I’m so sorry to hear that. A couple of years ago, I totally switched from IT to K-12 education. I see a lot of problems, and people are leaving the field faster than we are entering, but I’ll continue anyway. In a way, I feel like I’m running into a building that’s burning so badly that even the firefighters are fleeing, but for some reason, I’m going in anyway.

I start grad school next week, at the age of 62. I’m getting a master’s degree in education with a specialty in special education for grades 7 through 12. Am I crazy? Maybe, but I’m enjoying it.

Certainly overrated to be sure.

My biggest struggle has been resisting "nap time." I typically lose. After two years, I am only just getting back to getting in some decent cycling mileage on a consistent basis. My old commute was 37 miles, round trip, and that gave me a fantastic base for almost anything. My only advice would be to always look forward, as your memory of what life used to be is very likely flawed and likely of no further use to you. We live in the present, looking to the future, as it is impossible to live in the past.

Have you tried a coffee nap? Drink coffee, set your alarm, and go to sleep immediately. I set my alarm for 20 or 25 minutes. Sometimes I don’t fall asleep until a minute or two before the alarm rings, or so it seems, but I can’t be sure. It’s annoying at first, but I got used to it. I think there is a benefit to this method. 15 or 30 minutes after I wake up, I feel better than before the nap.

Something to aspire to (aprx. 6 months out, in my case).

Thats awesome! I missed today (first “first day of school” I have missed in 31 years), but I made the right decision.

once recovered from surgery I will work at Lowe’s...

Here's to a quick recovery.

I recently took a job as a lifeguard at the local YMCA. Doing my part to make sure the pool stays open.

Coffee naps are great, drink a cup after lunch, set my phone timer for 16 min. I can sleep for 15 of that normally. Otherwise I can set my timer for 11 min and sleep for 10. I love a good afternoon nap.

Once I get there, i have visions/delusions of a "retirement job" like helping with kayak trips, be the old fart at the bike shop, do a bike coffee cart, set up small woodworking business, work at a place like REI spending salary on stuff

who knows all depends on when and where

The perk for me at the Y is the membership. The money is just for coffee and donuts.

Teen spirit.

(Sorry, but I had to.)

Nap time? That’s my favorite time of the day! I took naps in college when I could. Now that I can’t sleep past 6 am, I’m always sleepy right around noon. 45 minutes of nappage and I start my second day!

Hi,
I’m a product of the same roller coaster ride that Gugie has been on. Started young & spent 35 years in it. For the most part I enjoyed it. In the spring of 2001 I volunteered for a RIF & got a teaching credential. Focused on middle school math and science, Also enjoyed that for nine years until the CA budget crisis bit me in the butt. Been retired since, staying active with bikes, kites & travels.
Good luck,
Van

Congratulations, gugie !

cough, cough...
I think I feel a bit of retirement coming on myself

Any pics of the kites?

I didn't really retire, I just stopped getting paid to get up after everybody went to sleep and getting home when they got up. I don't get much sleep but I do get up at 4 am and ride my bike in total silence. Ain't life grand!

Congratulations, Mark!

Hi,
Sorry, don’t have any handy, but will try to dig some up. I mainly fly two & four line sport/stunt kites. Great upper body workout. 😀
Cheers,
Van