The Whirlwind That Is My Life
By Jeff Moffitt
@moffittjc (118368)
Gainesville, Florida
October 24, 2020 10:02am CST
Oh goodness, I realized this morning that I haven't posted on myLot in almost two months! That's because my life has been such a whirlwind these past few months!
Back in late spring/early summer, my health started taking a nosedive, mostly due to the stress at my job. I was getting every so closer to the 20 year mark where I could retire with full benefits, but realized I just couldn't hold on any longer. But much to my surprise, I had over 1000 hours of leave time (vacation and sick time) that had built up over the years that I could apply to my years of service. By adding in that time, it put me right at the 20 year mark. So it was a no-brainer, I up and retired so I could focus on my health and sanity. I left my job in early August, and spent nearly a month working on fixing me, getting my health back to normal. Funny how quickly your mind and body can heal when you remove the stress from your life!
Having no job and nothing but time on my hands, one day I made an impulsive decision to pack up my truck with my hiking and camping gear and just take off to travel. No real plans other than I wanted to see the country and try and visit many of our country's national parks. So I headed west and then worked my way back east. I was able to visit Yosemite, Mt. Rainier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Devil's Tower, Badlands/Mt. Rushmore and Great Mammoth Caves before heading home. It was a trip of a lifetime, and the perfect opportunity for me to restore my inner soul.
After that, I headed home, re-loaded supplies and scooped up the girlfriend, and we headed back out for more adventure, taking a few weeks to hike portions of the Appalachian Trail.
Upon returning home, I decided I was too much of a workaholic to stay fully retired, so I applied for a couple of part-time positions at some local businesses, but was quickly promoted to full-time at both of them, which is what I have been doing for the past couple of weeks. Both jobs are so much fun that I haven't been able to decide which one I want to do more, which is why I'm continuing to work both at the moment. I can't sustain working 80 hours per week over the long-run, so pretty soon I will need to pick one job over the other.
But that has pretty much been my life for the past couple of months. Many ups and downs, but all worth it in the long run. I am back to my normal, crazy, happy and adventurous self, and I intend to keep it that way from this point on. Hope to be back posting more actively on myLot again! Thanks to the many of you who have checked in on me along the way, showing me much love and concern!
39 people like this
42 responses
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Oct 20
I am off to a great start in finding that happiness again!
I have never been one to sit still for too long, so I knew that after I retired from the city job that I would end up working somewhere else. But this time around I wanted it to be something fun and mostly stress-free.
4 people like this
@DianneN (246334)
• United States
25 Oct 20
So happy you regained your health and sanity and took the time to enjoy our beautiful country. I took early retirement, but needed age or years to do so. 20 years would not cut it. Enjoy working. I’m enjoying not working. Work always interfered with my social life.
4 people like this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Oct 20
I try not to let work interfere with my social life, although it does happen from time to time. I am happy to be working again, I'm that type of person who needs to be going a mile a minute every minute of the day, so at my current age retirement isn't something that I could handle. Maybe it would be different if I were financially independent and could afford to do whatever I wanted to do, but I'm not quite at that place yet in my life. Still need to work to pay the bills.
3 people like this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Oct 20
@DianneN I have set myself up very well for financial independence in my real retirement years. My problem right now is that I am still too young to start collecting it all without taking substantial penalties! lol
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246334)
• United States
25 Oct 20
@moffittjc Many of my friends didn't work, so I missed out on racquetball and lots of fun lunches, the gym, and shopping expeditions once I returned to work.I do hope you can eventually retire for real and have lots of cash to burn without worrying about paying bills. The way you're going, that shouldn't take too long. Enjoy your jobs!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
8 Nov 20
The two jobs will just be for the short-term. I'm trying to accelerate the paying off of some of my debt. The faster I can get myself to financial independence, the faster I can truly retire and quit working altogether and just enjoy life.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
15 Nov 20
@JudyEv It sure will. It will also give me the freedom to do more things on my bucket list. I look forward to that!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325398)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Nov 20
@moffittjc It will be a great feeling to be debt-free or even almost debt-free.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (66921)
• United States
2 Nov 20
wow. That's awesome you got out there and did all that ! Glad you're feeling better and not regretting your choice to retire. Goodluck with the two jobs and picking one over the other
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
2 Nov 20
Thanks Courtney. I needed to get away. I was starting to lose my sanity, as well as my health. Being out in nature always does wonders for me.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
8 Nov 20
@Courtlynn School and work for both of them. I was gone for many weeks, they couldn't miss that much school and work.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (66921)
• United States
2 Nov 20
@moffittjc thats great. Why didnt the kids join
1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (58109)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
24 Oct 20
Glad you are alive
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
1 Nov 20
@thislittlepennyearns Now why would I want to haunt my fellow Gator fans? If anything, I would go haunt FSU's stadium.
