To Retire or Not to Retire; That is the Question? - Time Out #498

 Life is certainly full of major decisions. The need-to-decide list is long. Of course, many of these choices are merely coin flips. A few are big time important in the big picture.  

      When to retire?

      As one begins life's working trail, the years in front seem long and somewhat uncertain. As the decades of Father Time pass, however, the possible end of working comes into view, initially somewhat foggy, but eventually clear as it can be for some people.  

      When yours truly was a mere lad of 16, I was pretty sure I wanted my working career to take me down the path of becoming a physician. In fact, I specifically wanted to be a dermatologist, a very limited specialty that only comprises 1.5-percent (3 out of every 200 doctors) of all licensed physicians in Our Country. Remember, one has to become a physician first, then complete 4 more years of vigorous training to become a skin (dermatology) specialist. It is definitely a long way from start to completion.   

       So, what were some of the reasons I chose my now life-long profession?  

       1) I wanted to do something that had a direct impact on people's lives and help treat physical/mental health issues. As is well known, physicians have a profound influence on their patient's lives and well-being. It certainly is a great honor to be a doctor.  

       2) I wanted an occupation where I continually learned every day. Medicine is wonderful in this regard. The greatest teacher for my 47 years of office practice has been my wonderful patients. Every patient is different in personality and their skin issues. 

       3) I wanted to be self-employed. This area is SO unusual for a doctor in today's medical environment. I certainly am one of the VERY few physicians that works for him/herself. I am the captain of my own ship, and always have been owning my several medical offices. 

       All factors previously listed bring me back to the frequent (as in daily via my patients asking) question, "When are you planning on retiring, Dr. Breedlove?"

        My simple reply each time is "Not soon, because I absolutely LOVE my job almost (?) each and every time I leave my Our Town home and drive to my office. The fact is I get so much MORE in return from my patients and staff each working day than I put into my office efforts. And, dear readers in Our Town and far beyond, I do put a great deal of effort into working with my patients, many of whom I have been caring for 30 or 40-plus years. In some families, I have taken care of 3 generations of their members.

        I have been truly fortunate to have been an Our Town doctor for many years; a great community full of great people. No retirement is seen on my current radar!