Is This Retirement?

It's a cold and sunny Monday morning. It's also the first day of spring. The birds are singing like they mean it; and I should be at work, but I am not. I recently have been told that after twenty two years at my job, I am no longer needed. I've gone through all sorts of emotions with this. I've alternated between angry, sad, and agitated, I've even tried denial. Right now, I'm mostly just curious. I'm old enough that if the retirement package is good, I'll be able to retire.

What am I going to do with the rest of my life? I've got retired friends who are quite happy padding around the house most of the day in their slippers. I'm not sure that it works for me though. I don't feel ready to retire. I have far too much energy, and maybe just a little drive. It's 7:30 in the morning right now, and I'm updating this blog as an example.

I think I would like to develop woodworking as a sideline. I'm not sure how to do it, however. I'm pretty sure that I do not want to start a cabinet shop. That work looks far too competitive and I am not sure that I want the pressure of turning out a full kitchen worth of cabinets with one week turn around. People have mentioned making products to market at craft shows. That has potential, as does building stuff and marketing it on eBay. I just have no idea how to get started. Perhaps it's time for me to do a little research at the library and on the internet.

Life does throw you curves from time to time. Who would have thought that at the age of 56, I have something in common with your average high school graduate. We're both wondering what to do with the rest of our lives.

In the meantime, it's a sunny spring morning. The coffee is hot, the birds are singing, and there's a question rattling around in my head. Is this what retirement is like?