I Flunked Retirement

I made the decision to retire in 2018 for no other reason than it was anice, even number, I was 72 years old and had worked for 40 years. I didall the things you are supposed to do in retirement, including traveledmore, started a book club, completed various classes at the localuniversity and took painting lessons — all of which I enjoyed. With moretime, I also expected to get better at various sports, including golf,skiing and cycling, but at the age of 72, the gains were modest at best.

I volunteered at the nearby medical school to teach radiology residents andimpart years of wisdom, but found the students were more focused on theesoteric. The boards don’t test wisdom.

In general, retirement was OK, but I found it rather empty. I was no longera contributing member of society, though the whole world was open beforeme. The one thing I was fairly competent at and always enjoyed wasradiology.

After six months, I realized that I was flunking retirement.

As it turned out, my group was still short of radiologists after hiring twonew members and was very enthusiastic for any help they could get. Ireturned as a salaried employee, giving them six to 10 days each month thatI could work. No call, no administrative obligations — only pure radiology,which I was trained to do many years ago. It’s been great, and the income(though not needed) is appreciated.

Working only one or two days a week is not tiring and you can meet mostdays with enthusiasm.

Returning to part-time employment has worked for me, and right now,radiologists are in short supply. If you have any interest in returning,you are sorely needed!