Sunday, April 10, 2011

New Age

It's been an odd week.  While not completely related around age stuff, it has reared it's head, ugly or otherwise.

With complete disregard for timing, I missed one of my sister's 25th anniversary.  I don't think she cared that I didn't mention it, not that I've actually talked with her.

I had two co-worker's parents die, both much younger than either of mine.  And then the father of one of my fraternity brothers died also.  It's not weird, it just shows how much time marches on - with or without us.

But I had a conversation with one of my ex-bosses - she's retiring!!!  How can this be??

Phyllis is not 65 or anywhere abouts.  Early 50s.  She's just worked at the same place for the last 100 years (ok, maybe my math is bit off), and can take early retirement, as they are offering it at this point to certain staff member to save the "company" money. 

I don't know all the ins and outs of the deal, but it seems pretty nice for her.  She won't retire retire.  I'm not sure she can, but she also doesn't want to.  She is networking for other positions in a new field, which is brave on so many levels.  She's hoping to not find anything for a few months to enjoy this pseudo-retirement. Good for her.

I don't see a world in which I will be able to truly retire.  Of course, I didn't see a world in which I would still be alive today, let alone at retirement age, so I supposed there is a mixed blessing in there somewhere.  Of course, my Plan A is to win the lottery.  Plan B is to save enough for retirement.  I'm liking the former much better.   The odds are about the same for either scenario.

I'm no good with death.  I never have been.  I don't believe I have anything truly comforting to say to people who experience a loss.  It all seems like a platitude.  It's not that I'm not sincere, it's just that everyone has said the same thing since the beginning of time.  So much so, I'm not sure if it still has meaning.   Yet I go through the motions and still want to kick myself.

Oh well, onward and upward, I suppose.  I'm thrilled for Phyllis.  Her kids are gone and on their own, and she can truly do almost anything she wants.  She's thrilled and nervous, but I don't think she has a reason to be.  I don't know how is actually hiring women in their 50s these days, but I'm not sure of anyone who is hiring - period.  She'll be fine for a year, which isn't a bad thing. 

Ok - now I'm just rambling.  I'll stop now, as I have no good way to wrap this up with any kind of bow.



Song by:  Rachel Sweet

3 comments:

Birdie said...

I wish Phyllis great luck. With her record of full-time employment, she'll do better than I am. I'm on the mommy track and I can't get off. My resumé doesn't lend itself to my actual skills, but I can't get in the door to illustrate that. I'm trying for my fourth lifetime career. Each time I started a new one, it took me three years to reach my goal. It's been about that much time I've been looking instead of advancing. Maybe I should write a book.

You're younger than I, but you'd better get used to condolences; they only come more frequently. The best we can do is be there. Words are awkward and they don't change things, but we can be there.

D said...

I've dealt with death many times having lost people close to me (including my Mom) and I hate the whole process. I think it should be about celebrating their life not mourning their death. For me.. I'm an organ donor... and I'd like to donate the rest of me to science (maybe they can figure out what's wrong with me, albeit too late).. and the rest, just cremate me and spread me in some field or something. Take a few bucks and order some food... have a party... celebrate what (hopefully) good I did do with my time here on earth, but don't sit and mope.

Ray's Cowboy said...

I do hope you have a better week ahead of you.

I have to much death in my time, but life does march on.

Ray