The Retirement Conundrum
August 22, 2012
Are you recently retired? Or, are you one of the millions of baby boomers for whom the retirement horizon is getting closer and closer?
I’m in the latter category, and to be completely honest, the thought of retirement is conflicting to me. I still enjoy working. My job at the Library has been rewarding, so how will I continue to be a contributing member of society during retirement? I think I am more organized, self-disciplined, interesting, and socially engaged when I’m working. To think that there are some co-workers and most Library customers I will never see again after I retire is just plain sad!
But, I don’t want to work so long that I don’t have a good lengthy retirement to enjoy. Some have told me that I’ll know when it’s the right time to retire.
Will I? Did you?
Overall, I’m pretty optimistic about retirement. However, current economic conditions and uncertainties make retiring to a fixed income a very scary proposition. I hope our Social Security contributions will be there for us, but if not, our other investments will have to do. So, my greatest concern is whether or not our retirement planning will see us through to the end of our days, let alone stand up to potential financial and/or health crises.
The positive side of retirement is that my time will be my own. I’ll finally have time to read all those books on my list (shameless plug)! I will have more time to spend with my three darling granddaughters, more time for quilting or exploring other arts and interesting activities, and more time to spend with my husband. We have 40+ years of "stuff" to sort through so our kids won’t have to do that someday. We plan to go to more sporting events, cultural events, and travel some. My bucket list continues to grow. After all, isn’t that what I’ve worked so long for?
So, tell me, please, how’s retirement going for you?
What is the one, best piece of advice you have for me?
What are your concerns/fears?
How do you stay up-to-date on technology or learn new ones?
Did you get bored and go back to work?
Do you volunteer somewhere?
What is your major life purpose or do you even have the need for one?
I’ve gleaned all I can from retirement books, magazine articles, and blogs. I need to hear it directly from you – someone who can give me the honest low-down on what to expect!
Gayla Spurlock
Colbern Road Branch
Comments
Retirement Conundrum
Gayla,
As you know, I retired in February and so far it's been great! I'm reading and watching movies (MCPL's collection) like crazy, go out to eat with friends, go to book clubs, meditate and exercise 1 hour per day (NEVER did this in the past!). I'll eventually try Tai Chi since I need something for balance and coordination. I had a great vacation to the Grand Canyon in July and my wonderful sister paid for a helicopter ride through the Canyon--that was fantastic.
So far I don't feel any urge to volunteer or look for other work, but who knows about the future?
Money is a little tight. And believe me, I worry about the future of Medicare and Social Security, but I do believe you Will know when it is time to retire and you will find plenty to do. I still have plenty of chores (ugh).
Hi to all my MCPL friends and best of luck in dealing with the retirement question.
--Peggy
Same boat
I am mentally ready to retire but hesitate mainly because of the cost of insurance for the next year and a half until I am on Medicare . I have a good job but lately the organization has changed direction and I don't really care to learn anything else. I also know I could never find another job for the salary I make now and really wonder even if I could find another job if I needed extra income after I retire. I keep saying Leap And The Net Will Appear and I'm close to the edge! Any suggestions from anyone on health insurance plans for those in their 60's and not eligible for Medicare?
Same boat
Ahh, the "i" word - insurance! I know a lot of people who are only working for the insurance. Do you think being mentally ready to retire is a reflection of your organization's movement in a direction you don't particularly agree with? Perhaps that's the indication that another responder to this blog described as knowing when the time is right. Yet, you sound like you feel a bit stuck because you don't yet qualify for Medicare. That's not a good feeling, but my uneducated guess is that many are in your "same boat"; little comfort, huh? You are braver than I if you take the leap counting on the net to appear! Wish I had a brilliant suggestion for you - does anyone else? Gayla
Retirement
As with anything else, retirement seems to be a 'learning' process. After my department downsized,I retired and volunteer three days a week. I'd love to get back into full or part time work.
Retirement
Every day is a 'learning' process for me! I am curious, though, what is your motivation for wanting to return to the workforce? One of my concerns is that if/when I do retire, I will miss working. Is that why you want to work again? Thanks, Gayla
Volunteering
Personally, I can't WAIT to retire and be able to spend my current working hours in a volunteer capacity. There is only so much volunteering you can do when you work 40+ hours a week. The volunteer force is extremely lacking right now, partially because people have to work instead of volunteering. What the volunteer force needs is recent retirees who are still able to do some of the physical tasks that need to be done for agencies, shelters, etc. There are volunteer openings EVERYWHERE! Sure, you don't get paid in dollars, but find something you love to do, and you will be making a difference! Did I say I can't WAIT??????
Volunteering
I admire your enthusiasm for & desire to volunteer! And yes, any retiree capable of lending support to a shelter or agency in a physical capacity would be a boon for the organization & the retiree. I don't want to retire and put on my house slippers for fear of the "use it or lose it" result! Yes - making a difference in the lives or others would certainly be a personal reward. Many more organizations, facing budget shortages of their own, may find the need to enlist volunteers. Did you know that our Midwest Genealogy Center has an active volunteer program? Read more about it at:
http://www.mymcpl.org/genealogy/mgc-volunteer-program
Finally, since you can't wait ~ I hope you don't have to wait much longer! :-) Gayla
Retirement
I agree with the statement you will know when the time is right. I have known and know people who just keep working and working, because they just don't know what they will do if they aren't working, I think this is very sad. They shouldn't let work rule their life like that. Sounds like you have many things to keep you busy, and will probably wonder how you ever had time to work. As far as income sometimes people have to make adjustments, but most retirees learn to adjust to their new budgets.
Retirement
I agree with you about not letting work rule one's life. I have always tried to maintain a balance between family, work, and other life interests. I don't want to work so long that others begin to wish I would retire! I think, too, that growing on a farm in rural north Missouri has prepared me for living within my means. Gayla
Retirement Conundrum
Believe me---you will know when it's time!
Retirement Conundrum
You sound like you are retired & knew when it was time! Am I right? If so, tell me how you spend your days. Thanks!
Retirement
There are no rules and the fixed income part?? Face it... we are all on a fixed income right now... don't let the $ question rule your decision.
No Rules & Fixed Income
I think you're right - no rules! And, yes, most of our incomes are fixed now, whether we are working or retired. I think you're right-on about not letting the $ question rule my decision - or else I might never think I could take the plunge. Thanks!
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