Retirement

[chicks]

Looking at it coming, just 5, maybe 6 years down the road. Financially more than ready, but wondering how you old farts stay out of trouble with all that time on your hands? I mean besides welcoming newbies to AK, and wishing birthday members well?

Have been steadily employed for 30 years at MegaCorp; any time things started to get boring, moved on to new challenges. Expect the last few working years to be just as intellectually stimulating. Worried about staying intellectually involved after retirement. Maybe some EdX courses, maybe back to school at a small college.

Welcome input from those of you who are there...

 

[bob06]

I just retired in June of last year and haven't been bored yet. I'm kind of liking it. Gives me plenty of time to play with my HI-FI gear.:thmbsp:

 

[usedto]

I'll be 65 in August, and just finished putting my kids through college. In the last 30+ years of owning my own business, I've collected a nice little stash of unique government surplus hardware and trinkets that are just ripe for ebay.

I opened an account in April and got it started. I can control how busy I am by how much I list and when. When I sell out my warehouse, I'll keep these things and take them with me. I have about a 10 year supply, plus I know where to get more if I need it.

That, and I make things out of copper and brass that I can peddle if I want.

I have alternate income so the sales aren't critical. I'm also having some wine made that I may market.

I might be busier than I want to be!

 

[dosmalo]

I've been retired since 2010 and I honestly don't know how I got everything done before I did. There's still not enough hours in a day!

 

[BadassBob]

I'm not a retiree, but I do know many. One thing most have in common, "I don't know how I even had time to work!"

 

[Fisherdude]

If the last 30 years haven't consisted of you working, and then coming home and drinking beer and watching tv until you fell asleep, you're going to be just fine.

In fact, you're going to find so many interesting things to do, things you've been doing as much as time allowed, plus things you've always wanted to do but didn't have the time.

I've been retired for over ten years, and I have more hobbies and interests than I have time. I've also taken classes at the local college. It's a blast.

An acquaintance of mine who retired before I did told me: "Honestly, I don't know how I ever found the time to work".

You'll love it.

 

[jhtstone]

Looking at it coming, just 5, maybe 6 years down the road.

I'm at about the same place. Working through college for the second time now. I have also spent time thru the years in so many different volunteer directions that I realize there is so much more than work.

Absolutely return to school. Take a class in something, anything, that you have always wanted to do, not for the money. Learn a trade that you would enjoy doing part time. Do it for the joy and not the money. Let the money be the bonus that puts breakfast and coffee on the table whenever you want. Let the extra money be the gas expense and the donation to a good cause that you always wanted to be a part of.

Buy little toys now that you will use later. Spend these last few years preparing to spring forth once released. Buy a kite, canoe, binoculars, rcm, bicycle, etc.

There is no shortage of possibilities. In the Flint area, there is an organization downtown known as the Resource Center. It is a central hub connecting volunteers with causes in need. Muscle, labor, intellectual talent as in web design, tutors, business advisors...the list is endless.

 

[BillyBatts]

Interesting how many of us here are about the same age. Must be why I enjoy posting and reading on this board, because typically, it's not something I do.

I left corporate America with early retirement about five years ago when I turned 50. I started two companies about 10 years ago planning for early retirement. I run these two companies part time and that keeps me active and having fun. Plus, I travel extensively (WHEN AND WHERE I WANT TO) between my homes and that is stimulating and keeps things fresh.

I also compete in endurance sports, officiate and coach athletes as well. That alone will keep you young and in shape both mentally and physically.

I was into Amateur Radio when I was younger and designed and built many of my own rigs. I had thought I'd spend a ton of time with Ham Radio, but nope. Too busy having fun outdoors!

I have no plans to stop working and enjoying doing so with my own companies and passions part time for the foreseeable future.

If you don't already have one (other than Audio) I'd get into a hobby that is somewhat physical, even if it is something like Umpiring for Little League. Anything that gets you out that you enjoy doing. I have a friend that lives next to me in my Florida pad that is into Bocce and is in a league that gets him out three times a week to practice and compete. Whatever floats your boat. Just stay active and enjoy yourself.

My father worked for Big Blue for 45 years and then sat in his recliner listening to his records until he passed away. Not for me. I am too much into staying super fit and active both mentally and physically.

Good luck in your planned retirement. Have fun. Enjoy.

 

[ponderwilu]

Welcome input from those of you who are there...

I'm there. I was "The" top mechanic at Baltimore's Railcar Maintenance facility. Thirty years service. I could write a book. I decided to "punch-out". The entire "work" culture changed. I didn't fit anymore.
When I was hired in '83 ... men were men. You did your job ... or else!
Now, they hire whoever shows up for the position. The rest of us are expected to carry the load.
Problem is ... they expect a free ride. Well ... I put up with it as long as I could. I'm done.
Honestly, what am I doing? I'd like to tell you I hunt, fish and travel but in truth I wake up every weekday morning in time to watch "Let's Make A Deal" and "The Price Is Right". Not a whole lot more. If I had to do it over again I would have stayed put. Be careful what you wish for ...

