Not Employed does NOT mean Not Working
I am Retired
Being retired means I am not employed. I receive a pension from my former employment and a state pension. Formally, I am considered too old to have to work to earn my living.
Today's Non-employed Work
I awoke about 6 am, and by 8.45 am I had switched on my computer, checked emails, done 20 - 30 minutes work on my studies, made the bed, sorted dry laundry into the airing cupboard and was out the door heading for my daughter's house on foot.
At 9am, I started looking after two small granddaughters (aged 3 years and nearly 1 year), fed, changed and amused them, did a bit of housework for my daughter, and at 3pm we all met my eldest granddaughter from school and I looked after 3 children until 5pm, when my son in law came home and took over his two - the youngest ones).
At 5pm I headed home with my eldest granddaughter and we had our dinner (made by my husband) and then washed the dishes and oversaw homework until 7pm.
Between 7pm and 8.30pm, I had free time and then sorted my granddaughter's supper and got her ready for bed. At 9pm her daddy took over to get her to bed and I was free.
It's now 10.30pm
I am doing some work on my studies and am having a quick "break" to write this.
Retired? DON'T say it's not Work!
I had this vision of retirement of being peaceful with my feet up, apart from plenty of exercise. I "only" do one full day's babysitting - it's enough - but my days are pretty full!
Image Credit » http://pixabay.com/en/old-couple-people-strangers-grunge-450742/ by coombesy
Comments
Alexandoy wrote on March 25, 2015, 6:34 PM
I like the spirit - retired but working. Life should be enjoyed and one enjoyment is being productive and being productive means working. Right? Of course, because I said it. Waheehee.
trufflehunter wrote on March 25, 2015, 7:14 PM
You sure sound more industrious than some sitting ducks in my office.
LoudMan wrote on March 25, 2015, 7:49 PM
Chasing little ones? Yup. That's work. Dang hard work, too.
bestwriter wrote on March 25, 2015, 8:16 PM
'Working need not necessarily mean that there is money in it. Working is being busy according to me.
peachpurple wrote on March 26, 2015, 3:03 AM
retired but with the household chores, that is work. You are still active.
arthurchappell wrote on March 26, 2015, 5:13 AM
totally agree - I'm unemployed though looking for work is work in itself, plus my writing and some voluntary work - many mistake unemployed for idle - not so
LindaCPearson wrote on March 26, 2015, 9:43 AM
You are absolutely right! I do a lot of survey work online and I'm always asked to classify my work status in the surveys - unemployed, retired, etc. I am retired officially and also have a small pension. I also now have a modest antiques business, do online writing, computer work, etc. and work more hours per week now than when I was a full-time salaried employee!
crowntower wrote on March 26, 2015, 2:55 PM
Lol! That is so cool of you. I guess your age will qualify to get a retirement but your spirit and endurance will always be young , energetic and healthy. God bless and enjoy life to the fullest. People get sick more often when they don't work at all.
WordChazer wrote on March 26, 2015, 3:59 PM
You're not alone. Both my retired former colleague and my father say they have NO CLUE how they ever found time to work when they were of working age, as they're busier now in their retirement than they ever were when they were employed.
1BarbRad wrote on March 26, 2015, 6:59 PM
I don't think I'll ever be fully retired, but I'd sure like to retire from my book business. For sure you are not retired from working.
Kasman wrote on March 27, 2015, 4:07 PM
My father said the same thing. After he had been retired about two years he used to say that he couldn't go back go work even if he wanted to - he was too busy!
1scheng1 wrote on March 28, 2015, 4:58 AM
Income is not just about working for money. There are many ways of making money. So a retiree can be very busy than a working adult.
AliCanary wrote on April 3, 2015, 7:36 AM
Honestly, it sounds like you are busier than a lot of people who have full-time jobs!
allen0187 wrote on April 3, 2015, 8:25 PM
The idea of retirement has changed drastically. I don't see myself 'retiring' in the strictest sense of the word. Perhaps, I'll be freenlancing more when the time comes.
Carmelanirel wrote on May 6, 2015, 5:17 PM
I totally agree and from what I learned in Psychology, those who live a longer life usually were very active and involved in their community and family. Sounds like you are doing just fine.