The way my schedule is arranged, I'm in essence working part-time. My vacation time is scattered in among the working days--use-it-or-lose-it. That has pluses and minuses, for any of you thinking of phasing out in the same way. I'm thinking of it as practice retirement, but . . .
Much of the workflow is email and computer generated. That means that even if I'm not at work, there is the pressure to keep up with the emails. I don't like students to wait in a vacuum, so I've always tried to let them know I saw the email and when I will get to the issue. But it is not just the students who expect instant feedback. So do other employees and managers. The biggest issue, in all honesty, is my need for a clean desk and an empty inbox, both real and virtual. (Many of the demons of the workplace are of our own creation, don't you think?) Next week, I intend to see how I can manage this issue in a more effective manner.
One of the things I don't want to happen when my eight days are done and I'm officially retire is to get old, fat, and stupid overnight. Not that I think retired people are any of those things by virtue of their age, but there is the opportunity to make bad choices and have bad results. I don't intend to do that--please see my lengthy previously posted list. However, many of the activities, like blogging, tend to exercise my fingers and brain more than my other parts. That is why I plan to pursue many of the items as possible while walking on my treadmill or resting on an exercise ball. I can also stand up and use the computer. All good health choices. At the moment, I'm walking on the treadmill at 2.0 mph. Every little bit helps.
On a more happy note, Steve and I sent in our passport renewal applications today. We don't have anything in particular planned, but we want to be ready. The places both in the country and out that I would like to see are too numerous to mention. I believe that in the 10 year life of the passport, we can make a hole in my list. Then I'll need to start a new one.
Comments anyone?
Much of the workflow is email and computer generated. That means that even if I'm not at work, there is the pressure to keep up with the emails. I don't like students to wait in a vacuum, so I've always tried to let them know I saw the email and when I will get to the issue. But it is not just the students who expect instant feedback. So do other employees and managers. The biggest issue, in all honesty, is my need for a clean desk and an empty inbox, both real and virtual. (Many of the demons of the workplace are of our own creation, don't you think?) Next week, I intend to see how I can manage this issue in a more effective manner.
One of the things I don't want to happen when my eight days are done and I'm officially retire is to get old, fat, and stupid overnight. Not that I think retired people are any of those things by virtue of their age, but there is the opportunity to make bad choices and have bad results. I don't intend to do that--please see my lengthy previously posted list. However, many of the activities, like blogging, tend to exercise my fingers and brain more than my other parts. That is why I plan to pursue many of the items as possible while walking on my treadmill or resting on an exercise ball. I can also stand up and use the computer. All good health choices. At the moment, I'm walking on the treadmill at 2.0 mph. Every little bit helps.
On a more happy note, Steve and I sent in our passport renewal applications today. We don't have anything in particular planned, but we want to be ready. The places both in the country and out that I would like to see are too numerous to mention. I believe that in the 10 year life of the passport, we can make a hole in my list. Then I'll need to start a new one.
Comments anyone?
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