topic Re: Retire 100%? in Community Chat

Retire 100%?

CalminHeart — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 10:54:46 GMT

I retired after nearly 40 years with a huge corporation 2.5 years ago. It took 30 seconds to adjust to retirement from this company. I never looked back.

I've been working 15-18 hours a week in customer service at a midwest grocery store chain since retiring. My resignation letter is sitting on the table waiting to be delivered.

I want to quit the grocery store but it's a little scary. I've worked in one capacity or another since I was 10 years old. It's a big change.

I can afford to quit but it will be a change in my income. It's not significant but it'll be a change. I have 2 other incomes each month. Every bill is paid except for what's left on my house. My medical insurance premium will decrease by half in June. All I have are utilities, medical, and the usual household things like groceries, savings, and such.

Why am I so nervous?

Re: Retire 100%?

meallen616 — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 10:57:19 GMT

@CalminHeart,

Change almost always makes us nervous,

Re: Retire 100%?

millieshops — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 11:09:53 GMT

@CalminHeartYou're nervous because change is scary, and just because you don't need the income doesn't mean you don't need something else you get from working. Do you know what your something is - what working is adding to your "retired" life?

Even after 18+ years of retirement, sometimes I could still use the structure working gave me.

Re: Retire 100%?

EastCoastGal — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 11:33:20 GMT

Hi CalmInTheHeart!

I think you are nervous about retiring because you have been working since you were 10 years old...and I believe you think you will not be able to get use to not going to work...or What will I do all day? Do you still stay in contact with any of the people you worked with in the huge corporation? If any of them have retired make plans to go to lunch.

Other things to do... Sign up at a college to learn new things...something you've been wanting to do but never had time for. Those courses usually start in January. Do some volunteer work. During the winter it's harder to find things to do but start getting ready for Christmas...buying gifts, wrap them, writing out Christmas cards, put up decorations (after Thanksgiving), put up your tree, bake cookies...So many things to do at Christmads-time. If you haven't sent out Christmas cards in a long time, maybe you would like to start again. I love receiving cards during the holidays because it feels good to know people are thinking about me! Maybe you know of people who would love to receive a card...older people you know or relatives.

It sounds like you are set financially which is great because a lot of people aren't.

Do you have family in your same city/town? That makes a difference if you do or don't. I just moved back "home" after 48 years and I'm sooo happy I made that decision! Wish I had done it earlier. It's hard to pack up an 11-room home when you're 70!!!

I retired at 55 on my birthday in 2003 after working as a secretary (senior stenographer) in a school district for 36 years...so I receive 2 checks. I was so happy to retire. Not nervous about it at all. I got to the point where I just had enough of working in a school district and putting up with my different bosses nonsense. Now I'm my own boss!! I started thinking about retiring TEN years before retiring!! Lol. I've worked since I was 16 so you did work longer. I really had to retire because of an illness but I was so happy that I could stay until I turned 55 (State retirement...Tier 1 so I could retire at 55 - Yay!)

Sorry this is so long! I really think it's because you've been working your whole life but it WILL be easier to adjust than you think. If not...and you're still young enough, work another part-time job.

Good luck to you when you make your decision!!

Re: Retire 100%?

cherry — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 11:36:26 GMT

New things are always a bit frightening..Just know ,that nothing is set in stone. If you find, after a bit, you want to return to work, nothing will stop you

You are a valuable asset ,and very marketable..good luck

Re: Retire 100%?

Pook — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 11:52:53 GMT

@CalminHeart I retired 100% 7 years ago and I enjoy every second of not having to be somewhere at a certain time. My time is my own and aside from a few things I don't have to do a single thing. I spent my whole life being scheduled for things I committed to and it is so freeing not to have to be somewhere for work or other things. I don't want or need classes where I have to show up at a certain time regularly or where someone is depending on me. I often thought about volunteering at different places but that is the same as having a job!! If I choose to go anywhere I can and do but never want to have to again! I'm never bored and so much more relaxed. I know there are some who need more structure and don't mind having specific obligations. I would have stayed at my good paying job if I felt that way. Try it and if you feel you need more from life than get another job or volunteer or take classes. You are finally your own true boss!

Re: Retire 100%?

EastCoastGal — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 12:14:53 GMT

@Pook,

I only made suggestions to the OP about taking classes and volunteering in case she thought she would have a difficult time staying at home all day.

Personally, I don't do either of those. I am very content, as you are, staying at home and not having to be anywhere at any time...except of course for appointments. All is good.

Re: Retire 100%?

