Retirement and Living Alone: An Optimistic Perspective
Does retirement make it harder to live alone? For many, the answer is a definite no. In fact, my personal experience as a retiree for just eight years suggests that it can be quite the opposite.
Life Post-Retirement
I’ve only been retired for eight years, and yet my lifestyle pre-retirement and during my time as a retiree has been anything but dull. During a significant portion of my retirement, I undertook a fascinating project in Brazil—running an oil field crew. This temporary departure from traditional retirement was a unique and dynamic experience. Although I was away from the workforce, my experience in the oil field crew did not detract from the benefits I now enjoy as a retiree.
Current Lifestyle and Relationships
Currently, I have a significant other in Brazil and another in the United States. I am fortunate to have these relationships, yet the nature of my living situation allows for considerable independence. I do not have my partner staying over at my place for more than two days a week. This arrangement provides me with the peace and quiet I crave while still nurturing my relationships as needed.
As someone who has always valued solitude and personal space, the flexibility to relax and unwind without daily interaction with family or others is immensely satisfying. I cut my work hours in Brazil to just 50 hours per week and plan to continue this reduced schedule for about one more year. My goal is to eventually reduce my work hours to 40 per week in whatever country I decide to work in after that. I am committed to ensuring that my work hours never exceed 60 per week again. I believe this approach provides the right balance of work and personal life.
Financial Independence and Future Plans
Financially, I am quite independent. With a steady income and the ability to live in any location, I have embraced the freedom to travel and work as I see fit. At the age of 67, I am looking towards the future with optimism. In about three or four more years, when I reach 71 or 72, I expect to fully embrace a life of retirement and perhaps stay home more frequently. However, my experiences have shown that I can still return to work in the United States or in other countries if I choose to do so.
Moreover, my long-standing employment history with a company in several countries has provided me with a diverse and fulfilling career. Although I have been contributing to federal taxes for 46 years, retirement has brought a sense of relief. The freedom from these obligations and the ability to pursue a more flexible lifestyle are significant benefits.
Conclusion
For those who have a good working mind and enjoy peace and quiet, retirement does not need to be a difficult period. My own experience illustrates that a balanced approach to work and personal life can lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement. If you are retired or on the verge of retirement, consider how you can incorporate more independence and personal space into your life. The key is to find what works best for you and to embrace the opportunities that come with this new chapter in your life.