Retirement Should Mean Wondering How You Found Time To Work
Retirement is another word for opportunity
Retirement is another word for opportunity. Retirement speeches should emphasise this. That doesnt mean, of course, that everyone sees it that way. For those who have to retire because they have been given compulsory retirement or because of ill health it is often not easy to face the future. Yet whatever reason people have for retiring it is always the start of a new way of life.
Retirees have that most precious gift, that of time. They have time to talk to their neighbours over the fence. They have time to play with their grandchildren. They have time to take trips. What a pity though that they dont all avail of the other opportunities that are out there. A retirement speech should be motivational and say Go out there and do something special with your life now that you have the time.
There are all sorts of classes for instance where retirees can improve their minds, or make their bodies fitter. Adult classes dont have to be hard work. They can be great fun depending on the subject you choose. It can be really exciting to study something new that you have never studied before. By choosing reflexology classes for instance you can enjoy watch a class full of people enjoying getting their feet rubbed! The writer of a retirement speech should do his homework and find out just what is available locally.
There are dozens and dozens of clubs and associations anxious to welcome new members. You dont have to spend more time at the golf club but could take up archery or join a dramatic society instead. Can you sing? If so why not join a choir or take part in a musical? Maybe you would like to meditate or do a class in theology? A good retirement speech will make the retiree think of all the options available to him or to her.
If the retiree is giving a speech he or she will probably be in reflective mood. Undoubtedly he or she should speak of the friends made at work and the enjoyment the job gave. He or she may have to thank a colleague for helping or indeed all those who contributed to a farewell gift. The speaker may tease those who will still have to face the rush hour traffic while he or she is playing golf or enjoying meeting friends.
Retirement speeches should convey the message that retirement is about having time to do all those things youve always promised yourself you will do.