author of Project Renewment, embraces the idea of accomplishing something important, making a difference, and working to benefit others. This could include anything; painting, acting, photography, producing a play or even just cleaning out a closet. Taking care of your health, cementing social relationships, spending time working with children or the elderly are all part of this new picture too. You don’t have to be productive 24 hours a day. Perhaps it is time to forget the Puritan work ethic. They thought that you only deserved to relax when you died. Once you adjust to the idea that it is okay to walk on the beach, have coffee with friends or go to a spa or read a book you may just find that there is something beyond work. Can you let go of the Puritan Work Ethic? Do you want to?
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