Welcome to the Retiree Division

Welcome to the Retiree Division section of Local 1180's new website. More than just a drop-in center, the Retiree Division provides retirees of CWA Local 1180 with a venue to pursue their social, intellectual, and educational interests throughout their retirement. Through thoughtful and creative planning, the staff of the Retiree Division prepares a monthly calendar representing a compilation of some of the greatest activities in the area at any given moment. Broadway shows, trips, speakers, lunches, and interactive workshops allow retirees to socialize with peers, have fun, and learn a little along the way.

We can only begin to tell you about how glad our retirees are to have a one-stop-shopping experience that offers so many ways to keep busy, engaged, and active. We hope that you make the decision to join in on some of the fun. Read the monthly calendar to see what events are coming up, and then call to reserve your space. Remember that we are providing programs for more than 4,000 retirees in the New York City area, so space may be limited.

We have a special welcome gift for all 'newbie' retirees. Or, if you are an existing retiree, stop by the office just to say hello. We can't wait to greet you all.

Suzanne E. Beatty, LMSW

Retiree Division Director

Biography

Director's Message

How sweet it is…ahhh…your retirement. A collection of family and friends, souvenirs from travels near and far, and a lifestyle that reflects what you have come to know and enjoy throughout the years. You have an easy and pleasant relationship with your neighbors, family, and friends. 

Easy peasy, right? Maybe, maybe not!  What can you do when your otherwise peaceful existence and easy-going nature feels pinched by friends and family who want something more than you freely want to give?
No one likes to think they are being taken advantage of or manipulated, but in fact, it happens far too often. Exploitative relationships consist of one party taking advantage of another in order to unrightfully benefit from another’s vulnerabilities. Not to be fearful, but the people who know you the best also know your habits and what makes you tick! 

Think of the case of an adult child/grandchild/niece/nephew who is making a request of you (your space at home, car, childcare, or financial assistance/sign a loan/use credit). In other cases, your tolerant nature has you pegged as the “get it done” and “never says no” person (such as a committee activity or friend who wants to take up hours on the phone gabbing when you would rather watch a favorite show). In every case, while you think you are “just being nice,” the reality is that the personal relationships we have with these individuals can cloud the fact that we have been, or are about to be, taken advantage of. 

It can be surprising, but understand that people such as these do exist and are looking for targets. They scan everyone in their lives to see who’s got what they want. Also, take a look in the mirror my friends — you guys are hot stuff! You have homes and cars and enviable lifestyles. You know how to manage your time, money, and resources — and you do it with grace and gratitude. Also, your years working with the city have made you efficient and proficient in all your dealings. You have strong people skills. Of course, the ladies at the auxiliary guild and fellows at the legion hall have chosen you again to lead the annual drive.

Don’t blame or shame yourself for getting caught up or “falling for it” in the past. Understand that some individuals are on the prowl for someone to take responsibility for them. They are masters at the game and are always playing it. They know just what to say so you let down your guard, if you had any at all.  

So what do you do? Your realization that your boundaries are being pinched (or stomped on) is the time when a change can begin. Don’t worry about anything you said or didn’t say in the past. Start by setting simple, but firm, boundaries with a neutral attitude. Get clear with your desired objective, then use simple and direct language to set the new boundary.   

For instance, with an adult child who wants to borrow money, you can say, “I love you, but I won’t be loaning you money anymore since you need to take more responsibility yourself.” To the volunteer committee, you can say, “This group is very important to me, but I need to spend more time on my personal obligations at this point.” Finally, to your buddy “Chatty Kathy,” set a boundary by saying, “I’ve decided to do my paperwork and make calls for my appointments in the afternoon. I will call you back later.” In this case, you control the call and the time allowed. 

Every situation is different, and individuals will use old and new tactics to get you to bend. This will feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice your confidence and reinforced personal boundaries will soon make you invisible to friendly predators looking for an easy answer to their problems. Remember that if you ignore your own boundaries, others will too.  

Wishing you all a very happy February.