Not Quite Retired

At 53 years of age, I hardly consider myself "retirement" age. Historically "retired" was the word to describe people over 65 who could finally draw social security. With military retirees, the age of 65 no longer applies. Not only are we not ready for "social security," whatever that means, but we still have a lot of energy and ambition to achieve new goals in life.

Since Ed "retired" from the Air Force, he has been a realtor, a retail manager, and now a home business entrepreneur. I have been a mother, volunteer, nurse and now a home business entrepreneur as well. We have also become grandparents along the way with our 2nd grandchild due in June 2008.

Actually, it was the grandparenting thing that nudged me in the direction of a home business. I worked as a nurse for a hospital system that was not generous at all with paid time off. In addition, they wouldn't even consider the idea of time off without pay. Since our children and grandchild live 350 miles away, I need a minimum of 3 days to even visit them briefly.

With all that said, what about you? If you're retired from the military, are you living the life you dreamed of? Do you worry about paying bills? Can you travel whenever and wherever you like? Do you have time to spend with your friends and family? Are you able to participate in activities that excite you? I truly believe we all deserve to have the time and resources to live our lives as fully as possible. Personally I am thrilled to be "not quite retired."

To Your Success,
Sandra Hayes
ProsperityToday@bellsouth.net