Mom to Mom

[pommom]

Even a well planned retirement is still an adjustment mentally and emotionally. Take time to decompress and navigate your next steps. Retirement is wonderful and should you decide not to work, enjoy! Every day is a vacation day!

[carlycat]

Hi, OP here. Such good advice! Sorry I'm on an ipad. Little more info. BF and I were already planning to move in together, this just makes it easier. ........I think I'd like some kind of work but I totally agree, everybody wants the 25 year old. I hate that. Not going to take any retirement money yet. Just didn't think I was that "old" to be put out to pasture!

[Jova]

I'd call Social Security and find out what your eventual benefits will be if you quit work now.

This. Take some time to think things through, and don't make any rash decisions. If you do decide to completely retire, have fun and enjoy yourself!

[LTT1]

I am still in the "relaxing" phase of retirement -- having just retired at the end of the last teaching semester, mid-December! I do love the reduced-stress life!

I supposed congratulations are in order for you? I hope you have decided to be happy at this transition time.

In my way of thinking, the most "out-paced" a person can become is in the area of technology. But no matter what a person's age, computers/apps and such can become second nature with enough exposure.

Therefore, I would have to agree with Peaches McPhee in that $$ is not the only important thing. Helping at the public library, sales (computerized cash registers) and any business that needs a person who can navigate through the "waters" of technology might be a good place to start.

Are you sure you want to make major decisions about a BF when your life is in transition?

The way you were "re-organized" out seems typical... no warning and escorted out. My situation differed in that both my DH and I were well-known by the PTB. Still, there were certain "norms" of retiring that I had to comply with. This was a "friendly" ending of employment, so it didn't hurt so much.

Aren't companies found to be liable of "age discrimination" if they lay off ONLY older employees? I thought they were still accountable for this?

As far as younger employees go... for the most part older employees (who are tech savvy) are often more valued for being responsible, ethical, and productive. Not to "dis" youth (I have a DD in the work force) but often younger equals more distractions -- young children/spouses/less stability. I'd stress the qualities of maturity when looking.

My teaching certification was obtained later in life (my 2nd life!) What they needed was someone who could "parent" the type of students that I would teach... so some maturity and ability to give necessary time to the job were valued.

Good luck to you!

[pattypeep]

Lots of good advice here; however, the bottom line is that really s*&ks. Employers haven't figure out yet that the older generation has their children raised (no calling in sick w/ ill children) and have a greater work ethic than many of the younger group. As a manager in my past life and responsible for hiring and firing, I speak from experience. Don't jump on me, young folks, I know that many of you are awesome employees. I was young once, too. I venture to say that it's all about having to pay pensions with the more mature group.

[bonnielu]

I am retired and probably would be still working. I do believe I was squeezed out since THEY could hire two for the salary I made. Others of my age group suffered the safe fate. So it had nothing to do with my skill or lack of it.

As of now, I am just fine. I planned well. And now I can dance full time and not worry about schedules, etc. It has plus points as long as I am covered for expenses and have adequate medical insurance.

[Meowingkitty]

Same thing happened to me. I am 59 (58 at the time). We all knew it was coming but thought we had at least one more year. One day we got called into a meeting, that was a red flag right there as we never had meetings, and told we had three weeks left. They were moving the work to Atlanta. My husband told me I didn't need to go back to work which is fine with me. I hated my job and the work was boring. It took me a few months to detox from the bitterness. I did some cleanup in my house and now I am looking to volunteer. If you don't need to work I suggest you don't. Take time off and think about what you want to do. This is your chance to start over. Life is more than some job in corporate America. I know of no one who loves their job. I know I sure didn't. I could not be happier being home with the cats.

[Chrystaltree2]

Well, you are only 58. The situation you describe isn't retirement. You were laid off, you are unemployed. You are still in shock and denial right now. It will take a while before you really know what you are going to do moving forward. At 58, you should be thinking long term when it comes to retirement. I assume you expect to live another 30 years. So, marriage or not, you should be speaking with a financial analyst about long term income. Surely you don't want to be one of those unfortunate elders who outlives their money...

[Carmie]

This is happening to my husband right now. His employer is hinting for him to retire early so that they can hire a younger person at a much lower wage. Legally, they can't force him out because of his contract. I went out to the SS website and figured out what he can collect at age 62, 66 and age 70. He has decided to retire this year and has found a part time job that he already started to make his transaction easier. You might want to keep doing something. The more you make, the more SS you will earn. If your BF is a high wage earner, and you get married, you will be able to collect SS on him after 10 years of marriage. You might want to look into this. Plan ahead so that you are not in a bad position when you are too old to work. You need to plan for old age, as well as right now.

[151949]

I was forced to retire at age 58 due to a work related injury - thank goodness for D H's health ins plan. Anyway, i know how you feel. One day you are employed and the next day - gone. Mine happened a bit slower than yours as I was on workman's comp - however , at least you got severance - I did not get much and had to fight and claw for every little bit I did get. For about a year and a half they paid me $140/week. I guess they thought someone could live on that - had I been single I would have had no savings left and been at the foodbank.