Thursday, November 14, 2013

I'm Retired or ? What's in a name?

Cocktail party or any other gathering -- "What do you do?" is a question often asked here in the US, not so much in other countries as it is considered an intrusive question.

And the "R" word comes slipping from your lips.  What images are conjured in the questioners mind?  Nothing positive.  Here is the definition from The American Heritage Dictionary, "to withdraw as for rest, seclusion or shelter; to withdraw from business or public life," etc.  Not a pretty picture, especially the withdraw part.

I have been thinking about this question and I have come up with a different answer and word.  "What do you do?"  asks someone you have just met.  I am on "Sabbatical" will be my answer from now on.  The definition for sabbatical, and I am using the broader term: a period of time devoted to research, travel and rest."  This term usually refers to a university professor who applies for a sabbatical, traditionally every seven years.

But consider how "I am on sabbatical," sounds  compared to "I am retired."  "Research, travel and rest."  Research to find new interests, travel always interesting and a challenge, and rest, of course because you are busy doing the other things.

And of course, many of us are not the vigorous 20 somethings we were, but with the advent of the Internet, there are still many, many things we can do.  And if you answered that you are on a sabbatical, the questioner might say "But I thought sabbatical meant. . ." which would open another line of questioning, 'what's in a word?'

So, what am I doing?  Keeping in touch with grandchildren, friends, starting a new business, and painting, oh yes, writing this blog.  And many afternoons, I do need to take a nap, and of course there are those annoying health issues.

Time is all we have.  Ask me again -- "What is it you do?"  I am on sabbatical!

12 comments:

  1. Hi Tasha .. what a great post - yes I am on sabbatical .. will be my mantra in future - and exactly ... I realised once I started blogging I could do so much more ... and sabbatical gives so many opportunities too - way to go, I reckon ... I certainly can't collapse in a heap - too much to find out about, see family and friends .. generally keep in touch and learn about the world ...

    Oh definitely I am on sabbatical improving my life's future ... happy days! Cheers Hilary

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    1. The term fits you very well, Hillary. You are on a sabatical! Always love your comments.

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  2. Sabbatical's a lovely way to describe it.

    Although I think 'What do you do?' is a pretty broad question even for people who have jobs. I would still talk about reading and blogging!

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    1. One of my questions, to 'older' persons that I meet in one of those group settings is, "What are you reading? Which would be a perfect question for you! :)

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  3. Love, love, love this! Yes, sabbatical it is!

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    1. So, that settles it, the French girls are on sabbatical!

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  4. Thanks, Jabblog, I like the sound of sabbatical so much better.

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  5. Yes, sabbatical does have a nice connotation, doesn't it? Me, I'm enjoying life. (And I think retirement is the best thing ever!)

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    1. Hi Susan: Words are funny things, aren't they? Having more time to do things you enjoy is such a treasure.

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  6. "Living off my investments"? "Finally collecting my lottery winnings"? Sabbatical does sound a little more elegant, though. Someone asked me what I did once and I said that I was cataloging my library... Diana at About Myself By Myself

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    1. I like your first two and it would take a long time to catalog my library -- I have too many books. Thanks for stopping by, Diana.

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