Retirement - I have no experience

rwairforce · #1 01-24-2017, 10:43 AM

Opinions wanted.
Since these will be opinions there are no wrong answers.

I will be 65 in August having worked 45 continuous years. The past 8 years I've enjoyed more of a position and not so much a job. I worked 37 years in IT (computers) and the past 8 as a VP for a small company of 35 employees in the Breathing Air Compressor business.
My full retirement age isn't until 66 and I've never started Soc Sec because of the penalties you get smacked with if you continue to work. I've paid in for 45 years and they still tell me how I can get my money!
I never had a heart attack but I've had quadruple heart bypass at age 57 and my family history is poor for a long life. I don't smoke or drink so I must have the undesirable gene mix. Four of my siblings died before reaching 62.
Ok, that's probably too much about me. Knowing this I'm sure most of you would say that I should have retired already.

Simple question, what's it like to be retired? My question is more directed towards what would do you do all day not so much when I should retire.
I have had a work routine for 45 years and I just can't imagine not getting up and going to a place of work. What the heck would I do all day???

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Jumper · #2 01-24-2017, 11:05 AM

Randy, what a position to be in! It is a wonderful time of life when you can ditch the every day worries, it takes a little bit to get used to but once you and the wife get a routine, everything seems to fall in place. Just make sure you have enough Cubs in the garage to satisfy your need to tinker with something. Good luck and "Git er done" you'll love it!

Sam Mac · #3 01-24-2017, 11:20 AM

I signed up for social insecurity at 65, yes I could have waited and gotten a little more at 66 but I figured I better get it before it goes broke. Plus you never know when the clock is going to stop. As far as what are you going to do, well do what you like to do.

athomas · #4 01-24-2017, 11:29 AM

The wife and I were thrown into an early retirement this past July due to a down sizing at our company where I was steadily employed for 39 years. It is an adjustment and some folks adapt to it better than others, I try to keep busy with some activity or hobby between grand kids, fixing up tractors and reselling a few occasionally,doing some handyman work when it comes along,messing with my 68 camaro and 55 stude pick-up I wonder sometimes how I had time to work. ( some days I'm just happy to do nothing )The winter months in Pa. are not so much fun and it's harder to keep busy, I save some indoor projects for this time. If your use to being occupied then I would advise to find something to spend some time with even volunteer work of some type. If you are a golfer that can fill in some voids in the better weather months, fishing,hunting ,etc. Once you reach full SS age I don't believe they penalize you for earnings, so maybe a part time job 2 or 3 days a week would work if you get bored . again just my opinion !

DieselDoctor · #5 01-24-2017, 12:15 PM

Randy - I can't advise you on what retirement will be like until later this week. Tomorrow is my last day after 41 years! I'll let you know!

Dirty Steve · #6 01-24-2017, 12:27 PM

Congrats, Doc!!!

Leadslingingdaddy · #7 01-24-2017, 12:49 PM

Here too... could retire but love my job and as long as I can punch paper I will stay and make this $$$... I'm 55 too... I like toys and married to a Red Head... enough said....

john hall · #8 01-24-2017, 01:28 PM

I can only observe others as I'm no where near that age. The ones that seem to me the happiest are the ones with something to do other than watch TV all day. They shuttle grandkids to school and attend all their extra-curricular activities. Some even get part-time low/no stress jobs just to have something to do productive--even if they don't need the money. My point being, find something to do, to make yourself useful. If you don't have enough to do maintaining your property, then volunteer to help somebody out that can't pay you back. Even if its just visiting old folks or running errands for them. Just don't retire to a rocking chair all day if you are able to do something.

Hey you could always apply for an internship at OCC.

gardenpest · #9 01-24-2017, 01:45 PM

when to retire is a personal choice depending on circumstances . as many pros as cons to leaving early. But what what you want to know is "now what" . I have a small 4 acre hobby farm. 2 acres of pasture 2 acres of lawn. Plus a good size garden . I also have 13 cubs . in the spring ,summer,and fall i have to prioritize chores . I also love fishing and do so a lot. The winters can be a challenge however. It cost's about 100-150 dollars a month to heat my shop so unless something breaks down i refrain from doing so. But i figure the mind and body needs a rest once a year anyway. I do still have some chores to in the winter .Learn not to get under your wife's feet like a puppy ,it'll drive em nuts. But it's good that you are thinking about "what now" .Line up hobbies,part time work or some thing to fill your days.Don't get me wrong ,I love retirement ,did so at 62,worst day at retirement is better than best day at work for me. good luck and congrats.

Sam Mac · #10 01-24-2017, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leadslingingdaddy

Here too... could retire but love my job and as long as I can punch paper I will stay and make this $$$... I'm 55 too... I like toys and married to a Red Head... enough said....

Leadslingingdaddy
I heard a rumor that your old Boss got sent down the road and that you like the new Boss.