Tired

I have worked for 35 years, and I am tired. My job requires constant deadlines. But I cannot retire yet. Still have too many bills to pay. I may have to work for another four or so years. My son just finished his freshman year at college. Still more college bills to pay.

I spend about two hours a day commuting to work. I am tired.

Weekends bring more responsibility. I live on an acre and one-half. Constant mowing of the lawn. Constant upkeep.

At the same time that I say I am tired, I am not yet prepared to retire. What would I do?

Finding another job at my age would be difficult. What would I do?

While I do complain, I have it pretty good. I do enjoy my job, only not so much of it. I have lots of freedom at work; I can decide what I want to work on each day. I can take a day off anytime I want.

The only problem is that I am tired. I think my age has caught up to me. It takes me longer to replenish myself.

I complain, but the rest of the world’s people are struggling to find good water, food, medicine, and shelter. To try to stay alive for another day. To keep their children alive.

They would look at me complaining and shake their heads. I live like a king they would say. I have lots of material stuff — cars, a nice home, televisions, DVDs, cable, etc.

I will eventually be able to retire, while they will continue to struggle to stay alive.

However, that does not change the fact that I am tired. That is a complaint that I can tell the world. I am just trying to figure out how to get off this merry-go-round and to start living.