New retirees soon become “retirees who lunch".

”There is a dynamic among new retirees — after they hang up their school keys — of staying in touch with their work colleagues and friends, and that is a good thing. Life has changed dramatically, and it is important to hold on to some relationships that were so much a part of our long-standing careers."

While some retirees adopt the philosophy of “you can’t go back” and cut all ties on behalf of a new life, for most, that is too severe. In fact, some have a hard time letting go at all.

I have a colleague who, even after 15–20 years of retirement, still has lunch during “fifth period.” Others persist in wanting to get an unfavorable letter out of their file as if their very reputation hinges on it. Others still smart at not getting their first preference that horrible year when their superior talent was not acknowledged.

Those things should be let go of. It is unhealthy to nurse grudges that only damage our self-esteem. Sitting in your breakfast nook on a Monday morning looking out at the garden with the newspaper and tea or coffee instead of packing off to a work week is the best tonic for anyone’s self-esteem. While that is only a respite as you catch your wind, it is something you have earned and deserve to enjoy.

Of course, if you are looking for something useful and fulfilling, come join us as a member of the retiree chapter. Participate in retiree trips and the variety of courses offered at the Si Beagle Learning Centers in all the boroughs. You can even teach a course about something near and dear to you. Outline a syllabus and see if it flies. You’d be most welcome!

Our founders had the foresight to believe in lifelong learning and even 50 years ago, when there were few retired UFT members, they set into play the groundwork not only to provide for health and economic security but also for ongoing development of our intellect and talent honed over our lifetime.

And how about our social, labor and political consciences? We didn’t hand them over with our keys when we left the schoolhouse. We spent our careers helping to make society a better place so we should not stop now. Retirees continue to actively support and advance the social contract we believe in through political action, labor support and COPE.

On Nov. 12 this year, we will host our annual New Retiree Luncheon — the union’s “thank you” for your years of service. Perhaps your individual school also thanked you, but unfortunately, the Department of Education did not. The attitude of folks there is: Here’s your hat — what’s your hurry?

Keep an eye out for your invitation to the New Retiree Luncheon. It’s a grand celebration!

Old-timers, well before our time, retired from their jobs and lived in a garret or sat under a 70-watt bulb waiting for the world to close in on them. Fortunately that is not our fate. We enjoy the security of solid pensions and health benefits. We are raring to go.

Join us and join the fun!