…Or does it not matter, after all we’re retired?
One day, in the 90s, when I was a young detective attached to what was considered the elite of the elite squads for detectives, we’d finished surveillence on our subject and were stood down. My partner, a few years older than me and a family man with responsibilities needed to “get something” from B and Q on the way back to the office. B and Q in the UK are a large chain of DIY stores. After a few mocking comments from me which might have included “pipe and slippers” and “Old Codger” (he was younger than I am now, must get in contact), we went to B and Q. I was following him around the store, not listening to him talking DIY, thinking it was like being in the supermarket with my mum, when I saw something that stopped me in my tracks. Walking towards me, wearing orange dungarees which reminded me of “Mario” was my old Detective Chief Inspector. I didn’t know what to do! When he was my boss, only time you spoke to him was basically when you were in the S,H.1. T. I’d had that pleasure a couple of times and his leniency was why I was standing here looking at him in orange dungarees. He was heading towards us, my partner also recognised him too. He walked up to us and just started passing the time of day as if we were just ordinary people. I couldn’t stop calling him “boss” no matter him saying “just call me…” the conversation came around to his current job. I felt embarrassed for him, he obviously picked up on this and said to us ” bet you’re wondering why I’m working here, dressed like Super Mario aren’t you? Thought I’d have a good pension and a posh job in a suit? Well remember this, because trust me, your career will fly by and one day you’ll wake up and be retired. Doing nothing is overrated and after a while is pretty boring. Remember this and it will be the best advice you’ve ever been given and it was given to me when I was your age
“Always have a reason to get up in the morning”
Have you?
I was reminded of that this morning when my alarm went off, I ignored it, went back to sleep and woke up at 0937. By the time I’d done my morning health routine and breath work it was lunchtime, watch some TV and got my laptop out to write this before I go playing football. I was a bit down on myself for not getting up earlier but it happens.
I didn’t get up because I didn’t have to. Actually though I did have to, and so do you and it’s not as easy to do nowadays because there’s no job and boss and penalty for not getting up. You are your reason. You are your boss. You are your job. Self discipline? What? I’m retired I don’t ever have to be disciplined again.
You sure about that? You probably need more, otherwise the retirement you worked so hard for will be snatched from you all too soon.
“Always have a reason to get up in the morning”