Sometimes, when sitting in front of the computer, I think I might write something very intellectual, or something earth shattering and amazing. I could spend hours trying to impress people with my genius ideas. I could put the world to rights, after all, I know all the answers to the political turmoil that's going on within our own shores, and those of the rest of the world. But do I want to do that? No, I can't be arsed.
So I'll stick with my simple ideas for a simple life.
Busy sewing today. Toodle pip. ilona
Woken by a power cut
9 hours ago
Ilona: Thanks very much for the video! One thing that I've always wondered about is your decision to retire itself - specifically the decision to leave behind the social network of friends and sense of purpose that working can provide. As a single woman like yourself that is what I struggle with in setting a date for retiring. Any insight you can offer would be wonderful! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi. My working life was probably a lot different to yours. A truckers working day, or night, can start at any time, it's a 24 hour operation. I might not see the other drivers because we didn't all start at the same time. We clock in, pick up the keys and paperwork and off we went out on the road. We all came back at different times depending on the length of the run we had.
DeleteI never had a social network of friends, they were my work colleagues, and as they were all male, mostly with families, we had very little in common except to talk about the job we were doing.
There was a sense of camaraderie among drivers when I parked up overnight in a truckstop or lorry park. I would sometimes join the men in the bar, have a pint and talk trucks. But it was almost impossible to form long term friendships with anyone due to always moving around, and never knowing where I was going from one day to the next.
I got my sense of purpose from delivering my load and going back with an empty trailer. Although I was proud of my achievements, at the end of the day I was just a driver, anyone could have done my job.
I was happy to retire at 60. The new legislation coming through from Brussels killed any enjoyment I had about the work. It was like we were back at school. I had to watch a training video on how to couple and uncouple a trailer, when I had been doing it thousands of times before. Responsibility was taken away from the driver in the cab, if they could have trained chimps to do the job they would have. I was just the person sat behind the wheel, all decisions were made by those in the office. I became a robot.
I was ready for new challenges, it was a relief not to have to go to work. I had done my duty, kept the wheels moving, my deliveries all helped to keep the country moving on. Food, building materials, chemicals, you name it, I have probably delivered everything you can think of, except livestock and car transporters.
My best friend carried on working because she liked her job and she earned pretty good money. She also liked spending it, unlike me.
If you are struggling to set a date, maybe you could do something crazy, like walking out one day, and saying goodbye to everyone. Give them a wave, and say you are not coming back. You might find that liberating. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Thanks, Ilona. You have, as always, provided much to think about - bless your heart!
DeleteAnother thing to consider is that although you will be leaving your work colleagues and friends behind, there will be a whole lot of new people to meet, as you fill your time doing things you want to do. New hobbies and interests will bring you in contact with people you haven't met before. Think of it as an adventure. Nothing stays the same, we have to move on.
DeleteIlona, just wanted to say that you have fantastic skin! I don't know if it is due to your diet or walking or positive attitude to life? Do you have any face cleansing regime? Please do tell! :)
ReplyDeleteHi. Probably all three of those. I try to eat a lot of fresh food, very little processed, hardly any alcohol. I don't eat meat or fish. Walking keeps my body going and is good for relaxation and the mind. And yes, I am positive, have no reason to stress about anything, what will be will be. I will overcome any obstacle in my way.
DeleteAs for face cleansing routine, all I do is wash my face under a cold tap every morning with soap. I then slap on some moisturizer, which could be anything, I even have some I found in a skip. I did buy a jar of Olay which is quite nice. That's it really. I don't wear makeup, can't be bothered. I think it makes an older woman look even older, as it tends to accentuate the lines.
Thanks for the reply. I thought you might say good old soap and water! I agree that make up accentuates the lines.
DeleteLoved it...loved it...loved it. Thank you Ilona for sharing. You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. xxx
DeleteI think you are talking absolute sense; plans for the same shortly. Downsize the property (thankfully mortgage-free) and just enjoy life without spending ridiculous amounts of money; thanks Ilona, always follow your blog. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, I'm chuffed that you like my blog. xxx
DeleteThank you Ilona.....enjoyed the video. Many of us are like minded. Unless you are extremely wealthy, everyone needs to know how to save and you give some very good tips and ideas. It's surprising but some of the simplest tips people have not considered. I have a group I sew with on Fri. and we are all retired. You would be surprised what seems 'common sense' to some has never been thought of by others. Keep up the good advice. Patty McDonald
ReplyDeleteI find it very strange that people have different levels of common sense. I suppose that could be down to people who are more educated than others, and have a different level of intelligence. I am not very clever, did not go into further education, but learnt all about life through living it.
DeleteI could listen to your story over and over again. Love it and thank you for sharing. My company will be out of business when I am 58. I will still need to pay for health insurance until 65, but I am determined to live a fuller life with less work and if I do work, it will be something that gives me joy. Thank you again for your wonderful message.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with that, Sondra. You take control of your own life, it belongs to you, nobody else.
DeleteIt would be nice to hear some memorable stories from your trucking days.
ReplyDeleteFunny you said that, I was thinking along the same lines. Now that I am approaching 70 maybe it's a time to include some of my past life and record it for historical reasons. I'll get my thinking cap on.
