Retirement Living in Chicago: Living in my Home

by Dottie
(Chicago)

I retired part time, when I was 75, I could not bear the thought of retiring completely. I still work thirty hours, so I don't know for sure if I qualify.

I teach school, as I did for fifty years. I did not move although I could have, and applied to an elementary school at my new location. I did however, own my own building, the income was good, I had a lovely garden, had lived there forty some years, and had three cats and one pit bull.

My home pretty much of everything I wanted, so I did not choose to move, plus Simon, my pit is not really friendly to strangers. But if you play ball with him you will have a friend for life. As a matter of fact I play ball every day.

My patio is a place where you want to spend your days, reading, gardening, and just enjoying the sun. I only work three and one half days a week, so I have wonderful hours to enjoy my retirement.

I live in Chicago, in a lovely neighbourhood, where almost everything you want or need is accessible to you. I also drive and fortunately I can go where I want, any time I want. I am financially able to be independent.

I am very lucky and I am very grateful. When You retire you go through some mental change, thoughts change, long term plans are distant, but I felt staying in my own home and so a little side work I would feel better about myself. I did not have to do much to my house, but I did get one of those alarm buttons, in case you fall, as I live alone.

I hated that thing, but I wore it. It's funny how your thinking changes, at first it is like you life is over, but slowly you adjust and get used to it. But I will tell you that most retired people I know would rather be working.

SIGN UP: Retirement Insider