When I Retired, My Family Expected Too Much — Here’s How I Responded

I retired on a Tuesday—it felt mischievous not to wait for Friday. My coworkers gave me a hammock card, I hugged the people I’d seen for decades, and drove home blasting the radio, already planning watercolor classes, train trips, and lazy mornings. When I called my son to announce my freedom, my daughter-in-law’s voice cut in:

“Perfect timing—we can cancel daycare!” I froze. My vision of blank calendars and long lunches collapsed into drop-offs at 7:45 a.m.