Last year, I started my yearly 3-month mini retirement. In 2022, I spent 3 months living in Barcelona, Spain and traveling around Europe. In 2023, I wanted to focus on my relationships. In previous posts, I talked about retiring early so I can spend more time with family and friends. I wanted to test that out and see if it’s all that it is cracked up to be. Sometimes relatives are only tolerable in moderation.
I spent the first half of my mini retirement mostly with family and catching up with friends. Both of my sisters have kids now, so I acted as an aux-pair for a few weeks. I absolutely love my niece and nephews. They bring me so much joy. But they did take up all of my free time and energy so I knew I couldn’t be a full-time baby sitter forever.
I also helped take care of my 86-year-old grandmother that is dependent on my parents. The first week I had a lot of patience. By the end of the month, I was sort of over it. I can see how caregiver strain is a thing. And it felt like I was back at work except doing the role of all of my supportive staff as well. I am glad I was able to provide my parents with some time off so they could go on a quick getaway.
Then, I was focused on my relationship with my boyfriend. We spent one month “living together” in Europe to see what that would be like. We spent most of the time in Spain and a little bit in Belgium. We definitely learned a lot about each other, and had our ups and downs. I am glad I gave us the time to invest in our relationship so that we can continue to grow together.
The last part of my mini retirement was traveling around Europe with one of my best friends and then later with my mom. My friend met up with me in Belgium, and then we traveled together to Luxembourg and London. Then my mom met up with me in London and then we traveled together to Scotland.
Honestly, the 3 months went by really fast. I am surprised I am more of a “worker bee” than I originally thought. I feel guilty when I am not working and seeing patients. It has motivated me to think of side projects I want to work on when I decide to pull the plug on working full time as a nurse practitioner.
I also realized that I enjoy one aspect of locum tenens not often talked about – which is Solitude. Solitude is the positive aspect of being alone. Working as a traveling nurse practitioner, I get my own place, that I do not have to share with anyone. I am away from most of my close friends and family, which gives me the opportunity to work on myself, and avoid distractions. I can do whatever I want, when I want. There is definitely something freeing in solitude.
retirement is about much more than the activities you’ve mentioned. It’s learning to grow and become something and someone “other” than an employee…. Many people enter into retirement, and all they know is “who I am at work”; this can be problematic when we don’t spend time getting to know ourselves. What other parts o “you” should you consider developing, in addition to being an excellent NP? Do you want to volunteer toward a great cause? Do you paint/draw/play a musical instrument, or time to learn? How about learning another language inorder to serve in that country in a way that’s unique and charitable? Are there political or other causes that speak to your heart? I love that you invested time in relationships; that’s very wise. Also great that you gave your parents a “break”…SO VERY NEEDED. Keep pondering and growing; you’re not only a healthcare provider. there are many other aspects to your personality and I encourage you to develop them “while” you are still working.
So true! It’s harder to transition from my NP identity than I expected. I have other passions on the side that I do even while working. The missing part after retirement is finding a way to still be productive and accomplish things that are not hobbies. So I am contemplating how I can spend a portion of my job ‘working’ on something that interests me. Thanks for the feedback!
I feel you. Solitude is my happy place.
I, too am thinking about the next steps. I will be 50 years old in Jan and I really want to start a successful business as a NP. The most difficult thing for me is finding my niche. Previously in primary care, and now internal medicine, my hands are in so many pots that it’s hard to distinguish a specific area of expertise.
Oh cool! Yeah I know a lot of NPs that open their own practice doing aesthetics and weight loss management. They are successful but it’s not my interest.
Hey Sophia,
Retirement is not all it’s cracked up to be! I had a laminectomy and fusion in 12/2022. I just accepted a gig up in Skowhegan, ME.
I’m starting on 8/21. Since the flights suck out of Orlando, so after ~5-6 hours of flying, I have a minimum 1+ hours of driving a compact car. And expect me to fly in on 8/20!!
They have me moving from an apartment after 3 days, into another providers rental building. All cute, but no laundry facilities.
Can I complain to my recruiter? I am NOT sitting in a laundromat on a Saturday!
What about the car situation? I drive a MB convertible, which I know they won’t give me, nor the Tesla Model Y hubby drives!! But a compact? In ice and snow?
My last gig was in TN, I drove from GA to TN. They rented me a 2 bed/2 bath lake front condo – gorgeous. I hired the lady that did the condo pre/post cleaning to come n Qweek. But, I had a full size washer/dryer.
I’m asking you because of your vast travel experience!
Thanks for any help you can give me, as to how hard I can push without losing the gig.
Karen Melde, CPNP