Monday, January 3, 2022

Otherness and Fiscal Wellness in 2022


     It's sort of a poetic though depressing way of saying, don't be an ass to others. If you can do things to help someone's goals and aspirations, build a better life for themselves, advance their career, why not! I hope my kids know I always am in their corner. Life throws it's own curve balls. Adult children certainly shouldn't have to dodge them from their parents.

     As I start my first work week of the year, I thought a bit about this post I saw on Facebook. I sometimes still get pissed on how my last job and people in it, tried to suck my passion for the work away. Telling me I know too much, have too many expectations, should bow to the highest in charge even when what they are doing is clearly a bad idea and without integrity. But then, I think about how much good work I did, the people who I supported and have advanced in their careers, and I feel proud. And while I chose to move and stay lateral, I know my work is important. I also am building for my future when I won't be in the work place. Budgeting and saving is for purpose not hoarding. At work, I'm mentoring my team, helping them get opportunities to build their skills and portfolios. I'm stepping back and making sure credit is given where due. It's nice to envision a positive future and retiring on high notes.

     So this brings me to my Monday blog theme, fiscal wellness while I prepare for retirement. I'll capture my strategies, actions and plans for stabilizing our cash flow, invest towards our future, and discuss challenges many of us face. I'll count down in months, DH now at 24 and me at 72. I hope the blog space in 2022, gives you ideas to save money or affirmation that you're on your right track. I'm very specific to say "your" right track and not "the" right track. Some of you are heading for beaches in Florida and others the mountains of Canada. Hopefully whatever track we all choose, we find the people that root us on, not intentionally or not, loosen the rail spikes.

     I'm fortunate that for the most part, DH and I are on the same route. It's also good that we have our side trips that might not include the other. I like blogging, he likes studying investing and personal finance. I like trivia nights and he likes to watch football with friends. My kids are our champions too. They want us to do what makes us happy, which is them pursuing their own definitions of happy. Last year I coined 2021 as a year for hope. I guess I'm calling 2022 the year of otherness. By being more for others, I will make sure 2022 is a good year.

20 comments:

  1. Well written x I'm still waiting for the right word. I have some words gently rattling around my head, nothing has settled yet but it will. May 2022 build on what was learnt and gained from the last couple of years xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe its not a word but an attitude for this year. It's hard to put a word to what we've all tried to figure out the last two years.

      Delete
  2. Love this. And, you are right about work. Despite some of the chaos, the best part of the work has always been the people - the ones who you support, the ones who support you, the friendships, the relationships formed (for me) over ridiculous international travel & long flights & dinners out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I still though need to remember work is work. I have one king term friend out of work. The
      others that I spent parts of 21 years working with are still friendly, but the connection disipated after I or they left.

      Delete
  3. I am right there with you. I try to always say something positive to everyone I see. IF nothing more than you have a good day, you look nice, can I help you?.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The little niceties can add to all our days.

      Delete
  4. That is so nice of you, Sam, to look out for others I. The workforce and help them with a step up. That isn’t always the case in employment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It certainly is not always the case. I still see the ladder climbing, but I'm now removed.

      Delete
  5. It sounds like you made a good move. My experience in the workplace had been excellent until we moved into the main head office, then I struggled as we had always had a policy of helping each other and staying late when needed but not because we had to but in the main office it was a very different atmosphere, it was every man/woman for himself and I hated it. I ended up off sick with stress for a while and thought myself very fortunate when I and many other very experienced staff were offered redundancy/early retirement not long after that in an effort to reduce costs! We had to cut our costs at home too then but oh how it was worth it for my health! I wish you every success in your job and with your retirement planning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounds like you made a great plan to exit when you did. Huge egos kill a work culture.

      Delete
  6. Great word! I'm nearly three years into retirement and appreciating it everyday. My last year of work was hell on wheels, so leaving was easy. And like you, I planned it out well in advance, not only financially but considering where I might live, what I would do in retirement (not work), and how I would live. While I had to pivot a few times pre and post retirement, I can truthfully say, I'm happy where I am.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm still working in what I'll do and where we'll live. So much can change in the next five years. I'm researching now though.

      Delete
  7. One of my best friends was one I worked with in my final employment that we were both made redundant from. The people can be one of the greatest pluses of working as part of a team and something I sometimes miss now that I work for myself. Arilx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's great you got a good friendship. I made many, but they faded over the years.

      Delete
  8. There are always dream killers out there. But stay strong and advance those you can. Nothing is worse than immoral collogues. Now that is a dream killer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I still get frustrated obviously, but have tried to move on.

      Delete
  9. For so many years our HR team worked brilliantly together and we were known for being very efficient and helpful. And then the powers that be took a dislike to our boss, replaced him with an eejit/"wise boy" (as my dad used to call them) and it all went downhill fast from there. There are mentors and there are square wheels and depending on what you get can make such a difference to your working life can't it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why is it always 1-2 people that come in and rock what was working well? I hope the people I worked with continue to feel positive about me.

      Delete
  10. Team workers and encouragers are the most wonderful people to work with! Go, you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't plan to work forever-let others thrive is my goal.

      Delete

Join the conversation. Your comments are welcome. Dissenting and different opinions are welcome as makes for good conversation. I moderate comments to be sure I read them all and stay ahead of the spam. Advertising products or services without permission will be deleted, as will anything that may be harmful to others-read promotion of debunked "experts" and conspiracies. If you're a blogger, feel free to include your blog URL.