Why Do Retirees Feel Busier Than When They Had Jobs?
Have you heard of Parkinson’s Law? This principle states that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” This concept could shed light on the bewilderment many retirees experience. When individuals transition into retirement, they suddenly have more time for tasks and activities.
Paradoxically, this newfound time can lead to an overwhelming sense of busyness, as tasks seem to expand to fill the available hours.
“How’s retirement treating you?” I recently asked a new retiree. “I’m failing miserably at it! I’m so busy now that I wonder how I ever got anything done when I was working.” If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard similar sentiments, I’d be retired too! While there’s nothing inherently wrong with staying busy in retirement—indeed, I advocate for remaining active—this observation offers an intriguing glimpse into the complexities of post-work life.
To illustrate this phenomenon, let’s return to my conversation with the retiree. He decided to take a part-time job for enjoyment. Despite the low-stress environment, he observed that starting his day at 9:00 AM and wrapping up around 2:00 or 3:00 left him feeling less productive compared to his previous routine of leaving for work at 7:00 AM. With fewer hours before work, he rushed through tasks. Now, after finishing his part-time job, running a few errands, and enjoying dinner, bedtime creeps up surprisingly quickly.
Another example involves his lawn care. Previously, he would mow his lawn in a hurry, but now, with more time on his hands, he bags the grass clippings, trims more thoroughly, and tends to it more often. While the lawn looks pristine, the process takes significantly longer than it did during his working days.
This shift raises an important question: Why does it feel like there’s less time for the same tasks? The answer lies in how retirees prioritize their activities. Tasks are either completed more thoroughly or with less efficiency, depending on one’s perspective and the nature of the activity. The result is a time-warp that can be frustrating if not understood. Rather than a mysterious phenomenon, this experience reflects a subtle, yet profound, shift in priorities.
Take, for instance, the once-popular TV show Malcolm in the Middle. The family’s yard was brown and overgrown, a clear sign of parents too busy with jobs and kids to worry about lawn maintenance. In contrast, retirees often have the best-kept lawns in the neighborhood, having finally found the time and energy to dedicate to their yards. They embrace Parkinson’s Law, using their increased free time to manage their homes and gardens more meticulously.
Many new retirees might feel like they are ‘failing’ because they’re still busy, but it’s essential to recognize that this phase is part of the adjustment to retirement. The perception of failure often stems from an outdated view of productivity that doesn’t align with this new life stage. As retirees embrace their newfound freedom, it’s crucial to understand that being busy doesn’t equate to inefficiency or failure. Instead, it’s a natural transition where priorities shift, allowing for deeper engagement with activities that were once sidelined.
Ultimately, the feeling of being busy in retirement can lead to self-reflection and re-evaluation of what it means to be productive. By accepting this adjustment period, retirees can redefine success in their post-work lives. Instead of viewing busy days as a problem, they can embrace the richness of their new experiences and the joy of pursuing activities they love.
In the end, while the transition to retirement may initially feel overwhelming, it’s important to appreciate the changes in how we allocate our time. Recognizing and embracing these shifts can lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement, one where busy-ness becomes a badge of honor rather than a cause for concern. After all, it seems like a wonderful problem to have!
