My last day of work fast approacheth…and I have been busy both at work and outside of it, getting ready for this change. My successor has been chosen by my work and it’s the person I’ve been mentoring and grooming for this role for a few years now (Yay!). She officially takes over my position on December 16th, and I overlap with her for 2 weeks to make sure she settles in nicely (of which I have no doubt!). So that’s finalized and I feel great about it, and am already busy showing her what life as a lab manager is all about.
Also on the work front, I have been approached to consider working part-time – next door to my old lab – to assist for a few months in a project evaluating and validating a new technology. Like the proverbial old-timey fire horse that leaps from the stall when the fire bell rings, my mind immediately jumped to the positive possibilities (close to my successor should she have any questions; start-ups are fun; building labs are fun, etc.) and for 5 hot minutes I could see me doing this thing. Then I calmed down and realized that this will negatively impact the plans and goals for 2020 that I am looking so forward to diving into. Ye olde fire horse trotted calmly and thankfully back into the barn as I decided not to consider this offer any further.
Thus I passed this test! The test that says for me: do you really want to be retired? Answer: Hell, yes! Still yes!
On other retirement planning news, I settled on an extended health and benefit insurance plan to carry on into 2020 with me. An explanation for American friends that may not know our system: Canadians get free healthcare but still have to pay for drugs, dental care, and certain therapies (e.g. physiotherapy) out of pocket. Unless one’s employer offers a benefits package that takes care of this, as a job perk. Well, I have such a package that even includes travel insurance, accidental death etc., but obviously that is terminating along with my employment. So now, if I want to continue with these benefits, I have to seek out and pay for a plan on my own.
After several months of researching private plans and determining if it even makes sense for me to have such a plan (and in my opinion it does), I decided to purchase the plan offered by my company’s current provider of extended health and dental benefits. Manulife’s FollowMe plan ticked the most boxes for me.
But wait, it got better! When I called Manulife to set up my new plan effective January 1, I was informed of an additional health and wellness program called Vitality and did I wish to join? It would cost $5/month but save me 5% on my monthly premium and I would get an activity tracker – Garmin or Apple Watch. Since I am of a mind to get and stay healthy especially in retirement (and can do math, and am a lover of all things Apple) the only acceptable response from me was “shut up and take my money!”
Yes, yes, I know. “Big Brother” Manulife is wanting my data. And I am OK with that. Because Big Brother needs to know if anything happens to my health, or else Big Brother will have a reason to cancel my policy. Besides, people with nothing to hide hide nothing. Plus anybody living in today’s society who thinks they have any kind of privacy anymore is kidding themselves, anyway.
Then I had to wait to get my welcome package (snail mail…ugh) and sign on to the website once I got my new ID number (enclosed within paper package).
So, here is the deal with the activity tracker(s): I could (and did) get the Garmin Vivofit tracker sent to me for free. I could also decide to get either an Apple Watch Series 3 or 5, and pay a portion plus the tax towards the watch. Here’s the bribe part: if you earn points per month on the Vitality website by living a healthy life, your monthly payment towards the remainder of the watch cost is either discounted or brought entirely down to zero dollars, depending on your total points. Points are earned for daily physical activities (and a half-price membership to GoodLife Fitness is another perk offered by Vitality) and other healthy habits such as getting a flu shot, mammogram, colon cancer check, and going for a dental checkup. STUFF I DO ALREADY WITHOUT NEEDING TO BE BRIBED.
What do you think I did, gentle reader? Hint below:
I think this plan is just fantastic. After all, everyone (including Manulife, obvs!) knows an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to health.
What I can’t understand is why I only learned of it after I contacted Manulife to purchase my post-work life benefits package. Why was it not mentioned in any of the FollowMe health plan information I was sent by email initially? It would have made my decision to go with FollowMe even easier. Perhaps it is very new?
So now I am even more pleased with my selection of this provider. And I am loving my new Apple watch and busy learning all that it can do. Including unlocking my laptop for me! And guessing that I am working out and what type of workout it is. Crazy, I know…I love living in today’s world (most of the time)!
