Retirement: an "opportunity"
I “retired” from a fulltime FACEM position at Dunedin Hospital ED just over a year ago and would like to share some thoughts on the journey.
Firstly, I don’t use the term “retirement”. To me it sounds like “tired” – but worse!
I describe my role as “no longer in paid employment (NLIPE),” rather than using the word retired.
There have been many highlights in my career. Definitely, the opportunity to help people in need, even if it was just words of encouragement, pain relief or a friendly face. In reality, very few lives are “saved” in the ED.
I learnt something new on the job every single day and this certainly helped to maintain my interest. It was a privilege to work with bright young people who were highly motivated and keen to learn.
“‘I describe my role as “no longer in paid employment (NLIPE)”, rather than using the word retired.’”
I also did several trips as a ship doctor (unpaid) and these were real highlights. I was lucky enough to visit the Ross Sea, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula and the Subantarctic Islands (Auckland, Campbell and Macquarie) while travelling as ship doctor. These places are magical gems of nature, largely unspoiled and are wildlife havens.
Cons (of NLIPE):
Your income plummets (!), although I think most people run out of time well before they run out of money, so this should be a factor to consider.
Your status changes from being a “respected ED doctor” to being plain Joe Bloggs, like everyone else in society.
There are, however, lots of pros:
My life no longer revolves around “the roster”. Our roster was like atrial fibrillation – irregularly irregular. Whenever I was asked to do anything, my response was always, ‘I will check the roster and let you know’. Now, I can just say, ‘yes’ (if it suits me).
Saying goodbye to shift work – in particular, working the late shifts, which is much harder into your 60s. In fact, the main reason I retired at 65 was that working till 1-2 am on late shift and then being on-call was just too hard. It is refreshing to no longer be chronically tired and to have enough energy each day for exercise and to stay fit.
“‘It was a privilege to work with bright young people who were highly motivated and keen to learn.’”
Being NLIPE is an “opportunity” to explore new options. After spending a career indoors, I really enjoy the improved opportunity to get outdoors. There are so many volunteering opportunities available, to suit virtually everyone, depending on your interests. I plan to do a volunteer trip with the Department of Conservation (DOC) each year. Last year’s trip was a helicopter ride in to do eight days of track/hut maintenance in the beautiful Hollyford Valley in Fiordland National Park. As well as this, I help to maintain the tracks in an area of native bush owned by Forest & Bird Society, close to Dunedin.
I also have joined a Tuesday Tramping Group of over-60s that do a reasonably strenuous day tramp each week. It is inspiring to see people in their late 70s and into their 80s getting out there each week.
As well as keeping your body active, keeping your brain active is of obvious importance, so to assist this I have enrolled in bridge lessons, which are good fun.
Having left the paid workforce has also been an opportunity to pursue hobbies. My golf has, ironically, gotten worse but it still ticks all the boxes: exercise, social and is an outdoor activity. I also love fly-fishing and am still pursuing that elusive ten-pounder! My wife and I have recently bought e-bikes and so are looking forward to exploring more tracks in Central Otago.
We are fortunate enough to own a small house with a modest orchard in Central Otago and I have enjoyed having more time to grow fruit and to enhance the property by planting native species.
I have managed to upskill in the kitchen and around the house (probably a good thing!). My wife put her medical career on hold while we had young children, so it is her turn to pursue her career, and I am happy to support her in her role.
I am blessed to have two grandchildren and a third on the way. It is a privilege to have time to spend with them to watch them develop and slowly mature.
Advice:
“‘Work on developing interests and hobbies well before you retire.’”
As for advice, there are lots of mentoring and workshop opportunities available to assist new FACEMs but there is very little, for those approaching the other end of their career. In many ways, the transition into retirement is a bigger adjustment than the step into the FACEM role. I went “cold turkey”, which was probably not my best decision ever, but it has worked out well. A staged approach to give time to adjust to the new lifestyle is probably a wiser idea.
Have a rough plan.
Work on developing interests and hobbies well before you retire.
Get out while you are still ahead and don’t stay working in ED beyond your ‘use by’ date!
Good luck and make the most of your journey!
