Bits and Pieces

Working or Retired? I am often asked to state what my job is, or if I’m retired. I admit to the latter, but I am not idle. Indeed, I continue to do much the same work as I once did, only now it is volunteer, unpaid that is! You’d think this would be a good thing to the questioner, but mostly it is not. For example, insurers wish to know your work status. It is a predictor of commuting, driving a car more miles, and doing so in congested conditions. Many wish to know if you are gainfully employed because it improves the expectation that you will pay their invoices on time and in full.

However, something gets lost in all of this. Yes, I’m retired. I get Social Security benefits. My career retirement benefits went to my wife due to divorce agreement. And my retirement investments went to my debtors to lessen the effect of my bankruptcy. So, Social Security it is and I’m doing just fine. Have to continually lessen the standard of living, but what is important costs little or nothing. So, again, I’m doing just fine.

Part of the fine, however, is keeping myself busy. I do that delivering what I know best, advice, counsel, coaching and mentoring to others. Small businesses in the main, mostly nonprofit in nature. They do good work that for-profits don’t want to do. I help them do it with the help from many who wish them well and donate dollars to make it happen.

Of course, I write this blog. Three times per week until I get back to the daily routine I had before Rocky died.

Yes, I’m working. But also retired. Doesn’t make much difference except in the bank balance.

Independence at 80: I rely on others to accomplish a lot of things. Neighbors are pure gold. They offer to pick up things at the grocery store, cook treats they share with me. They go along for the ride on errands. Even take me out for a fast-food bite to eat. They listen to my woes and provide excellent advice. And of course, they provide wonderful companionship.

Family help in many ways as well. And of course, I read a lot on the internet for things to help me manage my daily affairs. Transportation is a means to independence. I recently swapped my old car for another old car, but one of the dealers suggested I sell the old car and convert to using Uber or Lyft. Or call on friends and family for rides. Everyone I talked to said I needed my independence and do whatever possible to maintain my own car. I did. Yes, the expense seems to never go away, but neither does the independence. I don’t think I’m ready for not owning a car. That will surely come one day. Today is just not that day.

Weather: The forecast calls for rain. Most days that is the forecast. Of course, some days the rain comes at night only. Or very early in the morning. The rest of the day appears sunny and dry. Or most days the rain comes whenever it feels like it and gloom preside over many hours of that day. And the car is spotted by the rain. So too my apartment windows. And the chance of getting soaked while doing errands, well, that is something special.

Rain. A lot of it has fallen in my life. I suspect this is a condition that will continue. Regardless of my complaints. It is what it is. And wet.

May 31, 2024

 

 

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