RETIREMENT.....it's many Phases & Faces
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Decision to retire...if not now, when?
Starting off very early on, into the world of making one's mark in the "job" market, may seem like an enormous step, requiring Hurculean strength and stamina. It is, in many ways. However, when you've reached the point of looking back, relatively speaking, you'll find that was the easiest your career journey would be.
Once you have devoted 30 or 40 years to your livliehood and have reached the end, so to speak, you're face to face with a major life decision. What now?
Preparation and Thought Process
While the official age of Retirement is and has been 65, for what seems like forever, individuals everywhere have opted to take flight at various ages. There seems to be a rise in the choice to not retire at all, but continue to show up at the office for as long as health & circumstance will allow. To each, his own.
For the vast majority, from the moment you hold your very first job, in addition to the hundreds of reasons and purposes we trudge onward, we're aware that the ultimate goal is, Retirement.
If you're nearing this huge life change, the first phase has begun for you. While details may be individual and personal, the big picture entails many of the same issues for all of us. In any case, there's an enormous amount of planning to consider. This planning phase will be as difficult or uncomplicated as one allows it to be. One of the most beneficial places to start is as close to home as possible. The Veteran Retiree is an invaluable source of experience and wisdom. Conveniently, they also happen to have the time and desire to answer all your questions and share their secrets to creating the comfort and satisfaction you've earned. Sure, there are experts and professionals who do nothing else but assist in retirement planning, particularly in terms of finances. A consultation with one of them, is an absolute must.
I retired young. I hadn't planned it that way, but a family situation with catastrophic illness, altered the usual course of events for me. I was forced to make this decision and although it was a no-brainer to make, needless to say, some fancy footwork and shortcuts were required. I've not regretted this for one moment of the past 10 years.
Pulling up stakes or staying put?
In our country, Northerners, a.k.a "Snow Birds," head South in droves. There's no secret to this nor explanation necessary. A really common practice for so many, is to acquire property in a southern locale, at some point in mid-life. This then, becomes their "winter home" and annual vacation spot destination. When it's time to close up shop, they simply transfer their life from North to South.
Then there are those, like myself, who choose to stay right where they are. The list of determining factors for this decision is endless. For me, I not only love my lifelong environment, the thought of leaving family and the dear friends I treasure, is simply out of the question. All the sun and warm climate in the world, wouldn't keep my heart warm. In the interest of honesty, I should admit that I despise high temperatures and humidity, in the first place.
Sailing solo or with a Ship Mate?
If we're fortunate enough to have reached retirement with our spouse or partner, this presents another aspect to the decision-making. Reaching agreement in choices, here again, is as simple or complex as we make it. It's fairly safe to assume that a long term marriage or relationship has resulted in common goals and dreams of what is desired in a future together.
Celebrate an Ending and a NEW Beginning
The LAST Day at your place of employment can be a mixture of excitement and emotion. If not a Retirement Party, there'll surely be a cake, some gifts, well-wishes and lots of hugs, tears and smiles included. While you may feel a ton lifted from your shoulders in terms of reliquishing those daily pressures and work-related stress, there may also be a tiny part of you already feeling some separation anxiety. After all, if you've spent a fair amount of time with fellow-employees, the staff in general, you've formed bonds, or at the least, a pleasant association. But, this is your time now and as with every new beginning, the finale of something precedes it.
The Gold Medal of Achievement
Speaking from my own experience, there's a realization that stands out above some others. The first time it is crystal clear to you that your time is your very own....that moment, has the impact to literally lift you, off the ground. Within reason, you make your own schedule, call the shots, change your mind as often as you damned-well please and see before you a thousand scenarios of interesting things to do and places to go. There's a surge of joy and gratitude that does not soon subside.
Go for it. Just DO IT. If you prefer, do NOTHING. But use this wonderful opportunity to it's full potential for yourself, your loved ones and the balance of your life.
Wherever you are at this point in life, whatever is in store, there is no doubt it's all as it should be. The Universe makes no mistakes in timing of events. You are valuable and your life so worthwhile. As you glance at your own image & look around, I trust you'll find Magnificence. Drink it all in. Embrace retirement with gusto!