DeleteI would love to hear about memories from your childhood as well.I remember you saying that you came from the same area as my Dads side of the Family.Things like did you have hand me downs from other Family members,did you have holidays,a bike,dolls...Hope you dont think that this is being nosy,lol.I just love hearing other peoples memories,because again there is so much us of a certain age could show the young uns!!,xx
DeleteRetirement ? You mostly wonder how you ever had time to go to work!
ReplyDeleteI make my own soap, washing powder, kombucha, sourdough,cook healthy meals, shop at farmers market, belong to a ladies bushwalking group and a handmade art book group, I knit, crochet, sew, make quilts, read, work in my garden, do some yoga and walk around the neighborhood nearly every dayand often get clothes and craft supplies from the local charity shops....wouldn't go back to work if you paid me. 😆
Your life seems pretty full right now. Brilliant.
DeleteThank you for being one of the "few" who do not mention politics. Your site is always a bit of fresh air. Keep on talking about everyday life. Ordinary people, like us, are always way more interesting than politicians or celebrities.
ReplyDeleteI think about politics, but I find it's best not to talk about it too often.
DeleteI wondered what on earth I would fill my time with after retirement from teaching. I really shouldn;t have worried. I've remade my lie and the sense of control and personal choice is very fulfilling.
ReplyDelete(and I spend a lot less now)
xx
Nice to know you have embraced changes to your life, and are now in a good place.
DeleteAs always.helpful,sincere with good old fashion values that a lot of people seem to be lacking in these days.I know that lots and lots of people read your blog,but I will go as far to say that you should have your own write ups in the newspapers!.Why doesnt every one see that this is a really sensible way to live!.And although Ive never been one to splash the cash..I have been guilty of wasting money on things that I didnt need,but were in the sales!.This was many many years ago,but these mistakes still cost money!.When growing up,we didnt have alot.My Dad worked full time and my worked part time but was always there for us before and after school.But I never felt deprived in any way because they saved for taking us kids on days out and holidays.We had an old car and used to pile in it.Every thing we owned was looked after and nothing was left on our plates at meal times.Life is for living and as you say,as long as all the bills are paid,what money is left over can be used the doing more exciting things..having fun..being happy!.Also knowing that you have money behind you for any emergencies.People these days,seem to forget that having fun neednt cost money.I noticed a family down the park yesterday,all sat around a picnic blanket eating sandwiches,drinking water all chatting away to each other..they even cleared all their litter up and took it with them.And I sat and reflected,that this is how life used to be...should still be!.Simple but Happy!! As always,Ilona you give very good advice,xx
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice as always Ilona. Far too many people are stuck with n jobs they dislike because they’ve taken on too many financial commitments and live way beyond their means. I realised a llong time ago that living more frugally and simply would give me a lot more choices and cut my cloth accordingly. When work got too stressful I was able to reduce my hours and I’m now on the cusp of handing in my notice. I have another less demanding job that I’ll do 2-3 days a month but I’ll be able to choose my hours. Your blog and way of life has helped me enormously so thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm chuffed that I have been some help.
DeleteHi Ilona Mayze Heidi and Oscar - Loved your explanation regarding your job very interesting. I gave up my job as a bank secretary due to my father going down with Alzheimers Disease - I cared for him for 8 years. Since then I got involved in hobbies pet care and caring. I have a lovely lady calling frequently who is an angel she cuts our lawns takes me out for coffee near the sea and is so so kind. Yes you are so right life does change for us all - i am the same age as you Ilona and am a full time carer and cat carer too. I thought of you today as i went shopping in Tesco and bought some yellow stickers they are great and helps with the finance. Life can be very expensive as we get older and you are so right to look for bargains. I love all your posts and look forward to seeing them. Benny wants to go out in the pouring rain he is old and confused so sometimes i have to keep him in but he has a lovely life good food lots and lots of love and Amy. Lots of love Ilona and your darling pets. thank you for your great advice.xxxx Liz Amy and Benny.xxxx
ReplyDeleteThank you for your story.
Deletegreat vid.. you are extrememly fortunate that state pension kicked in at 60!!
ReplyDeleteYes. I am pleased that my mum and dad had sex at the right time, ha ha.
DeleteIlona, I love your blog as it echoes my own philosophy of life. I am in the fortunate position of having an NHS pension to look forward to when I am 60. It will not be huge as I have always worked part time and had time out to bring up my children, but I know I am very lucky.
ReplyDeleteWhen I got to 55 I felt like you, that I was no longer enjoying my work. The work intensity had led to burn out. On my on call days I was making a medical decision once every ten minutes, in a long 11 hour day. It felt very unsafe and I felt the longer I stayed the more likely I was to make a mistake. I now do much less, just enough to pay my bills, which due to not buying anything, are small. My pleasures are mostly free: going to the library, walking my dogs.
The other blog I used to follow was 'Frugal Queen'. I really miss her tips, and following the progress of her 'Fluffies'.
Try this.
Deletehttps://www.facebook.com/FrugalqueeninFrance/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
What strikes me is your independence! It’s the greatest luxury and the simplest pleasure to be independent. It’s funny because I’m married with four children and work as a midwife , intimately involved with other people’s lives, but what I like best is being alone and making my own decisions. I love my life , and don’t regret a thing . Aren’t we complex, us humans ? I always read your blog and vicariously revel in your independence.
ReplyDelete