I parted with the Nogales International as its publisher in June. It was an unwelcome disruption of my life that brought uncertainty, worry, and even a little bit of embarrassment. 

At 63 I wasn’t in denial that retirement was near. It made me anxious because I had no idea how I was going to keep myself preoccupied after working nearly 30 years in a fast-paced, stressful business. Then, I got the pink slip.

Here’s the good news, though. Not to overhype retirement but I hadn’t considered the inherent joy of rediscovering oneself and appreciating the many overlooked marvels that surround us, especially in Santa Cruz County.

I was in Tucson one day when it hit me. My wife Irene took the Grant Road exit off Interstate 19 and from the passenger seat I found myself contemplating the intricacies of 1960s architecture and engineering of the Union Pacific railroad overpass. I had gone through there hundreds of times, but in my rush never appreciated the beauty of the structure. The same with all of the urban art and murals that had become wallpaper to me. The beauty that talented and skilled people have gifted us is breathtaking if we just stop to appreciate it.

Without the constraints of a job, days stretch out, inviting reflection and spontaneity and the ability to choose, to wander, and to be idle without guilt. I can appreciate the rising sun painting golden patterns on our walls. Previously, the songs of our cockateel Stella, and our canary Bocelli as well as the pecking of the cactus wren on our chimney cap were annoying background noises. Now they’re like a soundtrack to slow breakfasts and morning contemplation.

Without a rigid agenda, I am resurrecting some of my passions and hobbies which include bantering about politics with social media contacts to my heart’s content, reading a book, enjoying a midday nap, or tending to our backyard garden. My mind, uncluttered by deadlines, finds room for curiosity and gratitude. I am now more engaged in two non-profits I work with and have joined a third. I go to the gym with Irene regularly and take the time to call or email old friends. 

Embracing unemployment requires a shift in perspective — a willingness to see abundance rather than lack. It is tempting to measure days by productivity, to feel shame for idleness, or to worry about societal expectations. The joy of unemployment is found, instead, in redefining success and finding value in being rather than doing.

In a world that celebrates speed and achievement I think of unemployment as an act of defiance— a pause, a breath, a quiet celebration of being. It offers the unique gift of slowness, granting permission to notice, to appreciate, to live deeply and intentionally.