Recently my sister told me that my niece, who is 55 is going to be retiring soon and moving to the coast. Which, great - whatever blows her skirt up. The sister said it made her "feel old" - I guess because of my niece's age. To me, whatever anyone else does with their own life doesn't make me feel any sort of age and I'm Ok being almost 65. And working actually makes me feel vital and a little younger. But its just like Ozzy said "you have to have something to retire to" and maybe my niece has that figured out, but I for sure don't. On paper you could be worth enough money to do so, but money is not a substitute for creating a life you enjoy. So while I am working on that and figuring it out, I will keep working since I like what I do. And anything could happen. You could have a major health issue that could wipe out your savings and put a big dent in your early retirement - so it can't just be about the money. Meanwhile I don't want my skills to lapse.
Do I want to garden? No. Travel? Again, no - at least not alone.
I have no grandchildren, and even when I do, I don't plan on raising them!
Volunteering would be a good way to fill my days, but right now I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing than going to my job and taking care of my home. I am happy in my house, my hours/ responsibilities/commute to work are all good, and I'm not in a relationship that holds me anywhere. So what do I retire TO?
It will all come to me eventually.
I could work on developing my hobbies, adding new ones in, I guess.
I feel like I have time to decide what exactly I want to do. Maybe what I'm doing is what I'm supposed to be doing. Who knows. And I'm all for others retiring whenever they want to.
Its just not for me right now. What are YOUR thoughts about it?
I'm figuring it out, but knew I had to step away from full time at everyone's agenda. Substitute teaching has felt a bit like volunteering because wage so low, and I feel I'm meeting a bigger community need than volunteering. I took a short contract for both keeping my brain active, but also to supplement my discretionary budget. I guess I call it retired but some might just say I changed to jobs that are "gigs".
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to go part time eventually. But my job is not for the elderly - it involves pulling, pushing, lifting, etc. How long can I keep THAT up?
DeleteI “retired” for a while at 55 due to a sudden serious health issue. Once I could work again there was a recession, etc. so I never worked full time again. What I have found over the past 20 years is that you have to keep finding your what you have retired to as life, health, interests and opportunities keep changing. Glad you enjoy your work and your commute, etc is working for you now so it sounds like no reason to seriously consider retiring.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I will be searching for quite awhile!
DeleteThis is very thought provoking and you have a great handle on it. As long as you are happy and content with life/work right now, there's no reason to retire just because. I think if you don't have something to retire to, it could be a downhill spiral for a lot of people. Being intentional and thoughtful about it is a good plan!
ReplyDeleteI hear horror stories of people being super bored, overeating and isolating and I don't want that!
DeleteI wish I could retire tomorrow but I think I have about 4.5 years before I can get the full SS benefits from my late husband (for me 66 & 8 months). For the last 28 years I've had my own business and my hours are flexible. I already fill my days with work, helping transport grandkids to school, checking on my mom in the morning (she has dementia), go to other grandkids games, go see my mom in the evening (every 3rd night, switching off with my sisters) and doing laundry for others as a side hustle. I don't think I will struggle to find things to do in retirement!
ReplyDeleteNo, it sounds like you have lots to keep you active!
DeleteWishing you only the best with preparation and decision making with this. I've left full-time work 2 years ago, but worked part time till the end of last year. Love being retired, but I want to keep making and meeting goals so one day doesn't just flow into another till the end.
ReplyDeleteGoing back to a previous topic (things our mothers told us), my mother always said, 'Have something to show for your time.' Still hear that one in my head. :)
My mom stayed active with her life up until 90 or so. That's when she could no longer drive. She had loads of interests, tho.
DeleteI took early retirement. I had a knee injury, and it was just too hard to trek back and forth every day. I do miss my job and my co-workers but there have been some changes lately and I don't think I would enjoy my work as I did. My husband still works full-time so I'm living the housewife life, keeping the house in order, taking care of errands, and spending time on my hobbies, scrapbooking and reading.
ReplyDeleteAs long as you find the joy in that, I say good for you! I'm sure I would feel differently if Mark were still here.
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