After 27 years of working with a major teaching hospital in Cardiology, my government job pension hitting the right numbers and feeling the peak from a full-throttle workload, it was time to consider retirement. My husband Alex was also looking to retire from the ski business. Even our horoscopes (which one can take with a grain of salt) were predicting success in 2020 with new adventures. Alex and I worked on a creative plan that would involve traveling, exploring, volunteering and a small side business for the first three years of retirement. Finally, with the blessings of two financial advisors offering us a comfortable financial lifestyle we locked in a date.
Googled “Retirement letter” while trying to figure out what contents were needed beyond saying in a caveman style “I worked, I quit and soon I go”. The words finally came with a courteous, positive and reflective tone.
One month before my last day of employment I asked management for a meeting to share the good news. Filled with enthusiasm and excitement about my future as I turn in my retirement notice was quickly shot down with negative feedback from the doctors and colleagues that I’ve worked, trained, laughed and saved patients together for almost three decades. The surprise stinging comments of “I’m disappointed”, “Your too young” “Why?!”, “You can travel anytime”, “You will grow tired of being with your husband all the time”.
My heart dropped like a rock, wondering why they weren’t more supportive or even happy for me. Perhaps I should have been more prepared as some professionals see a 56-year old too early to retire and should be over 65 when ending an established career.
Truthfully, the joy of my work was starting to fade as were my knees during the physical portions of work. Frustrations of not having enough time to give the best patient care due to time constraints and the sheer volume of patients were leading to burnout, a dangerous predicament of a healthcare professional. It was time to restart my life.
Now with one month for goodbyes and reflections, I will give my best patient care and truly look forward to new adventures with my best friend as we edge closer to that retirement day.
