RETIREMENT IS A DIRTY WORD

I've always been the sort of person that likes to keep busy. At any stage in my life when I have found myself without a proper job I have kept myself busy designing websites, learning new things, applying for jobs, and more recently, volunteering. I have always needed to have a project underway to keep me occupied throughout the day. I'm not the sort of person who can sit on the couch for a few hours at a time reading a novel. Novels are for reading in bed before turning out the light.

At the moment I am volunteering for Rotary Book Mart as a shop assistant, Radio 5MBS as a receptionist, and soon I'll be starting as a concierge for my local Community Centre/Library, as well as an office clerk for Meals on Wheels. These volunteer positions are all different and interesting in their own way as I use different skills in each and I meet a variety of interesting people.

I am a compulsive 'job applier' though, because as much as I enjoy the volunteering, I would prefer to be paid for my labour. So, whenever a suitable job pops up in my notifications, I apply for it. Usually, I don't get a response. Sometimes I get an interview. Just today I had an interview for a part-time receptionist/admin position at a physiotherapy practice. It went well, I thought, but who knows whether the competition is younger, smarter, or more experienced. They don't know what I look like as my face was covered with a black mask because of COVID restrictions. All they could see were my eyes, so I made sure my eye makeup was appropriate (not too much, and not too little).

Not sure about the working-hours though. 2pm to 8pm four days a week. How will my family cope through dinner times? My 45 year old son (who is staying with us at the moment) suggested I cook dinner before I go and he and my partner will heat it up at 6pm. Yeah right!!!!

Anyway, will find out the result after they interview one other person (apparently) next week.

PS: Didn't get the job.