Retired, but not so much
By Denise
@petatonicsca (7070)
Japan
July 17, 2022 1:33am CST
Officially I am retired, meaning I no longer have a regular job at the school I taught at for years and years (41 to be exact).
However, fortunately for my mental health and also my pocketbook, I am continuing to teach flute privately. I don't have many students in the summer but when autumn comes and everyone comes back from their holidays, I will probably have plenty of students.
I also got to make a guide video in English for Sakurajima Visitor Center, and am working remotely as a translator for them (yes, working).
So far the worst thing about retirement is deciding what to do with all the stuff that had to come home from my office. I had no idea I owned that much flute music!
The best thing is staying home with my cats, who have decided that whatever happened to make me stay home is a good thing.
What do you do or intend to do when not working? It's hard for me!
5 people like this
5 responses
@jstory07 (139974)
• Roseburg, Oregon
17 Jul 22
I retired at 61 after 40 some years of working at the same company. But now I do mystery shops, taste tests and reviews on items that are send to me. I sell on ebay, next door and facebook. I go from site to site all day and do fun stuff every morning. Being retired is great.
@petatonicsca (7070)
• Japan
17 Jul 22
I love teaching, so I don't think it's so great, but I'm glad most people enjoy it. I unfortunately can't do any of those mystery shop or taste test things because of my food allergies. But, I do have a bunch of apps (specific to Japan) that are called "sukima no jikan" (in your spare time) apps that I can earn a bit. I also publish music. However, I can't spend a lot of time at the screen because I get dizzy if I'm on a computer or phone too much!
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (139974)
• Roseburg, Oregon
17 Jul 22
@petatonicsca You sound like you are happy doing what you do. That is always good.
@petatonicsca (7070)
• Japan
17 Jul 22
@jstory07 I've always struggled with summer holidays because there's nobody around and not much to do in the form of work. I am now all rested up and rarin' to go. I am happy doing what I do normally, that's for sure.
1 person likes this
@petatonicsca (7070)
• Japan
17 Jul 22
Music, general (vocal and instrumental) in elementary, middle school choir, and flutes. I also played piano for the two high school groups. It is taking five people to replace me. 
1 person likes this
@sjvg1976 (41290)
• Delhi, India
17 Jul 22
@petatonicsca seems you are a talented teacher.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342088)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Jul 22
I know what you're saying about having a lot of music. I have a lot too but it's piano music. I also have way too many books but am working on cutting down on them.
@JudyEv (342088)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Jul 22
@petatonicsca You are right about no one wanting books. But I'm gradually gettting rid of some.
@petatonicsca (7070)
• Japan
17 Jul 22
Ouch, don't talk to me about books. I had a couple of shelves of books about music and education, plus all the books I had at home. I hate throwing out books or music. And nobody wants books now, they have Kindles (so do I).
1 person likes this
@ZedSmart (19786)
• Philippines
17 Jul 22
It's good that you still find comfort doing your passion. You remind me of one of my teachers. She's our English department head in high school but I met her a couple of years after and she became my teacher in college because according to her, teaching is her passion and she don't want to stop teaching even after her retirement in public school.
