What if you were suddenly retired?

Just one week after the suicide of my friend back in early September, the hospital where I work completely flooded and closed for renovations leaving us all out of work.

The company decided to pay us – which is amazing. Although much less than what I am used to, it has been a pleasure – and very strange – to be temporarily ‘retired’.

Most people say they would love to be out of work but it has been quite an experience. How much time can you spend cleaning or shopping (without getting yourself into trouble)?!

What would you DO with your time if you suddenly found yourself out of work with an income enough to sustain you for awhile?

I am a worker. I am used to having a lot to do and personal projects that keep me busy and entertained – like writing books! Having so much time on my hands caused me to do some serious self-reflection and I have gone through a myriad of emotions.

At first I was anxious just like everyone else. We had no idea what was going to happen; if the hospital would close for good or if they would lay us all off. Were they really going to pay us even though we were not working? 

After three months out of work, I became very depressed, which I struggled with back in December. I began reaching out for assistance. My sadness was palpable. I have never been so sad for an extended period and was a little worried. Although I had faith it would pass, I needed to reach out and let people know what I was experiencing so I was not alone. I also began working with a healer.

I had to reconnect with my values – what are the most important things that I find sacred in life?

• Learning and growing
• Connecting with others
• Health/fitness and self-care
• Teaching and adding value to others’ lives
• and leaving the world a better place than when I got here

Since January, I am focusing on living my values and relaxing, taking this time in stride. I know that this comes only once in a lifetime – if one is lucky enough to have the experience. And I also know that it will end soon as construction moves forward at a very fast pace. And finally, I can truly tell you that I am enjoying myself.

One of the most important things I have learned has been just how important my relationships are. I have an amazing network of friends and family members and connecting with others is fundamentally a huge value for me.

When we are busy, it is so easy to lose touch or to simply not connect the way you want to because, let’s face it, there just isn’t a lot of time to just ‘hang out’. I LOVE having time to just chat with people and truly BE in their lives. I want – and need – this to continue when we return to the fast-pace of work.

Being ‘temporarily retired’ makes me realize the importance of having money saved for my real retirement! My dear husband and I are revisiting our retirement plan and refocusing on funding it so that we can live well when we retire.

Some of the other nurses are using the time to be with children or grandchildren, take trips, volunteer and complete house projects. Most of us are looking forward to going back to work. Work makes you feel as though you are making a contribution to something bigger. And while I miss work, there is real value in having the time to be there for your family and your own community – we each can make a huge difference when we tend to our own homes.

What would you do if you were suddenly and temporarily retired? If you had the time to do all of the things that you wish you had time for now, do you think you would use the time to complete them? How might you live differently?

Eventually, you WILL be retired and you’ll have to fill your time with things that make you happy. Why not start the process today by identifying your values, hobbies and things you enjoy doing?

Consider YOUR retirement fund – are you saving enough today so that it grows big enough so you CAN retire?

Enjoy the inquiry and have a wonderful day.

To your health and happiness,

Julie Donley, RN ~ Nurturing Your Success and inspiring you to be your best!

Author of The Journey Called YOU and Does Change have to be so H.A.R.D.?