Community Chat

[Drythe]

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@tarsmom wrote:

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@Drythe wrote:

@tarsmom 

Was curious about your nickname, as I am a NC native, and thought it might have something to do with the state.  Your son being here explains it!

You, are correct, there are SO many moving here that the beautiful stands of woods, and the pristine shores are pretty much a thing of the past.  To me it has become very crowded, but still it is my home, and from experience know I belong here.

Still work, but for myself, which is wonderful!  Being in charge of your OWN time is the best.  I think we each make our own way, and are all different, so look around and see what really calls to you in terms of investing your time going forward.  

Good wishes to you and your DH, 

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Thank you for your kind words - actually Tar was my black lab that passed away 10 years ago - I've been "tarsmom" for awhile!  Funny that it has something to do with NC!   I am living each day of course but can't help but count down my days!

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@tarsmom 

I’ve been blessed to be MOM of 3 wonderful Labs!

They are such a Joy!

[FrostyBabe1]

I was fortunate to be able to retire very early, in my mid 40's. 15 years later, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm just as busy now as I was when I was working, but now it's what I want to do, not what I have to do. I still travel quite a bit, but instead of 5 cities in 4 days, it's one city for several days. I volunteer. I play golf. I train. I do what I want, when I want. If you're fortunate enough to be in good health and are ready financially, retirement is fabulous. But, and that's a big but...it's what YOU decide to make of it. 

[RedTop]

I was born to be retired!   I quit my job with 27 years of service, at age 57, to be a caretaker, and what @alliswell posted has been my motto since the day I walked out the door!   

I have never once missed the job and its stress.   I do miss my friends, but know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, and have no regrets.  

I worked the most horrendous hours for 16 years; paid off our house in 11 years, paid for a daughters university education, and updated the house for our physical aging, before transferring to a different department with straight, easy hours.   I got thru the crazy years by focusing on the great things being accomplished.

I knew my retirement plans were being made for me, so I just go with the flow, and enjoy every day.   

[roeroe1005]

I "retired" June 2018.  

I worked in corporate for 30 years as an executive assistant.  1800 of us laid off and I was 49.  Took a year off and then was lucky to get a job as secretary to the principal in a local high school.  Did that for 11 years.

I did not plan to retire at that time, but I did not like the new principal.  But I lucked out - I temped in 2 different school districts.  Actually just finished last Tuesday.  The last few months was part time, which was fine for me.

I started collecting my SS and I get a NYS pension and a small pension from my corporate job.  And temp here and there.  And I'm okay. 

Dad passed 3 months ago.  So I'm packing up and moving to Delaware in the next few weeks.  Really starting over.  I have no children, 2 nephews who love me but have their own lives.  My sister will be here in NY with her hubby and his family.  I'll have my cousin in DE, but she's married so I cannot make her my social life.  OMG, I'm starting to scare myself!

I've already put an application as a clerical sub in some school districts in my new area.  Hope to hear.  Don't want to work everyday, but maybe 2 or 3 days a week.

My sister and I went to a psychic a few weeks ago and she said this will be a good move for me.  We'll see!

Good luck to you.

[cotton4me]

I love being retired but had difficulty adjusting at first.  I missed the daily camaraderie with people I’d known for 30 years.  I suddenly felt cut off and alone, not sure what to do with myself.  Over time I developed a routine and hobbies that I enjoy.  Retirement has turned out to be the best time of my life.   

I’ve read articles that say planning how you’ll spend your time in retirement is just as important as financial planning.  40% of retirees become depressed so it’s something to think about. 

Good luck to you. 

[Zaimee]

Yes. I worked in that school for 35 years. I will be “out of the loop” now.

Appreciate positive words. I know I will adjust to not working. What a problem!

[haddon9]

I was mostly a stay at home mom but worked part time later when the kids were in school.  DH was forced into early retirement 7 years ago at the age of 59 due to a chronic illness.  Because of his autoimmune illness he really can't do what I had hoped that we could in our 60s...like going to festivals, concerts, short weekend getaway trips, etc. We can occasionally go on a big vacation trip but it usually involves extended family which is nice but not always doable.

 I have a circle of friends that I get together with regularly to go out and try different restaurants & see shows with.  I also play in a Mah Jongg group once a week and if I want to take classes the community college is right within our town. 

I have a small Etsy business which keeps me busy and helps to pay some bills.  It's a great feeling when strangers are willing to buy something that I've made.  Because of the nature of my business, I can't easily pack it up if we were to move.  I use our finished basement as my workshop and if we downsized I wouldn't have that space.

I love my home & community and feel like I belong here.  Our kids are only an hour away and it's nice to see them often. Yet DH wants to move  to a warmer climate and though I hate winter, I'm happy here.  I can and do visit my mother in south Florida over the winter so it's nice for a break but I don't want to make it my home.

Things often turn out differently than what one plans for....however I consider myself very lucky and happy for now.

[jannabelle1]

If you're ready to have the time to do things you want (or nothing at all), then you'll adjust. If you're glued to your job and need that constant interaction with co-workers and customers, then you might have a difficult time.

I retired at 65 from a job that I totally enjoyed. But - I was tired of getting up at 5:00 a.m. and only having the weekends to get things done. I had a great job in marketing - had worked in banking for 45 years.  I love being retired, and it only took me about a month to adjust. I had grand ideas of things I'd do when I retired, but have done very few of them! Doesn't bother me at all. I do what I want, when I want....and I love it!

I don't have a lot of family close by either, but that hasn't stopped me from building my own life in retirement.

[morganjen]

@cotton4me  Maybe the 40% that become depressed are part of the ones that you heard about that die within 1-2 years after they retire. That always scared me, I know too many people that got critically ill right afterwards and passed away not being able to enjoy their retirement.

[Yabbadabba]

It’s very interesting to hear so many perspectives.  I am really struggling at this point in my life.  I am 56 and hope to retire at 60 or 62. My husband is 5 years older. We have no children.  He was laid off 3 years ago and considers himself officially retired now.  Retirement scares me,  I realize how single dimensional I am ..  it’s been all about work and the thought of having to figure out who the rest of me is, is somewhat embarrassing and frightening. I’m not sure that makes sense to many. I am physically and mentally spent, to add to it.  I think things have slowly caught up to me. I can’t explain the ‘why’ but I have always worked a crazy amount of hours.  At times, and for long periods of time, it was nothing for me to work 16 hrs a day.  Really poor judgment and regrets here.    Now finally I am trying to work on creating some balance in my life (developing interests, looking beyond my work....) as I slowly work towards retirement. I have a lot of work to do to prepare myself,  I hope all of you who are preparing for retirement, will find happiness nd purpose.   Thank you for listening.