What makes for a "full" day?

[vito]

When I was still in the work world, and with a great deal of real authority at work, I used to think a full day was one when I really made a difference. It wasn't the amount of time I spent working, because that in itself really meant nothing, but whether or not I better served the people who were our ultimate customers (the elderly residents in the many nursing homes I was supervising) or made the work or life better for the many people who worked for me. Once I retired I had to redefine for myself what was a full, or good day. I often joke and tell people that as a retired senior, I do nothing Monday through Friday and then I rest on the weekends. But in fact a day spent doing nothing often leaves me fidgety and feeling like I am wasting precious time.

So a day like today is now what makes me feel I had a good, useful day. I spent about 2 hours surfing the internet, then took the dog out for a one hour, two and a half mile walk. After the walk I took the motorcycle out and went for a two hour, 100 mile ride in the relatively cold weather (48 degrees). Then a shower, late lunch, and I fell asleep on the couch. Not too many years ago I would berated myself for "wasting" the day with what I had done, but now as an old retired curmudgeon, I feel like I had a productive and full day. I wonder if I make it to 85, ten years from now, will I consider it a good day if I wake up other than dead in the morning.

 

[Jeepnik]

Any day, no matter what your age is a "full" day if you wake up on the right side of the dirt.

 

[JFB]

When I was “working”, I don’t think I ever had any authority, but I did have a lot of responsibility.
All of my assignments had a definite and “time is of the essence” completion. That completion was to return a utility’s generator back to service either from schedule maintenance or from some sort of failure that forced it out of service. While shifts were scheduled and most others had the luxury of being able to just work them, I did not and worked what it took, when needed. There were several incidences I worked till exhausted, but the assignment eventually came to an end.
I LOVED it!

However, I got hit with a family medical that forced me to quit work. For the last, I forget how many years; my new job is to take care of the Wife (feeding, hygiene, ambulatory, every ADL). This is also a 24 hour a day responsibility but unlike the other life, this one has no completion (well except the morbid consequences) and working when completely exhausted is the normal. Thus I have a “full” day 24/7 and like said, every day breathing is good. (even better is no falls or chocking)

 

[bogus bill]

My work career was quite the opposite. At a early age I was a foreman with lots of responsibility, hired my own guys traveled the states etc. Very hard, dirty work. It didn't pay near what it should have. I took some time off and looked for a better job. One day I got lost and stumbled into lockheed. The interviewer asked me did I know how to use various kinds of machinery and tools? No. Did I know anything about blueprints and drafting? No. Drive a fork lift? No. Know how to operate a crane? No. Then he said I have just the job for you! What's that? Night watchman. If you counted 40 hours as a workweek I was there longer than I am old. It was easy (for me) good pay, good benefits and I was semi happy for the next 35 boring years to retirement.

 

[Mobuck]

Full day???
Today it was up an hour before first light. Chores done by the time I could see w/o a flashlight. The next 8 hours was mostly wrenching, climbing up and over, adjusting, and otherwise fighting the old combine. Ended the day at dusk by rolling up 3/4 mile of electric fence wire and pulling the posts.
Gotta put in the time to earn the dime. I had to pass on an assignment last week simply because there wasn't enough time to be all the places I was expected to be.
I'll admit I'm getting tired with a capital T. Too many miles, too many assignments, and too many expectations of performance for an old man.

 

[gramps]

As a nurse, a full day was 12-16 hours, 4-5 days/week, on the floor of an ICU or ER, keeping people alive, getting them better in spite of their bad habits. A good day was: NO ONE DIED! Now, as a retiree, I deliver flowers 7 days out of 14. I am a firefighter, and a first responder. A good day is: NO ONE DIES! Somethings never change?
gramps

 

[bobski]

a full day is when you fall in bed so tired so dont move until 6am.

 

[Mobuck]

"a full day is when you fall in bed so tired so dont move until 6am."

And that's if leg cramps don't wake you up @2AM

 

[gramps]

"a full day is when you fall in bed so tired so dont move until 6am."

And that's if leg cramps don't wake you up @2AM

Yep, I take magnesium 400 mg twice a day to prevent leg cramps. I keep oil of magnesia on hand for topical use for the occasional break through. Good luck!
gramps

 

[wolfsong]

My best "full day" at work is when nothing happens and I'm bored to tears. Doesn't happen very often, but I enjoy it when it does. I have considered working first watch, when everyone is asleep, but the hours conflict with my lifestyle and habits. Oh, well.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Many people can not adjust to being retired. Without work they are lost. It's always a good idea to figure out what you should be doing when you are not working at a regular job any more. Myself I am happy just staying busy around the house and with hobbies that I didn't have much time for during my regular career.

 

[Fox Mike]

I am a 'planner', so any day I accomplish what I planned for that day makes it a 'full day'; even if I had nothing planned. Today I planned to finish painting the outer section of my front porch. Mission accomplished! Full day. Tomorrow I plan on letting the summer air out of the Sonata's tires and refill then with winter air. I'll see how that works out. :roll:

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Tomorrow I plan on letting the summer air out of the Sonata's tires and refill then with winter air. I'll see how that works out. :roll:

My mechanic says if you fill them with nitrogen gas you won't have to change the air anymore. :D

 

[Colonialgirl]

I am a 'planner', so any day I accomplish what I planned for that day makes it a 'full day'; even if I had nothing planned. Today I planned to finish painting the outer section of my front porch. Mission accomplished! Full day. Tomorrow I plan on letting the summer air out of the Sonata's tires and refill then with winter air. I'll see how that works out. :roll:

Use some air from the Arizona desert; That way it'll prevent the tires from freezing !!

 

[375supermag]

Many people can not adjust to being retired. Without work they are lost. It's always a good idea to figure out what you should be doing when you are not working at a regular job any more. Myself I am happy just staying busy around the house and with hobbies that I didn't have much time for during my regular career.

Totally agree...
Since I retired I mostly hang around the house doing what ever tasks need done and messing around with my hobbies.
Now that the mowing season is over and hunting season has started, I will be switching working in the yard with hunting for exercise.
Absolutely zero interest in returning to a work environment ever.

 

[steve8261948]

Election day, I'm a judge of elections in my county it starts at 5:00 AM and goes to around 8:00 PM when everything is returned to county clerks office for not much pay, no lunch break or coffee breaks.
Steve