Life after retirement: Simple joys, peaceful moments, and new beginnings
I imagined slow mornings, coffee, and no alarm clock. My first few days were funny, a bit confusing. I still woke up early, my mind full of old work. I’d jump awake, then laugh, remembering I didn’t have to rush to work anymore. But this confusion soon led to a good new rhythm.
Suddenly, I had lots of free time, which I hadn’t really enjoyed before. My days became filled with simple joys. The sound of the electric fan, once ignored during busy workdays, was now a calming background as I cleaned it. These were peaceful moments, very different from my stressful career.
Korean dramas, which I used to watch late at night, now fill my afternoons. I found myself lost in their stories, characters, and music. My wife Lalaine and I would spend hours absorbed in them. The internet became my playground for learning, fun, and staying connected.
My wife also enjoyed my extra time. Errands that used to feel like chores became chances to spend time together. Grocery shopping was a relaxed walk, and it turned into conversations and laughter. Even small tasks felt like a shared experience. And then there was Wade, our furbaby. Our playtime, once short, grew longer. Wade brought so much joy, his love and playfulness easing any leftover stress. These ordinary days, with simple tasks and small pleasures, made up the peaceful start of my retirement. It was a quiet, happy life, lived on my terms, enjoying company, routine, and my own interests.
Then, something unexpected happened. A phone call. A request. An invitation to be a legislative consultant for the office of the city mayor. My retirement seemed to have a second part.
After the surprise, I felt a familiar excitement. My skills in writing and legislative drafting, built over the years, were needed again. The quiet mornings were filled with my ringing phone, a mix of calls and messages. My relaxed days turned into a busy schedule. Returning to work wasn’t going backward. It was a chance to use my experience in a new way. It showed me that retirement isn’t an end, but can be a start to new chances.
This second chapter, this unexpected return to public service, has added new energy to my life. While I’m busy again, it’s a purposeful busyness that feels deeply satisfying. The mix of quiet reflection and active work is very fulfilling.
Now, my days blend peaceful home life with the interesting work of my consulting role. I still have time for Wade’s fun, my wife’s company, and even for K-drama marathons. The calm and the activity work together.
This call to serve has truly made my retirement richer. It proves that even in retirement, life keeps changing. I’m so thankful for every moment—the quiet mornings, the busy days, Wade’s playtime, and the challenges of my consulting work. Life after retiring is simply good, and I’m so grateful. It shows the surprising and wonderful richness of life’s journey.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO,
reginaldtamayo@yahoo.com
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