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MeanGreen...Hi there! Glad you stopped by with your valuable input. Your "plan" is ideal and more power to you. My situation was cold Turkey from the corporate world, but I went from there to our home office from which my husband and I run 2 businesses...BUSY BUSY. I'll tell you, the pay sucks here and I have personally dispelled the MYTH that sleeping with the boss, helps!
Please, come by again anytime!
I have been sliding in to retirement for almost 10 years, but I doubt I will ever stop completely unless I become ill.
I had retired from my job in Verizon and it was quite a change, indeed. Thanks for sharing!
Pcunix....More power to you. "Weaning" has become popular too and I believe it's a very sensible way to ultimately exit. Keeping your options open is always a wise decision....after all, "change" is constant. I wish you HEALTH!
montscristo...Retirement is truly more of a "change," or should we say "adjustment," than we ever imagine in advance. It takes the first year, just to settle into the realization that you're NOT GOING ANYWHERE EVERYDAY, unless YOU schedule something!! lol Good Luck!
I've been sliding into retirement for ten years now...LOL!
I'm just not down for working my life away. With only one life to live....I'm not into spending it like that. I'm not lazy - just more into a low stress existence.
My Mom is officially "retired," but all that means is that she's not working for dollars - she's damg sure working constantly for something or another though. Mostly, she's taking care of the eldest in the extended family.
I think her plan is to take care of elderly women until she becomes one herself.
Oh Dad wants to retire this Summer, but he's not going to be able to sit around much. He thinks he'll be able to enjoy himself without working - but I think I know better.
Oh well, we'll see. Sorry I couldn't comment on me - I'm not really eligible for the idea of retirement.
Wes, my man.....being single and child-less gives you free rein to have any & all choices known to man......and do not think there isn't a lot of "envy" out there for that lifestyle....myself included. "Solitude" is a frequent theme in my "daydreams." As for your Mom, she sounds like mine and actually MOST women. We simply were not created to sit still. That takes practise & determination, but always seems to just bore us to death. I hear what you're saying about your Dad, and it may take time for him to adjust after retiring. However, if he's into leisure-type activities...fishing, gardening, woodwork, etc...he'll be happy just doing more of it.
BTW...you're too young to disqualify yourself completely from one day "retiring." You could fall into your dream career at any time.
I'm probably just gonna nag you mercilessly until you compile those outstanding hubs of yours into "Todd's Tome of Topics & Tales." Peace! Thanks for the visit.
Like you, retirement -- at least from the mainstream workforce -- was a "have to" situation so one makes some bottom line decisions and moves on. Retirement brings into play a few problems -- like, "oh, you're retired so you've got time to help me finish my project, etc." It took a while to quit being the support system for the "unretired" but got that lined out now! Good Hub with great information - voted up! Best, Sis
AMEN, Angela! Somehow I'm not making myself quite CLEAR ENOUGH to "everyone," that I am busier and more active now...than ever. Perhaps I should do another hub on What Retirement is NOT? As you well know, it is not the picture of "swinging in the hammock with a book and a breeze!" I have to say that it took retirement for me to learn how to form the word, "NO." Lmao!! Thank you so much for visiting. It is much-appreciated.
I live in Florida, the haven for retirees...woohoo! This hub is very useful and informative for the retired folk. I'll be sure and share it:)
Yes, Miss Florida Sunshine....I know where you live. It definitely IS the retirement haven...no doubt....just not for me. BUT...I do intend to visit, so keep your eye out for me! Ya never know when I'll be stalking around!! I can ASSURE you, it will be in your COOLEST season possible!!
Hurry the coolest season has arrived. Today is 80* and fabulous!!
That's funny, but if you're not kidding, and 8o* is considered "cool," I'll have to say, "I pass."
I don't recall it being that bad when I was At Disney World w/ the boys.....I forgot what month that was.
