This is a continuation of our one year project. If you are a new listener to the show, we do have a lot of back episodes where you can search and find information that you’re looking for starting with Episode 239.
Today, my co-host Barbara Mock and I talk about something that she’s struggling with. Barbara is a grandma and she has seen the struggles that young families are having. She works through her feelings and her ideas on how she can help her own children and grandchildren deal with the pandemic. Perhaps listening to this bonus episode of the rock your retirement show can give you some ideas as well.
Online Class Struggles
In a time of the COVID pandemic, it’s really causing you to think about what to do every day. One of the things that everyone’s been struggling with is the fact that kids are not in school for the most part. So what Barbara did was that she planned and took off a week’s vacation to go help with my two grandchildren. getting them started with online school. Barbara wasn’t sure what to expect but she loves kids.
Barbara loves teaching but it was so hard to walk a mile and her daughter’s shoes. You’ve got a first grader and a four-year-old. She was so exhausted, it was difficult for her grandson, but he soldiered through. Constantly getting kicked off of the Zoom call. It just wasn’t what Barbara consider to be the best learning environment. She realized being in three places, as a mom, doing the groceries, going to work, keeping these kids occupied, and trying to educate them. It’s just almost more than a person can bear.
While Barbara was happy to help her daughter with the kids, it felt kind of sad, to turn around and go home. And there she was, working through it. But it’s been very, very difficult. That is why Barbara has empathy for young moms.
We’re All Feeling Stress During this Pandemic
it’s easy to kind of have the old adage of children should be seen and not heard because kids need to move and they need to laugh and they need to sing. During this time, we’re all feeling stress and we’re underestimating it. We all manifest that stress or deal with that stress in many different ways. Some of us lash out, some of us are irritable, some of us are withdrawn or depressed.
Kids on the other hand have a hard time putting this in any sort of logic. When they see their parents or grandparents being stressed, a lot of times those meltdowns are just their way of trying to cope. They don’t have the ability or the skills that we have to hide it. Sometimes I think we should just scream just to let it out. But kids do say that.
Having Time to Help Out Through This Pandemic
Retirees have the opportunity to help this generation through this pandemic time by just being creative. Not saying you know, jeopardize your life, but certainly, with a mask, social distancing, just doing things outdoors, or even just helping out saying, I’ll pick up a pizza and deliver it. There are just so many things, that we weren’t in the habit of doing. We need to kind of change it up a little bit, just to provide that extra encouragement and support for these young women are facing.
It’s time for us, as parents, grandparents friends, to step up and maybe stand in the gap just a little bit safer, to help these kids and these grandkids.
In this episode of the Rock Your Retirement Show, Edd and Cynthia explore the concept of Slow Travel. They explain that Slow Travel is a movement that encourages travelers to take their time and stay in one place for an extended period of time, rather than cramming in experiences during a short trip. The idea is to explore the area more deeply, eat at local restaurants, and stay in local Airbnbs or B&Bs.
Slow Travel is also cost-effective, as constantly hopping from place to place can add up quickly. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to build in days for rest and relaxation, making for a more rejuvenating travel experience. Kathe, Edd and Cynthia also discuss the concept of a work-ation, where travelers work and vacation at the same time, and Kathe recommends ExecutiveTravel.com as a resource for planning those work-ation trips.
The hosts also touch on the benefits of slow travel, such as having more time to explore the local culture and meet like-minded people. Even if the connections made while traveling are not long-lasting, they can still be enriching experiences. The episode concludes with a recommendation to look into slow travel as a way to make the most of your travel experiences. Listeners can visit the hosts’ website https://EddAndCynthia.com for more information.
Edd and Cynthia have been traveling the world for the past 13 years, living on their Social Security income. They picked a location with a low cost of living, which is how they are able to afford their lifestyle. During COVID, Ecuador followed the US’s lead and was strict about the lockdown. Ed and Cynthia weren’t too inconvenienced since they were already living a low-key lifestyle and working online. When they were able to travel, they got tested and flew to the US. To avoid the overhead of an apartment, they decided to travel full-time and stay in private rooms through Airbnb. For longer stays, they will rent an entire apartment. They have also visited family and stayed with them for free. This past summer, they spent two and a half months in Europe, visiting Lisbon, Madrid, Bordeaux, Paris, and London.
Paris and London are expensive for most people, so our guests stayed in the suburbs and used public transportation for their security budget.
They used to live in Ecuador in a 3000-square-foot apartment for $600 a month. Additionally, for health, they had 100% coverage with a zero deductible health insurance for $82 a month. The inflation rate has been low. Organic food is accessible. Their rent has only gone up by $100. Smartly, they used credit cards strategically to get bonus points and free flights. When they came back for a visit, they noticed the difference in food prices in the US. Apparently, the US is the most expensive place in the world to buy food.
Slow Travel
Edd and Cynthia plan to travel until they tire of it, but they may not return to the US due to insufficient social security income and the stressful North American culture. Now they are Goldilocks people, like Ecuador’s moderate climate, and dislike the hot and humid weather of South Carolina and Charleston.