Janey2 — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 12:29:43 GMT

Continue working. Working and getting out keeps you relevant. You are not working that many hours that you do not have time for yourself. Having a purpose keeps you young. All the above mentioned things to do are time fillers. You have a purpose why give that up? Yes it is nice to do what you what when you want, even that gets old very fast. Of course this is just how I look at things.

Re: Retire 100%?

software — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 12:39:30 GMT

It's hard to give advice on this one without walking in your shoes.

I'm like @Pook

No more "punching a clock" for me ever again.

I don't even want a dog, and I'm a dog person!

I really don't want a plant but I do like to garden.

But where I do disagree is in volunteering or taking classes.

Volunteers can work at their own pace & time.

Often there are fundraisers that may last a short period of time, sometimes only 1 day or even a half day..

You make that short time committment and it's over.

What's most important about being a volunteer is the people connection which may be why @CalminHeart is struggling. You are going to miss the people.

Being in customer service, you obviously are a people person. You don't really say why you want to quit now. But if you are going to quit, think about a hobby or interest and apply yourself there as a volunteer. At a school, library, animal shelter, soup kitchen. You will find great satisfaction. Your time is still your own.

Re: Retire 100%?

AngelPuppy1 — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 13:08:55 GMT

@CalminHeart wrote:
I retired after nearly 40 years with a huge corporation 2.5 years ago. It took 30 seconds to adjust to retirement from this company. I never looked back.

I've been working 15-18 hours a week in customer service at a midwest grocery store chain since retiring. My resignation letter is sitting on the table waiting to be delivered.

I want to quit the grocery store but it's a little scary. I've worked in one capacity or another since I was 10 years old. It's a big change.

I can afford to quit but it will be a change in my income. It's not significant but it'll be a change. I have 2 other incomes each month. Every bill is paid except for what's left on my house. My medical insurance premium will decrease by half in June. All I have are utilities, medical, and the usual household things like groceries, savings, and such.

Why am I so nervous?

@CalminHeart

I getting ready to retire in about a month or so. I am really look forwar to it. But now that it's getting close I am actually getting scared! It's a huge life altering event!!!! I have worked steadily my whole life and for a big chunk of my life, I held several jobs at one time. I have never known what it's like to not work. So now that it's getting down to the wire, I admit that I am somehow terrified! Work is pretty much all I have ever known. It will be a relief to leave my job as it has been stressful and very tiring. And I am so sick of the grind-- day in and day out. DH's health is not good at all and mine is declining. I know this is the right decision but I also know it will be a big adjustment for me.

As for what you are writing, I believe I understand. You did a smart thing. You retired from your long time full time job and then you got a part-time job. So, you didn't quit cold turkey. Now, if you do quit this part time job, it will probably be easier to make the adjustment. It sounds like you are just worried about --- well, now what? The same as I have written. You have worked so long and so hard and now this part of your life is behind you. But we have to look at it this way --- now we can choose to do other things ---- things we enjoy, things at our own pace --- take time to spend with others and do things we have been wanting to do. Relax and look around and really experience different things. Even being able to go for a walk when we want or go shopping when we want or take a nap when we want. You can even volunteer if you feel this is something you might want to do. One day at a time. It will take time to wrap your head around it. It will be a positive thing!!!

Re: Retire 100%?

fancy pantsy — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 13:09:55 GMT

any kind of change is scary for me.

i just wanted to wish you the best of luck!

Re: Retire 100%?

Gorgf — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 13:18:13 GMT

I like not having the workplace stress with employees, procedures, responsibility, evaluations. and incompetence in the workplace. It is heaven not to have to get up and get going and fight the time and elements being weather or traffic. I can run to the store when I feel like it not having to wait until off of work. I also am more relaxed. The first couple of months I napped and slept but now am on more of a good natural sleep schedule.

There are so many opportunities to volunteer on your time frame and interests. I started walking 10,000 steps a day when possible. I take a yoga class once a week. I got involved in church community charity work. I take a major trip once a year. I work on the house and sort stuff when I feel like it. I enjoy nature in my yard as home to see and notice the seasonal changes. If the weather is nasty I don't have to go out. I actually cook more as have time and plan better meals.

I worked 50 years and whenever you retire ,I think one has to be ready. Doing a part time job was a good dip in the water to see. I enjoyed working but now enjoy retirement and hope my health holds out along finances. It all seems to work out. I live alone but that has become ok too. Everything has advantages and disadvantages. It will be a year for me in Jan. To have this freedom is priceless. The years go by so fast. You will be fine.

Re: Retire 100%?

