Retirement vs Still Working

Any fellas who decided just to keep working rather than retire? The money not being a factor in your decision? I just love going to work but I'm 44 and I wonder if that will fade. I always say that I'm working until the second restraining order against me coming near the place. My friends and coworkers seem to discuss retirement plans incessantly but the idea of being at home that much with my wife, yikes. I work nights and she works days for a reason. Thanks 

of course it would be a change to the programs that would take years to implement, grandfathering in anyone currently in, if they so choose... with HSA accounts as a health insurance compliment and 401k or such retirement accounts... all  being a required entry in your tax info... accounts to be offered by employer or as an alternative can have fica and medicare taxes put into these accounts or government sponsored accounts

obviously that is over simplified... people today are much more educated on the importance of retirement and health insurance/care, probably would be supported by voters

hell, I dunno, just need better idea than the government managing huge amounts of our money that they raid and never pay back

this is nothing new either, been proposed, then pooh poohed by politicians that like spending our dough

If there was no SS, folks would be better off saving their retirement dollars themselves,  same with medical,  get the government out of that and let tge free market set prices,  not insurance companies and the government... local community and charitable organizations can take care the ones that need extra help 

I think the implication may have been social medicine (healthcare) as opposed to a socialist form of gov't. Big difference!

While social healthcare definitely has its pitfalls (see Canada) one would have a hard time arguing that a major change in our healthcare system isn't necessary. In order for a change of significant magnitude to take place, gov't almost has to take on a predominant role.

We should never even mention the word Socialism in this country. We should all thank our veterans and first responders for their service to this great country. To let it go to a Socialist country would only make their sacrifices and efforts wasted. This country should take care of the promises that they made to these folks.

At the same time, there are many who sacrificed much to earn their retirements. I know my wife and I certainly did. We both worked a lot of overtime, saved our money the best we could. We all take different paths to this day, but for the most part, those that make it successfully earned it. There are those too that have it given to them. I feel better about our path and not Socialism.

I hear you 12pack. I was on track for retirement. Then divorce hit. Lost half of everything. Just bought a house and put over 20% down but then that didnt leave me much leftover. So at 42 on a 30 year mortage I'll be paid off by 72 if make the minimum payment. Have an ok amount in 401k but lost some of that too. That and I cant afford to contribute as much now paying more for worse healthcare through my employer.(ex wife's was great). Also paying all the regular bills myself too.

Thinking I can pay my home off earlier than 30 years. But I am sure my health will deteriorate over time and medical bills will start to add up too. Hoping in the future I can snag a job with much better pay or retirement wont be an option. I'll need to work just for the insurance. I'm debating the hard decision of whether or not to sell my boat next spring. Its paid off but in reality I could use the cash to invest and help myself out down the road, which is probably a good thing. No easy choices. But oh well, made my own decisions in life have to live with them.

Thank you for your service, boys!

Today is my "hump" day at my current employer.  I started on 1/15/07 here and I plan on retiring 4/1/32, making 8/24/19 the midpoint (I don't work tomorrow).  I know that probably all seems crazy to some of you, but I'm a firm believer of having a plan and executing to it.

Hear you Sarge . I've replaced both knees and both hips will need it sometime . Glad I had a cushy government job  ! 

Don’t be jealous of us that did 20+ years. I am physically and mentally broke after having to go places and do things no man should have to do. Military service has probably taken more than a few years off of my life. It kills me when people say that it must be nice to get free health care. Nothing is free. I payed with my health and my youth. There is a reason you can retire from the Army at 20, because it is hard. 

mooselegs....My son was a teaching professional for several years and was pursuing his PGA card. I have had so many lessons that it is probably my problem. At one time I was a 14 handicap, but now I work very hard to shoot 90. Age has caught up with me, so frustration does creep in more times than not.

I’m fishing tomorrow and hoping I don’t get hit by a jet ski, or run over by a wake boat.

It is still better than having someone tell me what I have to do today.

Tuffy2:  See my comments below ........RE: Golf.

"I retired 14 years ago at 62. I worked in the same industry for 44 years. At one time and for many of the years I really enjoyed what I was doing. When that feeling left me I felt it wasn’t good for me, or the company that I worked for.

I get up each morning and make the decision on what I want to do today. I have moved somewhat away from fishing and have perused golf. Golf is starting to get frustrating, so I need to start fishing more.

When I first retired the lakes seemed to be void of other boats during the week, but that seems to be really changing. Now you really have to avoid some of these lakes until after Labor Day."

I retired 10 years ago at age 55. I started golfing about 5 years ago. Was very frustrated with it but decided to take a few lessons.  Let me tell  ya..........that has made a BIG, BIG difference in my golf game. I am still a hacker......but much less of one since I had a professional help me......cost me $120.00 and was the best decision I made since I decided to marry my bride of 40+ years!!!!

Give it a shot...........you will be amazed what you will learn.

Good Luck!REPORT ABUSE

As to whether it's too late for someone to start planning properly for retirement,  I'm reminded of the ancient Chinese proverb:

Best time to plant tree? 20 years ago.

Second best time to plant tree? Today.

I retired from the Army at 43 with 23 1/2 years of service. I have been working for the Federal Government for 10 years with another 3 years to go until I can call it quits at 56. It’s all about wanting to be able to enjoy life while you still can. I have no issue sleeping late, feeding the birds and puttering around. We are debt free except for the house which is ok to me. I have seen to many people die waiting to retire. It all about what you are comfortable with.

Fishound

Staying in the same field.  Insurance is very expensive for a family.  I can draw on my pension now and start another one.  Plus I am young to where I would go crazy not working.  I like what I am doing for work, and having 6 Saturdays every week would get expensive.  

I retired 14 years ago at 62. I worked in the same industry for 44 years. At one time and for many of the years I really enjoyed what I was doing. When that feeling left me I felt it wasn’t good for me, or the company that I worked for.

I get up each morning and make the decision on what I want to do today. I have moved somewhat away from fishing and have perused golf. Golf is starting to get frustrating, so I need to start fishing more.

When I first retired the lakes seemed to be void of other boats during the week, but that seems to be really changing. Now you really have to avoid some of these lakes until after Labor Day.

RR- 

Working hard for someone else is called stress, working hard for yourself is passion!  

Rikj-

I remember in 2002, I put in my one month notice to take my current job. It’s interesting, knowing that you have another option at your fingertips, completely changes the work dynamic.