It turns out you can take Grandma out of the office, but you can't actually get her to stay out. After two years of retirement (which included a lot more meetings and conference calls than shopping and shuffleboard anyway), my mom is going back to the salt mine. Next month she starts a one-year position, doing what she did before but at a different institution.I don't know what took her so long. I was surprised when she retired the first time, because she absolutely thrives on 18-hour days and 3-foot stacks of briefing materials. When she told me earlier this week that this gig was probably happening, she gave me some BS about "making a difference" and "worrying about the economy." Finally I got her to confess that she's bored.
I hope she finishes the mommy job I delegated to her a few months ago ... printing and album-izing six years' worth of photos of my kids. Yes, I handed her a stack of CDs and told her to go to town. Wasn't that enough for her to do? Along with gallivanting all over the world? Apparently not!
I really like working (if not necessarily my particular job, at the moment) but I can't imagine doing it voluntarily at age 67. I only wish I had half the passion that she does.
9 comments:
Your mother is amazing. Her inability to leave her work behind reminds me of my father and his similar affliction. I hope to find a calling that keeps me as energized and involved as they are!
Wow, she's awesome.
I'm behind in photos too. Haven't even made CDs yet!
If I had known this, I could have sent some "work" her way too.
Seriously, that's awesome. I'd love to be so passionate about my job.
i think my mom would get your mom. my mom just went back to school to get a degree in social work. no retirement for her. she's 65.
Just discovered your blog and have sat here and read page after page. Very enjoyable reading.
Your mom sounds amazing. And a little intimidating!
She must be amazing, and that must be some amazing job, too. I can't imagine wanting to work after retirement. At least, not work in the same field.
I hope she enjoys going back to work!
When you think about how much longer we will all be living, it doesn't surprise me to see people working past 65. After all, can you imagine retiring at 65 and having 20 years to fill with leisure time? I'd go nuts!
She's cool. But the photos - she has to do that!!
Your mom rocks. My parents are way more active and happy now that they are retired. Both in the seventies, and they have a more active social life than me (not hard mind you).
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