@thislittlepennyearns (58109)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
14 Nov 20
@moffittjc You should start your own church on that very belief.
1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (58109)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
25 Oct 20
@moffittjc You should go haunt the gators stadium instead of harassing us. :P
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
24 Oct 20
Thank you for your kind words! I was a little worried about not being able to find a job during the pandemic, but it wasn't too stressful because I didn't need a job for the money, I just wanted one to keep busy and keep me out of trouble! lol I was very fortunate that I was hired right on the spot at both places I applied for.
4 people like this
@kareng (54331)
• United States
8 Nov 20
I have been wondering where you were! Congrats on the retirement. I love the fact that you just picked up and went exploring out west. What a great way to unwind!
Sounds like you will need another vacation soon working 80 hr. weeks!! You better slow down!
1 person likes this
@kareng (54331)
• United States
8 Nov 20
@moffittjc I missed all the games yesterday. We had grandson's birthday party. Great win! And glad you went! We had a bye week, AL up next. Will get another beating!!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
15 Nov 20
@kareng I hope LSU can find a way to beat AL. Probably not likely this year, but one can hope!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
8 Nov 20
I'm slowing down a little bit, maybe down to 60-65 hours a week! lol.
By the way, I just got back home from the Florida/Georgia game in Jacksonville. What a great game and a huge win for the Gators. I was debating not going, but now I'm so glad I did!
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (58438)
• Philippines
25 Oct 20
Sounds like an eye-opening past couple of months for you.
Good for you.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (58438)
• Philippines
25 Oct 20
@moffittjc that is good to know.
You should always prioritize yourself.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (58438)
• Philippines
26 Oct 20
@moffittjc same here.
Easier said than done though.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Oct 20
@allen0187 I'm working on it! lol
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
25 Oct 20
Hey there! I am SO glad you are doing better and living life more happily. 
Praying it stays that way for you!
Praying it stays that way for you!1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
31 Oct 20
@moffittjc Oh my goodness we would have LOVED to see you and pray for you! Wish you came by. We don't care the hour silly. Next time you know our door is always open!!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
4 Nov 20
@LovingMyBabies Even at 3 in the morning? lol
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Oct 20
I came really close to contacting you so I could stop by and say hi on my way back home, and so that you and Johnny could pray for me. But unfortunately, I drove through your area in the middle of the night.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
24 Oct 20
that was some rollercoaster! it's not really surprising you were promoted quickly. are both jobs in different fields/industries?
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
24 Oct 20
Yes, both jobs are in different fields. Luckily, my schedule at each job allows me to work both right now. But eventually I'll pick one over the other. I do like working at both, so maybe I'll pick one to work full-time, and then just work part-time at the other.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
24 Oct 20
@moffittjc are the roles the same as in your previous job?
it must be hard for your subordinates when you left.
i remember you had covid.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
24 Oct 20
@hereandthere No, completely different roles, although with my extensive management experience I have been able to quickly learn the new job roles.
I trained my previous subordinates well, so they are doing just fine without me. In fact, one of them was promoted to the position I held when I retired. I had been grooming him for the past two years to take over for me when I retired, so I was happy he applied for and got the promotion.
Yes, I previously had COVID way back in March. Sometimes I feel like I still have lingering effects from when I was sick. Sometimes it's still hard to breathe.