 

[sKiZo]

I keep hoping to one day get caught up on all the crap that went to the wayside during my working years and once again become a useful cog in society dedicated to the betterment of mankind ...

Right after my nap ...

 

[xpert54]

I retired in 2010 and held a part time job for about two years plus I have been stripping out old computers and refurbing a few for the last ten years or so. Doing a bit of fishing and spending more time with my kids and having more time to enjoy my audio gear more

 

[jeanmarie]

I'm in the same boat and looking forward to it. Need to catch up on some fishing and spending quality time with my buddies. Work has consumed the last 40 years of my life and I am looking forward to doing a lot of catching up on everything I didn't have time for because of work. Its time to start living my life for me not every body else. I think you will be just fine. If you have grandchildren that's a damn good place to start living your new life. GOOD LUCK! AND ENJOY!! You have earned it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bobsvinyl]

I've been retired for a year and 1/2. I do eBay and other venues selling records, books, etc. I set my own times. If it's bad weather, I stay inside and smile. I have five grown children and one grandchild so I can enjoy them more now. My wife is still working so I take care of all the domestics so she can relax on her days off.

I can't tell you how much I enjoy retirement. My wife and I worked different shifts for years and every minute of the day was either work or raising our family. I rarely listened to my music or enjoyed a book or old movie. Now I can relax and take the time to enjoy life. I have friends I can spend time with. We've gotten to know more of our neighbors and we now have cookouts and parties together.

I go on record hunting expeditions every week. I've been able to organize my stock for the flea market I sell at for the first time in years. The lack of stress is wonderful. I've had some long discussions with my wife trying to prepare her for retirement. The first year was hard not going to work, but then I realized that there is so much more to life than the daily grind. I sit out on the front porch when the weather is nice and watch the clouds drifting overhead, We put up bird houses and watch the birds raise their young. I take my dog on long walks.

Enjoy your retirement. Don't make it an extension of your former job. Slow down and enjoy your golden years. You worked hard for it.

 

[Tom Brennan]

I retired 11 years ago at 55. I do things to keep somewhat busy but never felt guilty about sitting around on my ass relaxing. I avoid the drink though, drinking and laying about can kill you.

 

[Eric n Kc]

Hey
I'm not there yet but over the last 7 or 8 years of poor economy and bouncing from one deadend job to another with plenty of time to myself so to speak . I've came to the conclusion that I'm one of them guys who will have to work their whole lives. I'm not a self starter I don't have kids/grand kids .
When I'm not working I set on my a$$ and drink, watch TV , and AK (of course ).
My point I guess is to live longer I'm gonna have to keep a job. It's not the money it's I need a task in front of me.
Poor up bringing I guess. Oh well life goes on.
Cheers and good luck with your retirement. Eric

 

[chicks]

I retired 11 years ago at 55. I do things to keep somewhat busy but never felt guilty about sitting around on my ass relaxing. I avoid the drink though, drinking and laying about can kill you.

Never been a drinker, except a small glass of wine with dinner, and the occasional glass of port; love port!


Hope I never have to give up coffee, though. One of life's affordable luxuries.

 

[blhagstrom]

I never work so hard as when I don't have a job.

Work gets in the way of life.

If you don't have a LOT of things you'd like to do / get done, you are either totally boring and/or not married!

If nothing else, stimulate the economy and make damn sure not to leave anything to anyone!

 

[mulester7]

.....I've been retired from the railroad for 3 1/2 years now, and went out at 62....haven't felt the desire for any college classes yet, but have a few financial irons in the fire....I stay fairly busy most days, but on the few days I might get a little bored, I think about being back at the railroad being "on call" in train service, and get happy again quickly.....

 

[BruceRPA]

I am 63 1/2 and I am trying to hold out until I reach 66. I can't wait to do the things that I actually want to do. I hope that the stress of working for someone else (my former competitor) doesn't get to me and kill me before I reach the goal line. One of the owners is a narcissistic hot-head. I am not the only one that has their eye on the exit door. It won't take much for him to have nobody else left to yell at and to blame when everything collapses around him, which I believe it will before too much longer. I don't have much to loose by leaving. I just don't think that I want to ride off into retirement this way, not yet at least. Even though this one is not my company, as much as I try, my efforts fall on deaf ears. I will feel like I have been defeated as it is going down. This is not the way that I envisioned entering retirement. :sigh:

 

[dontmindme]

Wonderful to get a peek into some of your retirement plan(s). I'll be 52 this year and got a late start on a family, I have an 11 and 13 year old. I'm thinking I'll be at least 60 before I retire. I've been in the same industry for 30 years, 25 running a company I'm part owner of. I'm thinking I need to get the kids off to college and get that cost figured out before I hang it up. My wife is 9 years younger and she's alright with continuing to work when I retire. We'll see, I'd retire today if the kids were older.......

I've got PLENTY of things to keep me busy in retirement. I'm a woodworker in addition to the audio thing.