Retirement and the Decline of TV Watching: A Former TV Industry Professional’s Perspective
Introduction to TV Watching Habits in Early Life
Back in my younger days, when I was not yet 66, television was a significant part of my life. The TV industry provided me with both a platform and a job, allowing me to work on various dramas and documentaries in over 48 foreign countries across the globe. However, as time passed, my relationship with television gradually transformed with the onset of retirement. This article explores the changes in my TV watching habits and how retirement has impacted my day-to-day life.
The End of an Era: Retirement and TV Watching
With the retirement from my career in the TV industry, I found myself with more free time, and my viewing habits significantly changed. No longer bound by work commitments, my evenings were filled with a sense of freedom to choose what to watch. Yet, my relationship with television became somewhat complex — while I continued to watch TV with my wife in the evenings, I found it challenging to watch it alone. This change prompted introspection into why, despite newfound leisure, I was less inclined to watch television by myself.
Reflections on TV Watching and Adult Life
It is fascinating to reflect on why my parents, who lived through a time when televisions were scarce, did not grow up with television as a significant part of their entertainment choices. My generation, however, grew up with television as a constant companion. Yet, as I transitioned into retirement, the connection with my television set seemed to fade. The transition from a high-stakes work environment, filled with the stress and excitement of producing quality content, to a more relaxed, yet possibly less fulfilling, home life, provided a stark contrast. While working on programmes offered me a sense of purpose and excitement, watching television after retiring made me slightly concerned about the lack of involvement in the creative process.
Exploring the Impact of Retirement on TV Watching
On one hand, retirement provided me with the solitude to watch my preferred shows whenever I wished. Gone were the days of needing to align my viewing habits with work schedules or the schedules of foreign co-workers. However, on the other hand, the absence of the challenge and satisfaction of working on world-renowned programs left a void. The excitement and anticipation of working in different cultures and producing engaging content was something that watching television alone merely couldn't replicate.
Conclusion: Adapting to Life Without a Career
In conclusion, the decline in my TV watching as I transitioned into retirement allowed me to embrace new ways of leisure and relaxation. While I still enjoy watching TV with my wife, the solo viewing experience is less appealing. This experience serves as a reminder that retirement is not just about the end of a career, but also about finding new ways to engage in and find enjoyment from everyday activities.