In three minutes I’ll begin my first day of retirement from the Roanoke Times. Rain is beating off the roof and I am still buzzed from the reception the news department put on this afternoon for me and my fellow retirees, copy editor Nancy Caldwell and assistant business editor — and Mr. All Around News Guy — Ray Reed.
It’s a poignant moment, but not a bad one. Part of the reason is the existence of the Internet. It’s making life hard for newspaper advertising departments, but it gives warhorses like me another outlet for our thoughts — unfiltered by editors, which could lead to some interesting results.
I plan to write this weekend about some of the feelings that go through you when you’re unexpectedly faced with a buyout. I’d love to hear from other people about how they, or their spouses, adjusted to retirement, especially sudden retirement.
Right now, with the rain coming down, my tickets to the Tech game in my wallet and the knowledge that I’ll go to the game with a congenial companion and see my kids and her daughter and their friends, I can’t feel sad.
Sunday, when the activity slows, may feel different.
I’ll let you know. Meanwhile, forward any thoughts you might have to joe@cuppajoekennedy.com or cuppajoekennedy@gmail.com.
If I could have a re-do, I’d shorten the name of this thing. But I’m a rookie. Please grant me a little slack.
Talk to you soon.
Joe