Hi Katharine. This is exactly why I retired at 65. I worked as an RN in a hospital, in many roles, for 42 years. The changes over time were acceptable and I adapted. Then I took a job in Case Management. A desk job. I hardly got to see patients and all the computer work bothered my eyes. When I would go to the nursing units to gather information I would see a few STNA's going into a patient's room but rarely an RN. They were always out in the hall on a chair with a rolling computer stand. Once nursing became so computerized and documentation was all that counted, I hated it. I knew I didn't want to work on the floors so I retired.

Now, I substitute teach at a vocational school for a class called Medical Professions. 11th and 12th graders can take it for high school credits. It covers CPR, phlebotomy, STNA duties, and a lot of other medical basics. Sometimes, I only work once a month, but in the summer it could be weeks.

7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. It's just enough and I can say no if I want. The pay is good and the students are great. I won't say I love it, because I had to learn another computer program, but it keeps me on my toes and gives me a reason to renew my license.

I was going back to school in my 50's for Clinical Mental Health Counseling but got sidetracked when my mom needed care. I still think about going. It's what I always wanted to do believe it or not. My brother-in-law has a practice in Chicago and I was going to work with him. That didn't work out. And the cost is high. But you're an inspiration. I could work 20 more years to catch up with you.

Now, I'm involved in a lot of activities and keep as busy as I want. I'd say I'm rather lazy and not a Type A personality so I'm content.

I enjoyed reading your article.