Rock on,
The WB
Settling on health care and knowing you WANT to retire are big steps. Around here we have thingamajigs that insurance companies put in your car and if you are a safe driver you get discounts. Sounds like medical insurance is doing the same. Onward!
Agreed, Kate! I would put one of those thingamajigs in my car for cheaper insurance – I think I drive pretty safe and knowing it was there would only make me want to drive safer. Thanks 💕
Lucky you have a choice Deb, go with your heart.
Leslie
Thanks Leslie. 💕 Yes, I am very lucky and privileged to be in this position.
You sound like you’ve got it all under control. Didn’t they used to give people a gold watch when they retired? Kind of the same thing for you with your fitness tracker, undated for this century. Walk on, my friend.
[Updated was the word I wanted there.]
Thank you Ally 💕 I try to control what I can, and go with the flow for the rest.
Such an exciting time!. I’m so happy for you and look forward to reading your blog as your next chapter unfolds.
Thank you Jean 💕 I’m excited for your next chapter as well!
It’s great that you passed the test! And what a win with the health care — I feel like I got ripped off when we signed on there now! Maybe I will contact them and say “I want that deal”!
It might be something quite new. Worth a phone call, I think! Thank you 💕
Wonder how I can get my dog to wear the watch for me?
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Looks like some people don’t want you to retire.
You and I have different views on that Manulife thing. I believe some simulacrum of privacy is still possible for those who are careful, even these days, so I’m not ready to give up my privacy to an insurance company.
To me it’s chilling that insurance companies offer incentives to save money by letting them track the way you live. I worry that one day it will become mandatory, for those who want insurance, and I just don’t like it. It’s creepy.
Yeah, I’ve had several similar offers to consider work after retirement. But this was the most tempting, to date.
I can understand how you feel, TG. You’re not alone in this.
You are going to LOVE retirement! I, too, marked down day by day, though it was on a paper calendar. When I got to write 0 on that last day it was almost unbelievable.
I got worried when I was reading this post, thinking you might start working part time. Unless you need to do that for financial reasons I wouldn’t. Working part time will only keep you tethered to a place and unable to be spontaneous, to go when you want to go, to sleep in when you want to sleep in, to stay up late when you want to. And you won’t make enough money to make that worthwhile. If you’re going to work, just stay in your job and make a decent wage for your time. I’m so glad you decided not to pursue that option.
And your insurance sounds great! I’d have done exactly what you did. What’s the first adventure you have planned once you are free?
Thanks Dawn 💕 I agree with what you wrote 100%. As for adventures, the first major one will be going back to Barbados in February. I’m also thinking about Amsterdam in the spring but nothing is definite yet. Minor ones including going through my house and being ruthless in culling stuff for my upcoming move. And of course being able to join my blogging bud Joanne in some weekday hiking and assorted shenanigans before I leave the province.
Since we’ve discussed all this stuff, my comments would be repetitive and boring 🙂
Yay – ‘only’ 50 more days!!
Repetitive, maybe. Boring, never! 💕
I do try … not to be, that is 🙂
It’s always flattering to be offered paid work but good on you for saying no and sticking to your plan. Retirement really is a whole mind-shift and you definitely passed a major hurdle. I’m kind-of in the middle about letting insurance companies track me like that. On one hand, yay Apple watch. On the other, I’m pretty sure my best interest isn’t top-of-mind when they come up with schemes like this in the corporate office.
Oops, this want supposed to go under Joanne’s comment… oh well (hi Joanne!).
Thank you Janis 💕
Great post. Thats very interesting about the countdown retirement app. Love it. Sounds like you are moving along at a brisk pace.
Keep the post coming and hope its a big celebration your last day of work!
Cheers!
Thank you 💕
By the time I sit down to read and comment, your numbers on your app have likely changed, Deb. For the better!
OMgosh on the watch. Your italicized paragraph is perfect. I don’t believe anything is private and I don’t like to live in denial. Take door number The Watch! I am totally with you on the ounce of prevention. Not all providers work this way.
