I get the heebie jeebies if I think about it too much. I just can't see myself not going to work everyday, but work is getting sooooooo darn crappy with the gov't making billing nearly impossible and computer "improvements" making my life so miserable that I can't stand coming to work either. Financially it will be a bit tight for a couple of years(too young for medicare or SS) but I can see the light at the end of that tunnel. Just not comfortable with the staying home part. I know that sounds crazy and I know I can volunteer and do some sewing that I love and don't do right now. but still, I guess I need to hear that others have had doubts and came out OK.. Hubby is loving every minute so far of his retirement----since July this year.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
NFRC: Any retirement advice from those like-aged would be appreciated. thinking about Mar2016 and
- Thread starter angak1
- Start date
Ang, I retired 20 years ago at age 55 from my City job working mainly with the police dept.
I loved my job; it was exciting, challenging, fun, stressful at times, but different every day. I breezed into retirement four months later than I had planned as the Chief wanted me to train the new replacement.
I spent a few days at home catching up on some things, then one day I decided to take a drive out into the country, all by myself, just to think.
I got caught up in a high speed chase between the sheriff and a bad guy, it was so exciting, and I came home and cried because I was out of the loop.
The next day I woke up and went on my merry way. I did volunteer work with my dog, pet therapy...visiting hospitals, assisted and independent living facilities, colleges, and schools, Loved it. I cooked, entertained, and had family gatherings. The one thing I was not prepared for
Everyone kept asking me, "So, what are you doing now?" I got so tired of the intrusion and answering the same question. I finally came up with a pat answer, “I'm living my life, and doing whatever I want, when I want". If they persisted, and they did, I repeated..."I am living my life!" I said it with a smile and then I'd walk away. It got to be very annoying. At that time in my life I also decided, I wanted my life simple, no complications, and no trouble (caused by my decisions). I had a happy marriage; income was OK, a roof over my head, and food on the table.
It has been great, I now keep commitments low, do what I want, when I want. Troubles come and go, but we handle them.
I know couples who travel all the time, they complain about the trips they take, the terrible food, getting sick on cruise ships, or airplanes. We did our travels in an RV, visited the good old USA, no tour guides to take us to tourist shops, or keep us moving all day long. It has worked for us. To each his own, but I am partial to doing some sort of volunteer work that you have a passion for. It is important to maintain and make new friendships along the way. Plus it does not hurt to maintain your skills as a professional, as you will need all that knowledge dealing with what comes with aging and dealing with life.
I loved my job; it was exciting, challenging, fun, stressful at times, but different every day. I breezed into retirement four months later than I had planned as the Chief wanted me to train the new replacement.
I spent a few days at home catching up on some things, then one day I decided to take a drive out into the country, all by myself, just to think.
I got caught up in a high speed chase between the sheriff and a bad guy, it was so exciting, and I came home and cried because I was out of the loop.
The next day I woke up and went on my merry way. I did volunteer work with my dog, pet therapy...visiting hospitals, assisted and independent living facilities, colleges, and schools, Loved it. I cooked, entertained, and had family gatherings. The one thing I was not prepared for
Everyone kept asking me, "So, what are you doing now?" I got so tired of the intrusion and answering the same question. I finally came up with a pat answer, “I'm living my life, and doing whatever I want, when I want". If they persisted, and they did, I repeated..."I am living my life!" I said it with a smile and then I'd walk away. It got to be very annoying. At that time in my life I also decided, I wanted my life simple, no complications, and no trouble (caused by my decisions). I had a happy marriage; income was OK, a roof over my head, and food on the table.
It has been great, I now keep commitments low, do what I want, when I want. Troubles come and go, but we handle them.
I know couples who travel all the time, they complain about the trips they take, the terrible food, getting sick on cruise ships, or airplanes. We did our travels in an RV, visited the good old USA, no tour guides to take us to tourist shops, or keep us moving all day long. It has worked for us. To each his own, but I am partial to doing some sort of volunteer work that you have a passion for. It is important to maintain and make new friendships along the way. Plus it does not hurt to maintain your skills as a professional, as you will need all that knowledge dealing with what comes with aging and dealing with life.
I agree w/ Karen in that whatever U do, U need to like or love or have a passion 4 it. I had a job
that I loved back in the day with Corporate America, but there were politics and so much red tape that I was stressed & harried. During a big cut-back in work force, my entire department was abolished, so poof, there were 6 of us out the door. I promptly turned to volunteer work and within six months was on five not-for-profit Boards. Since I'd always liked to cook, I would try out new recipes and take desserts or appetizers with me to share when I attended my various Board of Director meetings. Soon people were asking me to make items for them that they were willing to pay me for....that's how I caught the catering bug! Then the Treasurer on the Sans Souci Board (it's a locally run Good Will group) asked if I'd be interested in very sporadic part-time work at his office as a temp for his secretary. Now I do On-Call work at 16 different financial offices in this area. I love both the cooking and the subbing. I'm constantly learning and meeting new people. And compared to how I felt with Corporate America, I feel like I "retired" from the stress.
