Retirement - Page 3

lynnie61 · ‎04-28-2010

@JFD12 I retired almost 2 years ago at 63. I worked two jobs for almost 45 years. I kept one job (one day a week). But I love it! I have never been bored, ever. I still work Saturdays at my server job. I had an office job for 45 years. Best decision ever. There are days I do tons, there are other days I do almost nothing!

All those years of going to work, stress, weather, etc. I now don't mind snow! Funny when you don't have to commute it in, it's so much more fun.

I wish you well, and hope the decision works for you. Best wishes!

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

@JFD12 My husband and I retired (sold) our business the first of this year. We were both unsure is we would be happy in retirement....we both had worked since leaving high school...and we owned our own business for40+ years.

My husband is 14 years older than me and I am 70. We are really enjoying retirement which is a big surprise to both of us, I say if you can afford it, then retire.

...and we are both happy we have not had to go out in the miserable, cold weather we have had this year.

Roscoe the Rascal · ‎04-19-2016

I am working and could retire but struggling with the idea. I see the pros and cons of working and not working.

I lost my husband in April 2024 and being able to work helped me with my loss. I am just not at that point yet and think I will probably retire after this year. I also have a part time job and will keep that when I do retire. I work when they need me and last month two days and so far none for this month.

My friends are all married and last one is retiring end of March. She lost her husband but has since remarried. We still do things together but it is just different when you have a husband at home.

One of my problems is I no longer find the joy in doing some of the things I use to enjoy. I have truly changed and just need my job yet. Winters are hard to be at home but I can see where it would also be nice not to worry about the weather. Snow country here,

So for now keep at it for me. I am trying to find some new interests as well. I have not given up and I take it day by day.

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

I got laid off at 58 and said no more. Hubby agreed. I was sick of everything. The drive, gossip, backstabbing, a micromanaging boss, horrible company, always wondering when I would get laid off, you name it, I was sick of it. I would actually cry every Sunday dreading going in on Monday. Getting laid off after 8 years was the best day I had with the company and I never looked back.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

I felt the same way. Where did the time go? Wait until you are retired. Time flies even faster. I can't believe my 10th retirement anniversary is this spring.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

@JFD12 wrote:
@rockygems123 Yes! I started working for my city at a young age and I can now retire at my full pension. I really cannot believe I have reached this point.

I started with my employer in the 70s and was grandfathered into the defined benefit plan. It's so much better than any of the newer pension plans.

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

Good for you @Desertdi !!

UpNorthGorgy · ‎09-19-2024

I would have liked to have retired at 55 but divorce at 52 started filing at age 50 prevented me from retiring until 66. I needed the health insurance so waited until Medicare. My ex retired at 50 from the Military and aided his womanizing and alcohol problem.

In the beginning I was restless and did more volunteering. Now happy to be home and do what I want when. Have met nice "rescue dog people" who replaced workplace friends. I worked 50 years and yes, we deserve it.

Eileen in Virginia · ‎08-25-2010

I retired from the Federal government as soon as I was eligible 15 years ago and never looked back. In addition to what others have stated, I don't have to worry about government shutdowns, political infighting (even though I wasn't a political appointee) or doing more with less.

Before I retired, DH (also a Federal retiree) and I made sure our finances were in order. Since we had paid off our mortgage, we were able to reduce our life insurance coverage which increased our net retirement benefit due to the lower premiums.

The best thing about retirement is that we're free to do whatever we want. We've been to Hawaii, taken Bermuda and Mediterranean cruises, gone down the shore during the late off-season at about half the rental rate, etc. We've also been able to get the most out of our community pool membership, instead of just going at night or on the weekends and have made a whole new circle of friends there. Of course, sometimes we just want to hang out and do nothing.

When you retire, take it easy while you get a feel for retirement life. ENJOY!

Blondie59 · ‎01-04-2019

Congratulations @JFD12 ! It is a big decision, and yes, your life will change...for the better. 😊

I just retired in August, and like many who have posted, worked my whole life. I worked in private industry, but I stayed at my first real job almost 40 years. For me, I knew it was time to leave because I didn't feel as if I had an impact on either co-workers or customers in the same way as I had in the past. Times had changed and the workforce had changed. So it was time for me to go. But, it was a great decision. We could do it financially, and I wanted to enjoy life while I was still in relative good health.

i love being on my own schedule and not worrying on Sunday what I might be walking into Monday morning. I still see ex-coworkers for lunch every few weeks, and the snow shoveling here in the northeast has kept me busy. lol

My advice is to look at yourself and ask, do you define your work and does your work make you who you are. If it is the latter, it might be hard letting go of your career. Toward the end of my career, I was definitely the first thing, so it was easier to let go.

Sorry for the long post, I guess I've had too much coffee today. Best of luck in making your decision.