Q & A with John D. Weaver, MSW, LCSW, BCD, ACSW, CBHE
John D. Weaver is a founding partner of EYE OF THE STORM, Inc, a private consultation and education group practice specializing in disaster mental health, crisis intervention, and risk management related training and support. Weaver has been an active volunteer with several organizations including the Mental Health Association and the American Red Cross (ARC). He has assisted at several local and national disasters.
How will I know when I’m ready to retire?
Folks reach a point when they realize retirement is a serious option for them. Some clues that you’re there? Work you once loved or tolerated is not as appealing to you. Paperwork is becoming overwhelming. It is harder than ever to leave work at work. You have trouble relaxing. Work stress is starting to take a physical or emotional toll. You find yourself checking your retirement nest egg more often.
Bottom line: You will probably know when it is time to go.
What will I do with myself all day?
Retirement gives you extra time to do the things you enjoy: read, travel, exercise, socialize, garden, visit family, cook, enjoy recreational sports. It also gives you more time to do things that aren’t fun: cut the grass, clean, paint, get that surgery you’ve been putting off, visit family, and other things you’ve been putting off).
As long as you strike a balance between doing fun things and doing things you have to do, you’ll be fine.
I can’t just hang around the house all day, right?
Right! Both of you need to keep busy, sometimes together and other times by yourselves. Consider working or volunteering part time. Either way, it will keep you busy and that will keep you from getting tired of each other’s company.