My husband's goal was to retire when he hit 55 which was 10 years ago. (We are both 65 this year.) Paul had worked 31 years in Manufacturing Systems doing everything from hardware to software to being a User and decided he was ready to give up the 8-to-5 routine. He started off retirement by overseeing several major projects around our house, and last year he put together and gave a couple presentations through our local library for the general public about astronomy--he has always had a passion for astronomy. Now he put his toe into the volunteer arena. Paul had absolutely no trouble adjusting to a more traditional type retirement. I'm not there yet.
I think the key is finding something you like to do whether it's paid or in the volunteer realm. Karen is as right as rain.
So, AngAk1, let's say you give up your current job and then hate the alternative. Could you find another job you like better? Or might you create new & enjoyable work for yourself?
It could be the approaching change that has you apprehensive. I have never been one to seek out change--things have usually just come crashing down on me to force change which made me realize in hindsight that I would have had more control if I'd only planned for and made my own changes!
I find it helpful to put my thoughts down on paper or type them into a file on the computer. Example, pinpoint where your heebie jeebies (aka anxiety) are coming from. That might help clarify some things for you.
I think what you are currently doing--soliciting input & gathering data from others--will give you good insight and lots of ideas. Pay attention to your feelings as well as any rational thoughts. Both are important.
Don't limit yourself. And remember that we are all here for you! Caryn aka Wigs
that I loved back in the day with Corporate America, but there were politics and so much red tape that I was stressed & harried. During a big cut-back in work force, my entire department was abolished, so poof, there were 6 of us out the door. I promptly turned to volunteer work and within six months was on five not-for-profit Boards. Since I'd always liked to cook, I would try out new recipes and take desserts or appetizers with me to share when I attended my various Board of Director meetings. Soon people were asking me to make items for them that they were willing to pay me for....that's how I caught the catering bug! Then the Treasurer on the Sans Souci Board (it's a locally run Good Will group) asked if I'd be interested in very sporadic part-time work at his office as a temp for his secretary. Now I do On-Call work at 16 different financial offices in this area. I love both the cooking and the subbing. I'm constantly learning and meeting new people. And compared to how I felt with Corporate America, I feel like I "retired" from the stress.
My husband's goal was to retire when he hit 55 which was 10 years ago. (We are both 65 this year.) Paul had worked 31 years in Manufacturing Systems doing everything from hardware to software to being a User and decided he was ready to give up the 8-to-5 routine. He started off retirement by overseeing several major projects around our house, and last year he put together and gave a couple presentations through our local library for the general public about astronomy--he has always had a passion for astronomy. Now he put his toe into the volunteer arena. Paul had absolutely no trouble adjusting to a more traditional type retirement. I'm not there yet.
I think the key is finding something you like to do whether it's paid or in the volunteer realm. Karen is as right as rain.
So, AngAk1, let's say you give up your current job and then hate the alternative. Could you find another job you like better? Or might you create new & enjoyable work for yourself?
It could be the approaching change that has you apprehensive. I have never been one to seek out change--things have usually just come crashing down on me to force change which made me realize in hindsight that I would have had more control if I'd only planned for and made my own changes!
I find it helpful to put my thoughts down on paper or type them into a file on the computer. Example, pinpoint where your heebie jeebies (aka anxiety) are coming from. That might help clarify some things for you.
I think what you are currently doing--soliciting input & gathering data from others--will give you good insight and lots of ideas. Pay attention to your feelings as well as any rational thoughts. Both are important.
Don't limit yourself. And remember that we are all here for you! Caryn aka Wigs
thanks Caryn! lots to mull over. i'm pretty sure I could find a little work with Gov't billing
issues---I know WAWF quite well. Or helping out at audit time etc. I just feel like a safety net is being taken away. and I really don't need that net anymore, but I've always counted on myself and my income to provide for me no matter what, and that's kind of hard to let go. I'll still have pension income and investments to draw from if needed, and DH's, but golly, I don't want to pull out of investments this early, and probably don't need to.
issues---I know WAWF quite well. Or helping out at audit time etc. I just feel like a safety net is being taken away. and I really don't need that net anymore, but I've always counted on myself and my income to provide for me no matter what, and that's kind of hard to let go. I'll still have pension income and investments to draw from if needed, and DH's, but golly, I don't want to pull out of investments this early, and probably don't need to.