![A logo for "50 Happens," [a site dedicated to Gen X women with children and grandchildren] [who embrace life's challenges with humor and resilience], [featuring a modern and uplifting design] [that embodies strength and positivity] [with an elegant and playful style] [and a harmonious blend of colors like pink, fuchsia, purple, and blue].](https://50happens.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img-5uorrxvwartomopcpuhjfjd0.png?w=300)
After being a finalist (and not getting) two different paid positions earlier this year, I’m feeling more and more like I actually am retired. My 30+ year career as a fundraiser feels over. It’s not that I couldn’t get some job in the field if I really wanted or needed one, but there just aren’t very many listings that excite me. And I don’t want to work a full-time job that I’m not excited about at this point in my life. I’m going to keep my LinkedIn profile open to recruiters, just in case someone reaches out with the perfect thing, but I’m not holding my breath.
[Side note: I know I’m lucky to have the option to not work at this age. All of my friends my own age are still working. My husband is still working part-time. All I can say is, we have been pretty diligent savers for most of our marriage and we got hooked up with a professional financial advisor early on. Left to our own devices, I’m not sure we’d be in this position. Honestly, my eyes just glaze over when this guy meets with us, but I do trust him. We’ve been with him for 30 years now.]
So, the question becomes: what to do? My daughter doesn’t need much help with my granddaughter and my outdoor summer pool closes Labor Day. I’m going to have a lot of time on my hands soon. I discovered last year that serving on my church’s governing board is not my thing. And my prior level of political activism (when I still thought we could stop Trump) feels futile now.
It seems like I should take advantage of this time and my health to start something new. After considering a number of options (from learning French to getting in way better shape), I’ve landed on something old. Something I used to love as a teenager. Art. I’ve enrolled in one drawing and one painting class for the fall. We’ll see where it goes, but I am excited.
Related:
50 Happens 
And thus you have succinctly summed up the beauty of retirement : having the time to rediscover what is important to you. Enjoy. Sounds delightful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you May! At least I have some type of plan to fill the hours this fall. (I have no problem being retired in Summer…it’s the winters that get to me.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s still winter though we are starting to warm up – had a snake visit earlier this week. I spent this winter putting a collection of memories together for the 3 Really Little People – stories about their Mum when she was little and how they’ve exhibited similar traits. It’s been fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely, thoughtful project. 💕
LikeLike
Enjoy the art classes, relaxing and whatever that comes along. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Liz !😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely lovely! I hope you will share some of what you paint and draw.
On another subject—and fair warning, this is from someone who is not involved in politics except to vote—it seems to me that one of the failings of the Democrats is that they do not play the long game, which extends to city councils all the way up to the President of the United States. For the past 30 or 40 years, the Republicans have fanned out, putting their money and time into local races and have had a lot of success. (For more about this, look up Leonard Leo, who unfortunately lives in Maine.) When the Republicans fail, which they sometimes do, they don’t waste time wringing their hands but rather go on to the next race. This affects many areas, from judges to gerrymandering. Local is often seen as not that important, but it really is. Anyway, if you’re not too burnt out, it might be worthwhile to check out local politics, to see if there are volunteer opportunities you might be interested in. Not as splashy as a presidential race, but important nonetheless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your support Laurie!
Re: politics in 100% Blue Massachusetts, I think I’m realizing that in my heart of hearts, I’m more of a moderate Democrat. I just want to stop the fascists, protect women’s rights, support science, and get back to normal. But the real activist energy here is around progressive causes (saving Gaza, fighting ICE, etc) that don’t necessarily call to me.
LikeLike
That’s so cool. We receive the schedule for adult classes at our local community college and I flip through the book every time. One of these days, I’m going to pull the trigger. So glad you signed up for a few classes. That painting is amazing! Hope you get inspired by your class!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I was very happy to find some daytime adult art classes nearby. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful idea! I’m so excited to see more of your projects, if you choose to share. :))
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Stephanie! I really appreciate your support 😊🎨🖌️
LikeLike