I admit I'm a minority. 50* to 60*, sunny w/ a breeze is perfection to me.I KNOW there's "air-conditiong" everywhere down there, but I prefer being outside as much as possible. When I spent 6 weeks in Atlanta-hot-as-the-depths-of-HELL, Georgia, I think I was outside 5 times and that was at night. No thanks.
My GF from Fl. comes up here in July and wears a friggin sweater. To each his own, huh?
This GF would be wearing a light sweater too! 50-60 are inhumane temps! Brrrrr!
hahahahahahah......No wonder there was a CIVIL WAR! lmao
My retirement was not my choice. I had planned on a few more years but I have to say in spite of having to make some financial adjustments we weren't prepared for, I love, love, love retirement! You know basically where I live Effie and I'm not too crazy about cold weather but, "All the sun and warm climate in the world, wouldn't keep my heart warm." I too need to be near my kids and grandchildren. We share so much we really have to be careful or we'll be writing each other's hubs! Voted up, interesting and useful. Thanks for SHARING.
hahahahahaa......well, if not actually writing each other's hubs.....we may be able to READ them blindfolded!!! I agree....too many similarities gives me goosebumps....in a nice way, though!!
This is such an inspiring hub! Many retired people are busier and more active as ever. But, and this is the best, with things they like to do.
At my previous job I tried to semi-retire after 20 years of service, but in the same institution, moving from administrator handling all the admin matters (and not educational matters/teaching) down to handling ONLY the financial matters for 4 hours per day. But then this proved to be a disaster. The change confused everybody and his friend. They still 'saw' me as the one in charge, and those in charge felt inferior without even realizing it - they were only aware of me watching them trying to do my job as good as I have done it - and this provoked frustration and antagonism. I, who had thought I would be able to step back and close my eyes for everything except accounts and financial statements, felt - can you believe it - rejected and not-known when it came to new developments and changes. Yes, I felt this with my heart while my mind clearly knew this was not the case. For an entire year all of us battled with the psychological consequences of semi-retirement in the same company, and on a day I exploded because-because-because and resigned.
But still not ready for full retirement - geez, of course not! - I am now working half-day elsewhere, and the rest of the day I enjoy my hobby - writing, reading and commenting in HubPages :)
Paula, I thought this comment of mine may encourage everybody to follow YOUR example and never consider semi-retirement in the same company.
I've voted this hub up and a must read for everybody still planning retirement.
Martie...It's so unfortunate you could not do as you intended without all the "drama" created around you by OTHERS....BUT, you did give it your all and are to be commended.
Let's face it Martie, you are IRREPLACEABLE!!! I'm sure an entire staff could not accomplish what you had, with ease and grace.
Actually, many people who "retire" from their lifelong career, or similar position...simply find themselves looking for that little outlet and extra coins, somewhere. It's important that we all maintain an activity or two that brings self-satisfaction and a feeling of usefulness. And as with everything else, it's a personal choice for each of us.
The best part is being THE BOSS OF YOU!!!! LOL
Hi, I have spent years in different jobs and offices, mainly offices, but not all of them permanent, I tend to go for the temping jobs, I have been made redundant took back, redundant again, now I am not working, so I suppose you could say I have 'retired' for the moment, I suppose I am hoping to earn money from my writing, not just on here, but books etc, I think we need to do our dreams, if only for a while before plunging back into the jobs, saying that retirement as long as your finances are stable is great, otherwise its not going to be too pleasant, mind you I like working when I want instead of having too! lol!
Spoken like a true woman of the 21st.Century!! Ditto!!
I love your positive outlook and encouraging words regarding retirement. Your advice lists several good ideas of which I will remember as I approach this time of my life (just up ahead!). I am one of those fortunate who don't have to fly "solo" as you mentioned here in the sunny south. Great hub topic and very useful!
teaches12345....Thank you so much. I do pride myself on being a "positive" individual. We all have our moments that can drag us down. Those are the "challenges" that test our determination & strength. That's when we get creative. Ever heard of "Fake it til you make it?" It works!!
Hi fpherj48,
I liked your perspective. Retirement is another phase in our lives which we all need to plan out well besides being financially independent. We need a hobby to tick away time and I guess, writers like you and me have found ours :)
wishing you joy and contentment, my friend!