Our retiree-in-residence couple has been traveling for the past decade and is currently in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Our couple has lived in Ecuador and Colombia previously. Edd and Cynthia discuss the various microclimates in Ecuador. Most importantly they talk about how they had to consider their grandchildren when they decided to move. The couple mentions Mexico as a potential place to move to. You’ll learn about how they scout possible places to stay longer. You can also learn more because they blog about their travels, and offer a course on how to move out of the country.
Geo-Arbitrage
They explain Geo-Arbitrage, which is moving from one place to another that is cheaper. They mention Argentina being a 50% off sale due to their currency not doing well against the US dollar. They encourage the listener to check out their website, https://EddandCynthia.com, for more information on moving out of the country.
What to Wear on your Retirement Day by Laura Watson
Thinking about your retirement party brings up many questions. What should I wear? Who can I ask to be my plus one? Do I need to reserve a special room or is any old room good enough? Where can I find affordable decorations and table settings? How much money do I need to set aside for gifts, food, and entertainment? And perhaps most importantly, what the heck do I wear on my retirement day?
These may seem like little details that don’t require much planning. But with so much at stake in terms of self-presentation, first impressions, and lasting memories, dressing appropriately on your final day at work is absolutely essential. Read on for our best tips regarding what to wear on your retirement day:
Decide on your outfit ahead of time
Of all the details we’ve listed, this might be the most important. Wearing the “wrong” thing on your retirement day will instantly undermine all the other work you put into the event.
It’s an unfortunate fact that all eyes will be on you, and if you’re not dressed for the occasion, your friends and colleagues might feel distracted by your attire and miss out on the joy of the day. This doesn’t mean you have to go all out and don full formal wear. But you should definitely decide on your outfit ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.
If you can, wear something that represents your career or your personality. If you’ve gotten a promotion or won an award during your time at the company, this is a great chance to show it off. You don’t have to wear formal wear, either.
A bright shirt, a flashy tie, or a stylish jacket can also make a great outfit. Of course, you should also consider the rest of your attire. Your pants, socks, shoes, and other accessories should be appropriate for the occasion.
Dressing for the occasion: Finding the right balance
Retirement is, of course, a formal occasion, but it’s also not a wedding. While you want to look your best and make a great impression on your friends and colleagues, you don’t want to wear anything too flashy or attention-grabbing.
This is a celebration of your career, not an excuse to show off your designer wardrobe. You should wear what is appropriate for a work event: no jeans or sneakers, no sleeveless shirts or shorts, and nothing overtly revealing or too flashy. Instead, look for tasteful clothing that is comfortable, easily washable, and age-appropriate.
You don’t want your retirement party to be the first time you wear that ridiculously expensive designer suit you’ve been saving for decades. Save it for the next company gala.
Don’t wear black (unless you’re a man)
Black is a powerful color, often associated with gravitas and formality. It’s also the color of mourning and grief. If you’re a man, black is fine, but it’s important to recognize the cultural context of your clothing. If you’re a woman, however, wearing black is a bad idea.
For women, a much better color choice would be a strong and vibrant shade of blue. Blue is associated with confidence, intelligence, and trustworthiness. It’s also the color of the sky, the sea, and other natural elements. Blue is a bold and beautiful color that will help you stand out as a strong, confident woman.
Go for color and vibrancy
Beyond the specific color choices, you should also look for vibrant, colorful clothing. This will help you stand out among your peers, but in a positive way. It’s common for people to be nervous or anxious at a retirement party, and bright, eye-catching clothing can help you overcome this nervousness.
It’s also a great way to make sure that you’re remembered; the host of the party will appreciate your vibrant clothing, and your friends will remember it forever. A great way to find vibrant clothing is to visit a local thrift store. You can find great ready to wear pieces from previous decades that are both colorful and comfortable.
Another option would be to visit a vintage clothing store; many such shops have a large selection of vibrant vintage clothing that would be perfect for a retirement party.
Look for comfortable, breathable fabrics
Retirement parties tend to be long. You’ll likely be celebrating well into the evening, and you might even have to stand for a speech or two. Even if you have the luxury of sitting down most of the time, you’ll be on your feet plenty.
To make sure you stay comfortable throughout the event, you should select clothing made from breathable fabrics. This will keep you cool and collected even as the event progresses.
It’s also important to select fabrics that are comfortable as you move around. For women, a nice suit made from a soft, stretchy fabric would be a great choice. A soft pair of slacks with a stretchy waistband would also be a good option.
Plan your accessories with care
If you don’t want to wear a suit and you don’t want to wear a dress, what should you wear? Accessories are very important in this situation. You can still make a great impression with a carefully selected tie or an eye-catching watch.
You might also want to consider a nice pair of shoes; many people overlook footwear and don’t realize how important it is to find comfortable, stylish shoes. A carefully selected tie can be a great way to show your personality.
You can use it to reference your career or show off your interests and hobbies. You might even want to use your retirement party as an opportunity to debut a new tie.
Find the right shoes
One of the last things you should think about when choosing your outfit for your retirement party is the shoes. This is not the time to break in a new pair of dress shoes or to wear a pair of clunky hiking boots. Instead, you should find comfy, stylish shoes that will go well with pretty much anything.
