I had lunch today with three former work colleagues. L. is visiting from Perth, and K. and C. work here in Canberra. K. is going to quit her job and stay home for a few weeks or months doing what she likes, or nothing at all. L. said, "Then you can live the exciting life of a retiree like 'Alice'". "Well" I said, semi-seriously, "sometimes it's not all that exciting, and right now I'm frustrated, I'm bored and I'm depressed, and I'm thinking of looking for a job."
Quick as a flash, C. who works for a staffing agency, said "Would you really like a job? We need someone to do some urgent data entry over the next few weeks. Would you be interested?" I didn't have the courage to say "No", in view of what I'd just said, so an hour later I was round at C's place of work, doing a test on computer and database skills, and a typing test!
Now anyone who has read of my blogging frustration in recent months will scarcely believe that I could have gotten myself into this situation. A nice young lady set up the test and, fortunately, there was a brief tutorial that I could go through before actually doing the test. Just as well, because I couldn't even understand the tutorial, let alone the test! At least I did summon up enough courage to quit then and there because I knew it wasn't really what I wanted to do.
Just the thought of waking early and dressing for work instead of slothing around in the garden, facing peak hour traffic (yes, I know, our peak hour traffic looks like a 'petrol strike' in Sydney or Melbourne), then entering figures into a database hour after hour, with the emphasis on speed and accuracy, was making frustration, boredom and depression look like an exciting day out!
C. was very understanding and said that she wouldn't like to do the job either. Richard thought I was an idiot for even considering it.
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It's the change of Season Alice - it's getting to everyone I have talked to and we are only the second day of March....grin. Anytime you need a change of scenery ie garden type scenery - there are two acres here that could use your loving care...wicked grin.
I, personally, couldn't think of anything worse than going to work every day. My days might be repetative, but at least I'm my own boss and I can stop for a tea break when ever I want to.
Sending cheerful thoughts and hugs your way.
Catherine
Ross (who always visits you first thing in the morning, and many others on my blog roll) read this to me while I was having my first cup of coffee this morning. I was dismayed at first, and then vastly relieved as he read on.
I couldn't think of anything worse than having to go to a boring data entry job every day, after being beautifully retired for several years.
Perhaps you need to start writing more Alice. I hope you'll submit this piece as one of your writing group exercises. It's excellent!Slothing around in the garden (ha...no such thing!) is a far more satisfying occupation than facing any kind of traffic every morning.
Thank heavens you woke up to yourself in time! :) xoxo
Hear hear! We would miss you too much, too.
Computers can be so much fun, but as for data entry....
Your garden is looking beautiful. I couldnt get the photos up yesterday, but today they are all there. So much nicer than traffic fumes!
Shows you how quick you can get sucked into things like this- glad you managed to save face and get out of it in time. :)
Hugs for the weekend x
I'm glad you came to your senses in time! Doesn't sound like that job would have cured what ails you. I can't wait to retire and plan my own days rather than have them planned for me.
We always tend to think the grass is greener elsewhere - it's nice to be reminded how green the grass can be right in our own backyards! (of course, this is a lousy metaphor for me to use in the current drought, but you know what I mean!)
Glad you ditched the stressful/monotonous job possibility - now you can relish those mornings doing whatever you please!
Hope your weekend is filled with relaxation and happiness Alice
XO Jelly
As a recent retiree it's probably too soon for me to feel a bit of emptiness, but I am expecting that to happen at some stage. However it will be temporary, and that's what it is for you too, Alice, I'm sure. Perfectly natural for that to happen once in a while!
This was a wonderful post ! I feel that way occasionally - even cut the section out of the papers luring seniors back to work. LOL. You've shared your heart and it probably echoes in many more than mine. I could read your account and lay to rest my own temptation to go back to work.. So glad you're not... so glad I'm not!!
Your story made me laugh. Those who work wish to retire. Those of us at home often get bored. Whichever state we find ourselves in, we need to find contentment. It takes what I call "creative mindfulness" to call forth beauty and joy in the midst of our very ordinary days.
Thanks for sharing. I needed your reminder.
I know what you're feeling (I think!). I have decided not to return to a part time job (haven't let them know yet...gotta do that real soon!) as I enjoy my life now. It took a lot to realize that!
If you really feel the need to 'do' something...try volunteering...there are some wonderful places (like public gardens or whatever you can imagine, really) that need help. That way, you can set your own hours...and you are still your own boss!
Okay, sorry, if I have jumped in and made assumptions! Anyway, I, too, think you made the right decision!
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