Ruchira...I think I have over-done the "hobby" thing. Gonna have to trim down a little before I drop over from doing more than I did before I retired!! Thank you so much for the visit. I appreciate your input.
Great hub! I retired early at 51 but was so ready..Now I am happy to be home, raising my chickens, Writing, and working in the garden. I am so much more happier. 18 years of being a nurse was enough..I gave it all I had. I am now able to be there for my parents and grandkids..I love it..I am also thankful as I know not everyone can do this. I stay busy and wonder now how I ever worked..lol
Sunnie Day....You raise chickens!! Hubby and I have talked about doing this! Now I have a chicken "expert" to talk to!!
Bless you for 18 years devoted to caring for the ill and injured. "Nurses" have all my respect. I believe it is a job that is done well only by people of special qualities.
Your last statement has gone through my mind several times a day!! I have said that I am busier and more active now than when working full-time and raising a family!! How do we manage to do this, Sunnie Day??! lol
We are going to be in the minority as we will be going from South to North for retirement because that is where our family are and we have missed so much already.
Gifted.....I hear you and agree with your decision wholeheartedly.....My one disappointment is that I have 2 sons and their families here, where we are originally from....one in Calif and one in Georgia. Soooo, I visit as often as possible and thank heaven for Scype, email, texting, etc!! But, I couldn't leave here to live elsewhere at this point in my life. Good luck in your retirement and your move. You'll be so happy to be closer to family!
I am thinking I will be doing some form of work until I am unable to work....which hopefully will be well past the 65 years of age you write about. I did 21 years in the grocery business, 4 years of being a stay at home dad and I figure in couple more years I will be starting my 3rd career. Loved the coffee mug photo and the retired poster...very funny stuff. Glad to see you have handled being retired so well...voted up and very interesting.
I just love your writing Paula. This piece is exceptionally awesome. I am so concerned about getting a better job and income currently, that I do not think about this. But thanks so much for pointing it all out. With each minute that passes, it's getting closer quickly, darn it. I am feeling much older now thanks to you dear.
Seriously, you truly are an inspiration. I think this may be one of my favorite pieces you've written. Lots to think about, well written, nicely presented, all with that "silly Paula touch" ~ I love it! Sharing it . . .
Sharyn....Let me try to redeem myself....didn't mean to make you feel "old." Everything is realtive....so, let's compare the author to the reader, to narrow it down.
I feel young....I think young and as reasonably as possible, I "live young." I promise you, the aging process is more of a positive experience than it is otherwise. Just believe that it truly is an "attitude."
Having said this...you have more than a decade to catch up to me. My eldest son just had a BD. He was 44....placing YOU, in his generation, I'm sure.
If you are feeling OLD.....this makes me ready for the Jar of Smuckers.....and THAT ain't happenin, girl!
Do the "self-talk" thing in the mirror, at least once a day.
I used to tell my sons, "Everytime, you look in the mirror, let yourself fall in love." That may be the only advice they took seriously. Each of them has an impenetrable self-image!! and Mom here can still knock them down a peg if need be!!
You and I seem to write on the same topics. LOL I love it, and I am going to link it to my retirement hub. :-) I don't get cold - I look at my husband with batting eyes and say, "Wouldn't a sunroom be nice?" Since he is retired and still young, he built one... See, I am getting him to prep for my retirement. That's right, I am going to be comfortable, especially with the millions I will be making by then with my writing... You can come visit me and we will have tea in the sunroom (maybe with an additive). :-) Great hub!! Votes and shared!!
Thanks for the invitation....When you earn "millions," I just know you'll be writing from a different Tropical Paradise every week. "Comfort"...what a wonderful concept. It's my favorte!
Fortunately, I have very talented sons. My hubby is extremely dangerous around power tools! We're a "strange" duo...he's all white collar....I'm the Blue Collar Gal. My Dad was an Ace Handyman and I trailed him like a puppy with my own little tool bag!! My girlfriends played with Barbie Dolls....I learned how to gut fish. Not exactly a little pink, frilly Miss!!
