The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many people around the world to stay at home. Some have retained their employment and are working online; too many others have lost their jobs. It’s a lot like retirement! For millions of people life has changed from being fully occupied throughout the day, to trying to occupy one’s brain and body while confined in a small space. And most were completely unprepared for the dramatic change in their lifestyles.
Some have reverted to earlier ways of living and surviving, and are making bread and yoghurt; others have rediscovered the pleasures of gardening and sewing. Books have become more important and it is likely that many will take to writing, perhaps to document these historic times and record their emotions. It also seems possible that there will be a spike in the birthrate nine months from now!
The question is: was that previous frantic lifestyle of commuting, work, childrearing, dining out, gym exercise and so on, really necessary? In life, before retirement and after, it is too easy to get swept up in activities. There is great pressure to be involved, to achieve, make your mark and be admired. For some, retirement becomes even more frantic than being in the workforce.
Time with nothing to do is time to think. What do you value most? What is really worthwhile for you? What would you really like to do that is different from the usual? And if you are socially minded, what could be different and better for us all when it is over? Disasters, like retirement are opportunities for change. It will be easiest to revert back to the old way of living when the pandemic is under control. But is that what you want? When faced with isolation from normal life, as with retirement, it’s a valuable time to start thinking.
Renaissance not Retirement 