Eileen in Virginia — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 13:23:39 GMT

@Pook wrote:
@CalminHeart I retired 100% 7 years ago and I enjoy every second of not having to be somewhere at a certain time. My time is my own and aside from a few things I don't have to do a single thing. I spent my whole life being scheduled for things I committed to and it is so freeing not to have to be somewhere for work or other things. I don't want or need classes where I have to show up at a certain time regularly or where someone is depending on me. I often thought about volunteering at different places but that is the same as having a job!! If I choose to go anywhere I can and do but never want to have to again! I'm never bored and so much more relaxed. I know there are some who need more structure and don't mind having specific obligations. I would have stayed at my good paying job if I felt that way. Try it and if you feel you need more from life than get another job or volunteer or take classes. You are finally your own true boss!

This describes my retirement to a T. I retired full-time 8 years ago after working for the Federal government for 30 years. While I knew retirement was right for me, I hadn’t had a break in employment (except for vacations) in 30 years, so I wondered if I’d get bored. NOT A PROBLEM! In addition to making new friends at our pool, I get together with old friends for lunch or other activities. I have plenty of time to read and enjoy other activities, as well as rest when I’m tired. It sounds like you’ve eased your way into full retirement with your part-time job. Now just kick back and focus on yourself. You’ve earned it!

Re: Retire 100%?

PINKdogWOOD — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 13:29:25 GMT

@CalminHeart Ahh, retirement not once but twice. Here's what I'm saying, serve the letter, hug a few fellow staffers and say solong, farewell.

Never again look back!

You'll do fine, enjoy all your time now to travel, visit family, do some volunteering. Just enjoy!

Re: Retire 100%?

Mom2Dogs — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 13:54:39 GMT

My dh is 78, still working...we are self employed. Last year, late fall we almost sold our business but decided not to.....we are so connected to our work that we are very afraid of not having a daily routine, and honestly to much 'together' time.

DH has worked all his life, starting around 10 years old....no hobbies and a couple of his friends have passed away. We could retire and be ok financially (wish the stock market would settle down)...it's the emotional part that scares us.

To the OP if you feel you are ready do it, do it....if you find your self bored, you can always go back to work.

Re: Retire 100%?

missy1 — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 13:56:49 GMT

It's nice that you have that option.

Re: Retire 100%?

on the bay — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 14:11:16 GMT

One thing I've learned whether working or not is to feel needed, to feel like I am bringing help and love to my family and friends.

That and like others have said, to be able to do what you want when you want and to do things you have time to enjoy; to explore new things if and when you feel like it.

I had at first tried volunteering many different places. I was glad for the experience but as @Pook said, it was like work.

I felt even more obligated to be there when we agreed (nursing home once a week a certain day).

And some places that I thought would be rewarding or wonderful were not what I had expected or hoped-

a wild bird rescue-didn't get to feed the babies, had to clean out large cages;

a store that helped the homeless and low income in the community had no chairs to sit at while we sorted clothing. All these jobs were physically hard and thats one reason I stopped working!

I think when there is any huge life change, we have a kind of culture shock. You probably will after so many working years. Just know you will maybe feel disoriented and like what the heck do I do and where is everyone?

But then the joy of having your own new life, doing what you want whenever you want to!

And remember there are lots of people in the same situation. There are new friends to make if you want, and time to be friends with yourself!

Re: Retire 100%?

Shawnie — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 14:41:53 GMT

@Janey2 wrote:
Continue working. Working and getting out keeps you relevant. You are not working that many hours that you do not have time for yourself. Having a purpose keeps you young. All the above mentioned things to do are time fillers. You have a purpose why give that up? Yes it is nice to do what you what when you want, even that gets old very fast. Of course this is just how I look at things.

I agree. I did what you did OP initially after I retired. About two years ago I cut back to about 10 hrs a week. I like working. Volunteering isn’t the same.

Re: Retire 100%?

mac116 — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 14:55:29 GMT

Retirement is different for everyone. I have been retired from full time work for a little over 2 years. I am still not sure that this is for me! I still work a little part time, and volunteer a few mornings a week, but I do not find the camaraderie and purpose that I had while working.

When people say how wonderful retirement is, I just don't see it. My husband is still working by choice. I have many lonely hours, even though I have friends and family very close by. Shopping? I am trying to get rid of stuff. Meeting friends for lunch? Maybe once or twice a month. I guess that I need to keep looking for what I need to fill the void.

Re: Retire 100%?

dex — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 15:35:42 GMT

@Pooki feel exactly as you do.I hate to be scheduled for anything now..kind of like how I felt about having a bedtime when I was a kid.It took me about 30 years to get over that and realize that sleep wasn’t a punishment.