If I asked my hubby for a sun room....He'd say, "The whole yard is in the sun, honey!!" Thanks for the visit!
OMG, you crack me up Paula. "Jar of Smuckers" lololol. I do believe where my current attitude comes from is that I will be hitting a milestone birthday in a month and a half or so. But I promise you that I will just wizz by it and remember all of your advice . . . which I very much appreciate!
Great, great hub!!! I really enjoyed reading this and you really give some good advice and food for thought. All those contemplating retirement should read this!
I retired from 30 years of teaching (middle school and high school) two and a half years ago, and I have never looked back. Life is good and I am so happy retired. Your first paragraph is so true. When I think back to sweating through those job interviews I nearly laugh myself silly. That WAS the easy part. The end decisions are the ones that are tough! However, teaching basically told me when to retire. Teaching had become a "job" and was no longer fun. I wasn't hopping out of bed in the morning with glee about going to work. Part of the reason were some serious health issues that came into the decision. But, basically it was time for me to retire - I just couldn't even see me teaching for another year or two past 30 years.
I have moved to Florida, and I love it! I get up every day to SUNSHINE! And that was something sorely missing in Ohio - so I am happy to be here too. I am single, so it was easy making the decision to move south. So, retirement has been good for me.
I urge everyone contemplating retirement to start doing the homework and research five years before you plan to retire. I did and it was the best thing for me to do. I knew right away when it would be best for me to retire without having regrets.
suzette....Sounds like you are one smart lady! You are happily retired in a place you enjoy, doing what you like to do. It doesn't get much better than this! Congratulations and luck to you always. Peace.
I read your blog and your comments. I've seen your picture, and I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you.
uncleglenn......OMG, you are toooo effing funny! With a fabulous sense of humor like like this, I'm sure I can manage to cast off everything I've ever believed in, all sense of right and wrong, family, friends, responsibilities, and all that I hold near and dear....and meet you on an island in the pacific. I promise to never leave you, because I can't swim. ALL my love & devotion.......
Sorry, I'll have to turn down your offer. See, you'd probably learn how to swim as we staked out our lives together. Then I would be left all by myself to endure a cold, lonely death, with the only Starbucks three islands away. Nooo, that would be too much to bear.
Like you, I retired earlier than planned, six years earlier, to be exact. Health issues forced me to do this, and for the first year of retirement I felt truly lost! For so many years I'd defined my worth by my position and achievements within a large corporation. I don't think it's any stretch to say I grieved for the loss of the six years I'd planned to continue doing what I enjoyed and did well.
For the first three years of my enforced disengagement from the corporate world, I continued to draw 2/3 of my base salary through long-term disability insurance benefits, as well as maintain eligibility for company insurance and numerous other perks to which I'd become accustomed. When that ended, abruptly, it was not only a shock, but required a major downshift in lifestyle.
Suffice it to say that when I applied to draw my pension and learned the company I'd considered so wonderful was screwing me out of fully half my earned pension via a legal, but unethical, trick dreamed up by a team of corporate attorneys, I saw my years of 60-hour weeks and all the "extras" I did for said company in an entirely new light--and it wasn't favorable.
Health issues plus a greatly-reduced income make my retirement much different than I'd anticipated. I had to cash out my 401(k) when the stock market was abysmally low because I needed the money right then, and this left me without the financial cushion for later years. I have to admit I'd put off saving as much as I should (which I now urge everyone to do early in the game), intending to pack away the savings during that final six years of work I didn't get.
So...I won't spend my "golden years" traveling or living the lifestyle I expected, but that's okay. Instead, I relish the fact that how I use my time is my decision entirely. I've tried new things and continue to test the waters of new interests I had no time to pursue for decades.
One of the greatest bonuses of retirement for me is this: If I want to stay awake half the night reading, then sleep late the next morning, there's no reason not to do so. I'm no longer ruled by an alarm clock! Getting up early was the most difficult part of my day throughout my entire career, and that's one thing I definitely don't miss. Nor do I miss the dress-for-success requirements that ruled my life for decades. If I choose to rise early, it's of my own accord, and I can lounge around or even work in my PJs until noon if that's what I want to do.