3 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
26 Oct 20
So glad that you're feeling healthy. Now make a decision and don't kill yourself working two jobs my dear friend lol I am jealous of your trip to the national parks, I have only been to Grand Canyon and Acadia. I always wanted to take Al to the Badlands.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
26 Oct 20
@moffittjc Al is very into westerns and that is why I would want to go there and I have always wanted to go to Little Big Horn.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
27 Oct 20
@BelleStarr There are a lot of beautiful places out west that I would still like to explore. Just takes a little time and money!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Oct 20
The Badlands was pretty cool, but was not my favorite place along the journey. I’m not sure why, but on this trip Devil’s Tower in Wyoming was my favorite.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (48890)
• United States
8 Nov 20
I’m so jealous. It sounds like an amazing road trip. I’m glad that it rejuvenated you.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (48890)
• United States
12 Nov 20
@moffittjc I’d love to jump in our car and hit the road too.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 Nov 20
@Tampa_girl7 I figured I wouldn’t have many more opportunities to hit the open road for the next 10 years or so, which made it an easier decision to go for it now.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 Nov 20
It was definitely a road trip of all road trips. It was pretty amazing, despite the fact that it wasn't a "pleasure" trip.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (43059)
• Staten Island, New York
24 Oct 20
Didn't seem like you were gonna for a long time for some reason though I was wondering why I wasn't seeing you around. Glad you had fun adventures. I would love to visit national parks one day.
So much for retiring. If not a secret, what do you do at your new jobs? I am assuming they are much different from what you were doing before you retired.
If not a secret, what do you do at your new jobs? I am assuming they are much different from what you were doing before you retired.1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Oct 20
It probably didn't seem like I was gone because I was still popping in here from time to time, just not as often. There were lots of times on my road travels that I had plenty of time to be on myLot, but didn't have internet or wi-fi signals in the remote areas I was in. So that also limited my ability to be on this site.
I am the receiving manager at Lowe's for my day job, and work for the department of homeland security at my night job.
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
1 Nov 20
@lovebuglena Yes, a federal job. I get to shoot people for real now, instead of just in paintball tournaments! LOL
@lovebuglena (43059)
• Staten Island, New York
25 Oct 20
@moffittjc Homeland security? 
That's way different than what you used to do. That's a federal job right?
That's way different than what you used to do. That's a federal job right?1 person likes this
@everwonderwhy (6696)
•
25 Oct 20
Looks exciting kind of order of things in your life which you find awesomely fulfilling. Keep up the good work. It's so great to know that jobs are available where you are.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Oct 20
Everyone is hiring around here. I see signs everywhere I go for businesses looking for help.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
27 Oct 20
@everwonderwhy It is good news. It’s time to put people back to work.
1 person likes this
@much2say (53946)
• Los Angeles, California
24 Oct 20
That's great you were able to retire like this and it's working out well for you . I could never see you as the type who would sit there twiddling your thumbs . . . you are definitely an active guy. If you're not on myLot, I hope you are somewhere out there on another adventure and enjoying life to the fullest . Good to hear from you!
. I could never see you as the type who would sit there twiddling your thumbs . . . you are definitely an active guy. If you're not on myLot, I hope you are somewhere out there on another adventure and enjoying life to the fullest . Good to hear from you!1 person likes this
@much2say (53946)
• Los Angeles, California
26 Oct 20
@moffittjc Are you still paintballing? Yah, that Moffitt guy is having fun being super busy - that's a good thing 
.
.1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Oct 20
I am definitely not the type of person to sit idle. And yes, if you don't see me here on myLot, that most likely means I am working or out doing something fun or crazy!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
27 Oct 20
@much2say Yes, still playing paintball. We played a big tournament last weekend. Finished 4th place overall.
1 person likes this
@Torunn (8609)
• Norway
25 Oct 20
It's so good to know that there's someone out there crazier than I am!
I had 140 % job work last year. It would have been OK, but then the Corona lockdown came, turning 140 % teaching into much more. I so hated my friends who kept complaining about not having anything to do! This autumn the plan was one job, not more. After some months with that, I'm back at 125 %.