All sounds win, win! Very interesting post, Deb. I want you healthy and well to extra enjoy the West Coast!💕
Thank you Erica 💕 I want the same!
Hey, I’m a member of Manulife Extended Benefits Insurance and I didn’t get offered a free activity tracker of discounted Apple Watch! :C They obviously like you best….or this program is brand new and they don’t feel the need to bribe current customers.
Yay you on standing strong on your upcoming retirement!
Thank you Donna 💕 Methinks the Manulife phone lines might be burning up soon. As they should! Everyone should receive this offer.
I think I need to break down and get an Apple watch this year! I want to know what’s planned for 2020!
Thank you Pam 💕 Well, the big thing is going to be my move to the West Coast of Canada!
Whoa! Congrats! Joanne will miss you. New beginnings are the best.
Welcome to the retirement life!! (Well nearly….) Isn’t it great when you have the opportunity to work and think “nah…..I’m done”? I’m just loving not being on the clock, not working for crazy people, and living life on cruise control. My fitness is way up, my eating is good – and I don’t even get a special deal on my fitness tracker (but I have lost 6kg this year!) Enjoy every moment of your new life that’s coming and keep on blogging girl xxx
Thank you Leanne 💕 Inspiring to hear you are doing so well! Love it!!
OMG I roared at ‘“shut up and take my money!” Am so proud of you for turning down that part time job. You are incredibly strong to have done that! Letting go of ‘what we know’ is no easy feat. A test indeed and you passed it with flying colors …and the universe rewarded you with a sporty new watch ;-).
Thank you Lisa 💕
As I sit in my cube with hours of work to do before I sleep, I thought this would be a nice mental break. Hey it’s great for you. Difficult to read through for me. I would love to pass the retirement test, but I’m still far too young and poor to contemplate such luxury. I’ve got so much envy my eyes are turning green.
That was me a few years ago, watching another employee at my work enjoying cake and well wishes at their retirement party. My eyes are already green but they must have blazed like emeralds that day. Hopefully if you read my next post your eyes will turn back to their normal colour, Kieran.
I jumped into retirement in October and had my last day on the job in December. Too quickly to adequately prepare. So glad that all of the stars are aligning for you. And how ’bout that perk? Consider it a retirement gift. You earned it.
Thank you! 💕
I think you were smart not to sign up for the part-time job. At first, it’s comforting, because you already know how to work. But then you aren’t fully exploring retirement. Can you do that? I had a little freelance work at first, but it fizzled, and I never went after more.
Exactly, Donna! I want to see what it’s like to not work. I’ve held some sort of a job since I was 12. Thanks 💕
Like being an old maid or death by drowning, as Edna Ferber said. A delightful sensation once you cease struggling.
🤣🤣🤣
Donna and Erica both mentioned this post of yours in comments on one that I recently posted, re: health insurance. It’s fascinating to learn what citizens of other countries experience; specifically what you have to dig into your own wallet for in order to benefits.
Congrats on your upcoming retirement. I’m a little out of order here because I read your newest post prior to this one, but I think you made the right decision about the part-time job that you were offered. I took my first year of retirement off completely, and it was heaven on earth. It wasn’t until the second year that I decided to take a part-time job in my former field. You’ll have part-time work opportunities when you’re ready. For now, go and enjoy! – Marty
Thank you very much Marty! I’ll check out your blog today after work.
Retirement day is soooo close. I hope you are having some sort of shindig to celebrate?! Kick up your heels one more time before leaping into the new adventure 2020 is going to bring.
Thanks AJ 💕 I hadn’t thought of throwing a retirement party. Work is keeping me so busy I’m spending my weekends recovering instead of planning 😜
Settling on health care and knowing you WANT to retire are big steps. Around here we have thingamajigs that insurance companies put in your car and if you are a safe driver you get discounts. Sounds like medical insurance is doing the same. Onward!
Yes, I’ve heard of those driving monitoring devices too and I’d get one if that was an option for me as I try to be safe on the roads. Onward, indeed! Thanks 😁