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Anyone close to retirement? / when do you start counting the days?

Look2Sea

By Look2Sea,
in 55+ Cruisers

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HImom

HImom

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I am still kinda, sorta working, but just because I mostly love what I do and only do what I enjoy of what I do. I really feel like I'm making a difference and started this nonprofit in 2007. I now have stopped writing or accepting most grants and am enjoying the increased flexibility of only doing as much or as little as I feel like, since I am mostly a volunteer.

 

I am thrilled that our work has made a difference in many lives--improving their quality of life and made them feel like there are others wanting to share information and support with them.

 

I am happy that we don't NEED any of the money I earn and I could walk away tomorrow if I chose. H is enjoying his retirement and we take a lot of long trips and have LOTS of meals out. Have no regrets and will keep doing what I am doing while it's enjoyable.

 

H worked for 45 years and mostly loved his job but is really enjoying switching gears and doing a lot of little projects that he enjoys, as well as traveling with me. We have only gone on one cruise so far, but may plan more. ;)

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Priya2

Priya2

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As a tax auditor, STRESS was the big factor.

 

One day, after almost 29 years, I said ENOUGH! Called HR to find out how much time it took to process retirement papers and by 3:00 that afternoon - I WAS RETIRED!

 

5.5 years later, and on a few cruises each year - I do not miss it at all. Seldom think about what I did unless I meet a former auditee.

 

I was planning on going for 30 years, but found out that it only made a difference of $12.75 per month. The aggravation was not worth it!

 

Quietly sat at my desk and clean out the drawers, during lunch cleaned out the assigned vehicle and after lunch clean up the computer. At HR, gave them my ID Card and told them to inform the office that I had retired!

 

Just did a B2B in the Caribbean during that extreme cold period in Jan - Feb. Timing is every thing and retirement has been GREAT!

 

Fantastic! Well done you. Financially, it makes real sense for me to go on until at least August 2015, but I know I'm done. I will be careful with money, not so extravagant as I could be if I stayed longer and I will retire in August this year. There will be money enough for some nice cruises and I love my garden :)

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Priya2

Priya2

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I've started to investigate 'Retire and Return', which means that I could take my pension and go back to work part-time.

Great way of doing it. Unfortunately, my employer stopped doing this in recent years.

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Priya2

Priya2

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I like the American concept of hump days (Wednesdays yes?). I have 22 hump days left. I am counting ever Wednesday until I retire because even when I have leave (vacation) from work, I won't completely switch off from it until I retire.

 

22 sounds good :)

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zlacruising

zlacruising

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I like the American concept of hump days (Wednesdays yes?). I have 22 hump days left. I am counting ever Wednesday until I retire because even when I have leave (vacation) from work, I won't completely switch off from it until I retire.

 

22 sounds good :)

 

Well, I'm only counting the ones when I actually go to work so you will retire way before me. I have a summer vacation which I try not to think of teaching/ working/ common core...lol

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

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zlacruising

zlacruising

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Congrats on your retirement. I really like/love my job (going on 16 years), but at the age of 71 (most people think I am younger:)), I'm thinking MORE of retiring this year.

 

I'm not thinking...I'm a definite DO!!!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

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beshears

beshears

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I've never heard of "retire and return" policy, but it must be in some companies. I would love to do something like that. I am old enough to retire, but I really don't want to, as I love my job, so we'll see.:confused:

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zlacruising

zlacruising

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I've never heard of "retire and return" policy, but it must be in some companies. I would love to do something like that. I am old enough to retire, but I really don't want to, as I love my job, so we'll see.:confused:

 

Consider yourself blessed for loving your job. It is your life so you can decide what you want to do.:)

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

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HImom

HImom

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H retired and was able to go back for 6 months. He decided that was long enough, as the climate and work conditions were finally changing significantly for the worse and he was happy to leave while he still loved his job.

 

It is great to love your job. I do and for the most part, we believe our son does. We hope our daughter will find work she loves as well. It is wonderful to be able to earn a living doing something you mostly love, or at least really like.

 

My dad refuses to retire at 89 because he loves his job, as does my older brother and their secretary who works with them. Most of my extended family like or love their jobs to varying degrees.

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Zombatar

Zombatar

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I retired in January of 2013 and have never regretted it. I think I have so many things to do at home that I work longer hours than I ever did before I retired. Just waiting for my good lady to retire as well and we can take advantage of all those last minute deals!!

Edited by Zombatar
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tomworldwidewaftage

tomworldwidewaftage

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I officially retired Jan. 2013 my last day was Oct. 31, 2012. We sold everything home, cars, etc. We started traveling on Oct. 31, 2012 then we left the U.S. on Jan. 3, 2013 1st cruise ever, Still going and enjoying traveling and being homeless!

As long as our health & money hold out we will continue! :)

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Priya2

Priya2

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I officially retired Jan. 2013 my last day was Oct. 31, 2012. We sold everything home, cars, etc. We started traveling on Oct. 31, 2012 then we left the U.S. on Jan. 3, 2013 1st cruise ever, Still going and enjoying traveling and being homeless!

As long as our health & money hold out we will continue! :)

How fabulous! We love our home and garden, so it wouldn't be for us, but I absolutely understand why that would be a good decision. Well done you for being brave enough to take the plunge. :)

 

Perhaps you should write a blog as you go. I feel sure it would be inspirational :)

Edited by Priya2
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tomworldwidewaftage

tomworldwidewaftage

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How fabulous! We love our home and garden, so it wouldn't be for us, but I absolutely understand why that would be a good decision. Well done you for being brave enough to take the plunge. :)

 

Perhaps you should write a blog as you go. I feel sure it would be inspirational :)

 

We do write a blog everyday we started it March 2012 as we were planning to retire it's,

www dot worldwidewaftage dot com

Tom

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journeymore

journeymore

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I officially retired Jan. 2013 my last day was Oct. 31, 2012. We sold everything home, cars, etc. We started traveling on Oct. 31, 2012 then we left the U.S. on Jan. 3, 2013 1st cruise ever, Still going and enjoying traveling and being homeless!

As long as our health & money hold out we will continue! :)

 

I was on a TA last April and met a couple who did the same thing. Last time we communicated they were in Spain. Enjoy your life. I hope to join the growing number of wondering seniors soon.

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Priya2

Priya2

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Yikes!!! I'm sort of like your husband. I have to wait til 62 to collect that amount with the 25 years. If I would do it now it would be 40%. Do you have to pay for your health insurance too? The new teachers coming in will not have the same plan. It has changed for them and not for the better.

We live in the UK, so we have what is often referred to in the US as 'socialised healthcare'. Its free at the point if use. Whilst working, we pay about 12% of our salaries in 'national insurance', but that is not required when not working (e.g. Homemaker, retiree etc).

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