Phil Dives into Retirement (2)
A series of articles about transitioning from a very structured professional life
By Phil McCavity
Soon-To-Be-Retired Dentist
For the past two years, hardly a working day has passed without at least one patient saying to me “So, when are you going to retire?” Often, they express the hope that it isn’t any time soon. Of course, that sentiment makes me feel very good, very appreciated. On the other hand, it is one of the factors that got me thinking that perhaps it is indeed time to retire.
So, it’s almost a done deal. Tomorrow I visit my lawyer to sign all of the documents. I work three days in early January, the deal closes, and I become a part-time associate dentist, an employee on contract. When summer arrives, I have the option to step away completely, and at this time I am sure I will do that.
2500 goodbyes
We have advised the patients, first by letter, then with an ad in the local newspaper. We are having a meet-and-greet in mid-January to allow patients to come and meet this very fine young dentist who is taking over. And I have received a lot of congratulations, handshakes, hugs, and one very fine bottle of 16 year old Lagavulin. I am seeing, in some cases, the soft and squishy side of my patients. One nice lady, almost in tears, told me she would have to bake me a cake.
As I look ahead to the meet-and-greet, I’m quite sure that I’m going to get more emotional than I usually allow. I am also quite concerned that I will not remember the names of all the patients who come to visit. Twenty five hundred names are a lot to remember! As always, my loyal staff – well, they won’t be my staff at that point – will bail me out, since they invariably remember everyone’s name.
Skiing mid-week
There are some things that I am really looking forward to after I hand over the reins. Like skiing mid-week, working out at the gym more regularly, and puttering away in my workshop. There are projects that need to be started. And, especially, I am looking forward to not going to work. I still like doing a lot of the dentistry; I just don’t wish to do all that goes with owning a practice.
Some people are asking me if I am afraid or nervous about retiring. I am not. This is the right time. I am ready for change.
This is exactly how I feel about my upcoming retirement at the end of May.
Hi Josette! I think you really need to feel this way in order to make a happy transition. I’ve been self-employed for a long time, so no one was pushing me. I hit a wall, was in a position to make the change, and I feel REALLY GOOD about it. No doubts, no regrets.
Regards. Cam