I hope it won't last too long, but I've got an ex-coteacher who's been ill since March and he's gradually coming back.
Hope you manage to pick the right one! 'Cause 80 hours a week is a lot :-)
1 person likes this
@Torunn (8609)
• Norway
25 Oct 20
@moffittjc 80 hours a week and no extra pay would make most people stressed. I can see why you needed a break to sort things out.
I've chosen the wrong profession for extra pay, but if there's another lockdown, I'll be writing down how many hours I work. I like my job, but getting paid for it is also nice.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
1 Nov 20
@Torunn I like getting paid as well! haha
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Oct 20
I was often working 80 hours a week at my previous job, and that was only one job! So you can see why the stress built up on my and affected my health. And because I was a salaried employee, I didn't earn any extra money by working all those extra hours. At least now I am an hourly employee in both of the jobs I am working, so I get paid for any extra hours I put in at work.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
26 Oct 20
Woohoo! That sounds like an awesome trip! and im glad to hear you got your health back In order! My precious co worker (she’s much older) , she had so much stress and lost her hair and I saw her later a few months with a full grown hair. I asked what her trick was? She said enjoying retirement
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
27 Oct 20
@moffittjc I guess I am sort of retired? 
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
27 Oct 20
It’s amazing what retirement can do for your health! Lol
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
29 Oct 20
@infatuatedbby You’re too young to be retired!
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129379)
• Israel
25 Oct 20
@moffittjc
I am happy that it turned out fine so you could retire. I am glad that you could do that to focus on your health and sanity. I have no idea because I am still working on the stress in my life. Great idea with time on your hands to travel. A workaholic cannot stay retired for long. I am glad you found places you liked. I have been told by someone I know that retired that he is busier now that before he retired. I guess it is the same with you too. I am sorry I did not write you and ask how you are. I am glad that you are back, but, with having both jobs and working so many hours where will you find time to come here? Anyway good to have you back and how are you feeling?
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Oct 20
I am feeling great now, and it's such a relief to feel happiness again! And yes, with me working two jobs right now, finding time to be active on myLot has been a struggle. But don't worry, I'm still here and I don't plan on going anywhere!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Oct 20
@Hannihar I have built up too many friendships on this site to just walk away from it.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129379)
• Israel
25 Oct 20
@moffittjc
I am so glad that you feel great and please do not overdo it. I am glad you are here to stay and not going anywhere.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34317)
•
31 Oct 20
Sounds like Jeff's excellent adventure. Bill & Ted will be envious!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
10 Nov 20
@dgobucks226 Haha I guess so. They inspired me to be the slacker I am today! lol
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
1 Nov 20
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is one of my all-time favorite movies!
1 person likes this
@Fa_Maverick (9458)
• Australia
25 Oct 20
Yep you really can heal quickly when stress is off I felt that way about breaking up with Bones it was a relief to me til I started getting bad anxiety about it like a month later -_-
Nice to know you are back and about. Maybe next time you lose yourself you might find yourself in Australia... The southern part... *ahem*
I thought the legal working hours per week was 60 what're you doing working 80hr per week? Granted I study like 72 hours a week soooo
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Oct 20
I would love to come visit you in Australia! Maybe that can become a reality when COVID is over and all the travel restrictions are lifted.
I don't know if there are legal limits to the number of hours one can work, but even at my old job I would find myself working 80 hours a week during certain parts of the year.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
1 Nov 20
@Fa_Maverick A work week is 40 hours for us here in the US, employees who are paid hourly wages earn overtime for any hours worked over 40 (at a rate one and a half times their regular pay rate), but employees who are on salary (such as I was) do not earn anything extra. Whether we work 10 hours or 80 hours, our salary is still the same.
1 person likes this
@Fa_Maverick (9458)
• Australia
25 Oct 20
@moffittjc Well "legal" so apparently fair work says the working week is supposed to be like 37 hours in Aus... In the US apparently there is no limit as long as it is stated in the job description or it is a reasonable ask...
1 person likes this
