I had planned to retire at 70 years. For some time, I had been purchasing household items such as sheets and towels, boxing them up to use in later in life. I purchased additional basic clothing with the same thought in mind, however, did not take into account that I would not stay the same build and they would not fit when I decided to use them. St. Vinnies was a blessing to donate to at this time. This was my aim, however fate changed my path; my partner passed away suddenly, and due to circumstances beyond my control I had to leave my employment of 23½ years owing to an extremely stressful situation. I left under Workcover and was effectively forced to ‘retire’ at 68.
I sat for a while, looking at four walls in a home I had just purchased. I was lonely, as living at Winton I never came into town very often and had only two friends in the area. I drifted from one thing to another – took up quilting; took up diamond painting; eventually joined a croquet club; but I was never really happy with myself or my place in life at that time. Many a day and night were spent in tears – looking at a long, lonely future by myself. I was quite happy to spend a day behind closed doors, I now realise, feeling sorry for myself. This went on for 12 months.
Then Workcover gave me an ultimatum – they were cutting my benefits and I could either get a job or retire. I tried to get a job – too old and really no interest. I had not done any financial planning for my future. I had very little superannuation as this was not required many years ago. I would have to go on the Pension. How was I going to live, eat and just survive. My life was once again in a turmoil.
I sought help and this time, looking at the two choices I had, ‘I’ made the decision to retire. Suddenly I understood. It was my choice now, not forced on me. I could now sit down and plan for my future. I had limited income – how could I make it go further and enjoy myself at the same time. I received some monies on retirement and bought a new car, a reliable vehicle to transport me to places. I set myself up in my home, this time with retirement in view and to save me on additional expenses in future. As stated previously, I had boxed items for the future, some of which I could use.
With this different attitude to retirement as my choice, I made an extra effort to fill in my time. I set myself a daily schedule, joined various groups such as U3a, the Age Friendly Reference Group, Garden Club; took more interest in my croquet, joined Committees, and more. I was starting to live again. My days were now busy. I met so many wonderful people from all walks of life, and more importantly, stopped feeling sorry for myself. After many years of working 7 days a week I could now ‘stop to smell the roses’, not feel guilty if I wished to pass the afternoon away reading a good book, or even taking a nap. I could have more contact with my children and my grandchildren who were growing up fast. I had missed out on so much.
I can now say – Retirement is great, and I highly recommend it!
Heather Wallace
August 2023
I sat for a while, looking at four walls in a home I had just purchased. I was lonely, as living at Winton I never came into town very often and had only two friends in the area. I drifted from one thing to another – took up quilting; took up diamond painting; eventually joined a croquet club; but I was never really happy with myself or my place in life at that time. Many a day and night were spent in tears – looking at a long, lonely future by myself. I was quite happy to spend a day behind closed doors, I now realise, feeling sorry for myself. This went on for 12 months.
Then Workcover gave me an ultimatum – they were cutting my benefits and I could either get a job or retire. I tried to get a job – too old and really no interest. I had not done any financial planning for my future. I had very little superannuation as this was not required many years ago. I would have to go on the Pension. How was I going to live, eat and just survive. My life was once again in a turmoil.
I sought help and this time, looking at the two choices I had, ‘I’ made the decision to retire. Suddenly I understood. It was my choice now, not forced on me. I could now sit down and plan for my future. I had limited income – how could I make it go further and enjoy myself at the same time. I received some monies on retirement and bought a new car, a reliable vehicle to transport me to places. I set myself up in my home, this time with retirement in view and to save me on additional expenses in future. As stated previously, I had boxed items for the future, some of which I could use.
With this different attitude to retirement as my choice, I made an extra effort to fill in my time. I set myself a daily schedule, joined various groups such as U3a, the Age Friendly Reference Group, Garden Club; took more interest in my croquet, joined Committees, and more. I was starting to live again. My days were now busy. I met so many wonderful people from all walks of life, and more importantly, stopped feeling sorry for myself. After many years of working 7 days a week I could now ‘stop to smell the roses’, not feel guilty if I wished to pass the afternoon away reading a good book, or even taking a nap. I could have more contact with my children and my grandchildren who were growing up fast. I had missed out on so much.
I can now say – Retirement is great, and I highly recommend it!
Heather Wallace
August 2023
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