Terms like retirement or employed don't have to be permenant.

Right now I have a load of work coming on that is probably going to last the rest of the summer.
And that's ok.  We all know the story of the squirrel and the grasshopper... and I prefer to be the squirrel.
I need to get some "nuts" stored up for the long cold winter.. and starving or freezing has never been the intent of my semi-retired frugal ways.

My point today is that people tend to look at phases of their lives as definite.  I'm retired. I don't work. Or on the other hand.. I'm a ________. Fill in the blank.  But you are defined by your status.  

I just don't agree with such hard and fast lines in my life.  Right now I'm going to be fully employed.  And it's healthy, as I need to get functioning, in better shape, fatten up the bank account.. and  just generally change the gears of my life right now... keep it fresh!   Those of you sitting in the same cubicle, waiting for one of your four weeks of vacation, or at least the weekend, know what I'm talking about.   How nice it would be for a change.. something FRESH.

Well, I was mostly retired all winter.  I've been semi-retired all spring as I dealt with some medical issues.  And now I need to work, for the winter will be here before we know it and in my line of work and skill, work is just not as readily available.

I will say this.. I don't know what field you're in, or skills you possess, or your desire to live a life of more change..(change sucks sometimes)..  but back to my point.  I basically ran a few craigslist ads, put the word out to my social circle that I was looking for a little work, and within weeks I am booked for the summer with some jobs possibly becoming recurring maintenance contracts.

The bottom line, I'm in control of my life.. in as much as the levels of work, the length of work, and even the work I decide to take.   Does it scare me in between times of such income, and times of semi-retirement? 
Yes.. it still does.  But my confidence grows over time,  just like with anything.

So what are you doing today?   I'm going to replace a shower door, and work on a remote controlled entry gate to an apartment parking lot.   Its a nice sunny day.   Not bad.