While there are definitely footwear options that are more formal than others, it’s important to keep in mind that the goal is to look comfortable, not overly prim and proper.
You want to look like yourself, not like you’ve been forced into the wrong role. Retirement parties are a celebration of a lifetime of hard work and accomplishments. While they can be stressful and nerve-wracking, you can make things a little easier by dressing appropriately.
Conclusion
Retirement parties can be stressful and nerve-wracking, but you can make things a little easier by dressing appropriately. You’ll want to make sure to wear something that is appropriate for a work event and to make sure it represents your personality.
It’s also important to choose vibrant, colorful clothing that will help you stand out. It’s also important to choose comfy, breathable fabrics and to plan your accessories with care. When it comes to shoes, you should find ones that are comfortable and go well with pretty much anything.
Retirement is a time that marks the passage from a life full of work to a life of leisure, accomplishment, and choice. As most people feel defined by their job, that transition to retirement is not always easy. Like other major life transitions, it can be filled with various emotions and concerns and it has been a crazy two weeks of farewell for Barbara. Not everyone would actually go through what she did, but some people would. And it’s good to be prepared for the emotional roller coaster. Besides, retirement marked as a life passage into the next chapter of your life.
One Farewell After Another
It starts with your retirement letter which was really hard to write. Barbara wanted to be really thoughtful, but she also wanted to say goodbye to her county executive who had faith in her to be a leader. Then you have to send a letter to HR and give them all the details of what you want with your leave time. That one letter unleashed a whole bunch of things.
The first one was on that following week, the county council entered into a joint resolution with our county executive. Barbara was really humbled to be on my vacation called by the Council, you need to be at this meeting on Monday. it was so humbling to have the county executive and accounting Council, not only say nice things but actually adopt a resolution that will be in the county record forever.
Farewell to Co-Workers
No matter how much you’ve looked forward to the day of leaving your place of employment when the day comes, it might be a surreal experience. Make your transition easier for yourself and others by letting people that have touch your heart. Anyone Barbara could think of that God brought to mind that she needed to say a special word of goodbye. Sometimes she connected with them and they’d either burst into tears or were delighted, or exchanged phone numbers.
A couple of people Barbara could tell were online. But they didn’t pick up and she thought, Oh, well, maybe they’re on a break. So then she’d leave on a really nice voicemail saying goodbye, saying if you want to stay in touch, and a few of them emailed her back and said, I’m sorry, I just couldn’t take the call. I didn’t want to cry. But on those hard days, when things are going bad, I’m going to play your voicemail.
Finally, I’m Retired
I’m retired, I’ve been learning a lot, Barbara said. Next week, we fly to Arizona for kind of a romantic anniversary trip, combined with golf and sightseeing. It feels very strange. I Barbara have to mentally tell herself, you will never work again. You don’t have a schedule. You don’t have to worry about anything today. She thought it’d be harder to detach than it is. But when you don’t have email or an office or things calling too, you really don’t know what’s going on, you dismiss the people that you were with. It’s weird. It’s just plain weird to not have that, especially when you’ve been doing something like this for so long, to just all of a sudden be on a permanent vacation.
Retiring is Super Emotional
What was lost can be restored. And that is all your hopes, all your dreams. It’s temporary. And if I’m an indicator of anything that’s going forward, whatever it was, you felt like you missed out during the pandemic will be restored, but you’ll be so much more grateful for it. The other thing I was learning, just hearing people is telling people how you feel about them in life before the memorial service. And that when God brings someone across your path, by showing them love or encouragement or empathy, you just don’t know the impact it’s going to have on them for that moment or that day. Exchange contact info with people that you want to stay in touch with. It’s too overwhelming to do it all at the end. So give yourself some time for those people that you want to stay in touch with.
Do you have any questions for Barbara?
Do you have any just general questions? Email us your questions at Podcast@RockYourRetirement.com and we will try to answer them in the show.
Angie Strehlow who helps us get great guests that help us with our retirement lifestyle while keeping everything on track…and helps with these show notes!
Les Briney, my husband, who edits the show and makes my guests and me sound terrific.
Sharon Drury, who volunteers her time to work on transcription for us.
YOU for telling your friends about the show, leaving comments below, and sharing episodes you really like on Facebook, and reviewing the show on iTunes
This is a continuation of our one year project. If you are a new listener to the show, we do have a lot of back episodes where you can search and find information that you’re looking for starting with Episode 239.
What to Wear on your Retirement Day by Laura Watson
Retirement is a time that marks the passage from a life full of work to a life of leisure, accomplishment, and choice. As most people feel defined by their job, that transition to retirement is not always easy. Like other major life transitions, it can be filled with various emotions and concerns and it has been a crazy two weeks of 
with golf and sightseeing. It feels very strange. I Barbara have to mentally tell herself, you will never work again. You don’t have a schedule. You don’t have to worry about anything today. She thought it’d be harder to detach than it is. But when you don’t have email or an office or things calling too, you really don’t know what’s going on, you dismiss the people that you were with. It’s weird. It’s just plain weird to not have that, especially when you’ve been doing something like this for so long, to just all of a sudden be on a permanent vacation.