Retirement is what one makes of it. My own retirement is more low-key than I expected it to be, but I'm enjoying it nonetheless. Adaptibility should not be underrated.
Well, You've got real stuff to deasl with. So I'm going to sign off. Good luck, Glenn
Uncleglenn...I completely understand your decision as well as your reason why. Hey, win a few, lose a few....Can't wait to read your work, uncleglenn!!
Jaye....As always your thoughtful comments are welcome and enjoyable to read. Although, I must say, it made me livid to read about another act of the immoral activities of major Corporations.
I'm sure you are aware stories similar to yours are becoming the norm. It infuriates us all and as you said, somehow they know the "legal" loopholes and how to really hurt people.
Your rebound is inspiring and I admire you for turning a disappointment into a more doable situation for yourself.
Retirement IS precisely what we make of it. Sounds like a familair refrain, doesn't it?
I too, like the "freedoms" it brings. (I am NOT a morning person either!) but currently, I'm still up at 5 or 6 due to home businesses hubby and I run. "Someday!"
My wardrobe also consists of a huge array of PJ's, robes and the "kick-around" outfits. I guess our fashion statements have relaxed a great deal! LOL Peace.
I am going out on a limb here to tell you this. I don't think anyone unless they are millionaires are going to be able to retire. Why? I have seen rich people working in Orlando, FL that had paid extraordinary amounts of money to either pay for their care or stay alive. One man had about exhausted all his reserves to keep alive. I have even admin experimental drugs to the rich within their homes and having to stay with them in case "anything" goes wrong. You call the ambulance that's all. People are going thru their hidden bank accounts, their 401K's (I have heard the stories from patients), and let me tell you in the next few years it could be sadder than now. Sorry but seen too much to think otherwise. You can save but unless you cut down A LOT RIGHT NOW your going to pay the highest costs for food, water, fuel. I guarantee you. Americans as far I see don't want to, don't see it coming, or can't stop. I'm one of them.
Heather1956.....I understand your comments and concerns. I also feel that you have seen and heard horror tales about people spending (losing) their financial security due to outrageous medical bills.
The point is, they had the money to spend on their health(as you say, to "stay alive") to begin with. Just because that money is now gone, does not mean they will wither away and die.
They will make the changes and cut-backs necessary and simply have a different life-style than they had wanted and planned for. These are facts of life. While it is disappointing, it is not "doom & gloom."
Retirement, unless forced for some reason, is a choice. Many people continue to work until their last breath. Others are so intent upon retiring, they are willing to make sacrifices and/or do whatever they need to do in order to be happy & at peace for the balance of their lives. Spending quality time with family is a priority to them.
The "millionaire theory" is HIGHLY over rated. Of the THOUSANDS of retirees I am pesonally aware of, not a single one came close to having that precious "million." Thank you so much for visiting my site and for your input. It's always nice to meet a new hubber.
I enjoyed reading this hub and all the interesting comments! Especially the "millionaire theory" being over rated. You're right when you point out that we have to adjust when faced with facts of life.
Thank you so much, farmloft....We could go on forever listing the things that are "OVER-RATED!" What's vital to each of us, is to be firmly grounded in our beliefs and directed toward our goals, paying no attention to fabricated distractions. It's so nice to meet you!
It is so good to hear someone upbeat about retirement without tons of money and living within their means!!! God promises to take care of all our NEEDS :o)
MeanGreen Level 2 Commenter 3 months ago
Nice Hub! While the consesus is that 65 is still the ideal age to retire, I like the idea of slowly phasing out of work rather than just stopping cold turkey one day. I think a lot of people won't know what to do, and it can be a huge change. Ideally, I would like to start scaling down my work hours over time. I don't have an exact plan laid out, but something like step down to 35 hours a week starting at age 45, 30 hours a week at age 50, 25 hours a week at 55, 15 hours a week at age 60, and 5-10 hours a week at age 65.
I know some people don't have this option necessarily, but starting your own part time business could allow for this type of step-down retirement.