After working as a health education specialist for many years, retirement was not something that I had actively planned for. My career was fulfilling, and I enjoyed the work that I did. However, as I entered my 50s, the early morning alarms and long work hours began to take a toll on me. I started to consider the idea of retirement, maybe at 66 or even 70 years old. Little did I know that my body had other plans for me.
At the age of 58, I found myself facing serious health issues that forced me to take a paid medical leave from my job. My gut health had been deteriorating for years, and it had reached a point where I needed to prioritize my well-being over my career. It was a difficult decision to make, but I knew that it was necessary for my recovery.
During my time off, I focused on my health, trying various treatments and therapies to improve my condition. Unfortunately, none of them seemed to work, and my benefits eventually ran out. Thankfully, my husband’s salary was able to support us both during this challenging time.
Despite my health struggles, I found solace in writing. I began working on a memoir about motherhood and people-pleasing, a project that had been on my mind for years. Writing became a form of therapy for me, allowing me to express my thoughts and emotions during a difficult period in my life.
As the years went by, I found myself at a crossroads. I was now 66 years old, a published author, and engaged in freelance writing whenever inspiration struck. My health had improved, but it was still not where I wanted it to be. The question of retirement loomed over me, but I struggled to define what that meant for someone in my position.
I applied for “retired” status from my professional credentialing association, but I couldn’t pinpoint an exact retirement date. On medical forms, I checked “retired” out of necessity, but I worried about how this label would affect my interactions with healthcare providers. On LinkedIn, I identified as “self-employed,” and on my taxes, I was a “freelance writer,” even though my income was not substantial.
I soon realized that I was not alone in my confusion. Many senior workers found themselves in a similar position, not formally retired but not working full-time either. The traditional concept of retirement no longer seemed to apply to individuals like us, who had transitioned into a more fluid and flexible phase of life.
As I approach eligibility for Social Security, I am faced with the question of whether I will finally be retired. The truth is, I will decide when that day arrives. Retirement, I have come to realize, is a state of mind. It is about finding contentment and fulfillment in how you choose to spend your time, whether it be through work, hobbies, or leisure activities.
So, when asked about my retirement status, I proudly declare that I am “fluidly retired.” This phrase may not appear on any official forms, but it accurately reflects the freedom and flexibility that I have embraced in this new chapter of my life. Working outside the box has brought me a sense of peace and contentment that I never thought possible, and I look forward to whatever the future may hold.
