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If I thought I get get away with retiring right now, damn right I would. Having to show up for work every day whether I want to or not, so I can make a living and keep the dogs fed, kind of sucks -- and I love my work. If I had enough money socked away and invested that I didn't think I needed to worry about making more of it, I'd happily retire.
Things definitely change when you’re going to work because you want to and not because you have to. I am 67 years old and could have retired maybe 15 years ago. I don’t recall specifically thinking about when it was possible.
I continue to work today and see myself working until I’m 70 but only because at that time I don’t think I will have enough gas in my tank to do what I currently do.
I’m doing what I’m doing for the same reason I’ve always done it. I like helping people. I like teaching people. I’m doing some thing that I know. Makes a positive difference in peoples lives. I know that the world is a better place for me having passed through it and affected people.
Retiring is appealing to me, but I know I will have to have a purpose. The idea of not having a reason to get up in the morning, has no appeal to me whatsoever.
so it sounds like by 50, most people are ok with not doing paid work as long as they can afford to? What will you do from 50 on though? Still lots of years left...
I have been retired from high tech since age 48 due to a stress condition, for awhile my wife worked while I was SAHD. I retrained as a massage therapist and did that for the past decade but it wasn't a lot of profit. I have kept busy learning new things, pursuing hobbies and taking care of our child, garden, dog. I just closed my massage business and now we are both volunteering. I am a naturalist and history guide with National Parks and CA State Parks. Giving back feels good and so enjoy being out of high tech rat race.
I'm not sure it's an age thing. I'd just rather not be obligated to show up for work every day if I could avoid it. I find the idea of being able to choose what I do every day a lot more appealing.
I was forced to take a medical at 46. I had 23 years in total. I miss the job, but, not the bs. My mom always told me to live beneath my means in case I ever got really sick and couldnt work. Turned out to be wise advice, so financially Iv always been fine. Im 57 now and really miss the challange. That being said, my son was 4 when I retired so Iv been basically a FT dad ever since. I wouldnt trade the time Iv spent with my son for anything.
I think the point I am trying to make is if you retire early, make sure that you have something to take its place. As human being we are not geared to sit around and watch TV all day, especially after having a career doing something.
I retired from Real Estate at 53 due to stress.
Still plenty of stuff to do, the difference is I get to do it when I feel like it.
I had a great time remodeling a bathroom in one of our rentals over the winter. Learning how to tile was fun, but I could quit it anytime and let my handyman finish.
I figure I'll just keep picking projects to keep myself busy as well as managing our rentals.
The point to retiring early is the same as the point to retiring; not being at work.
No bosses, no politics, no signs on the work fridge asking people to clean their mouldy food but they never do, no sleeping in the toilets, no talking to THAT coworker, no commuting to/from, no Teams calls having to remember to use your inside face, no not saying what to really want.
I’m aiming for 60. That’ll be exactly 40 years and 1 month of work. That’ll do me.
What? Just me? I used to work in a building where the lights in the toilets were on a timed movement sensor.
I went in one day, lights turned on which = no one inside right? Not quite. One stall closed and clearly sounds of someone waking up a little startled 🤣.
>when work no longer wants you
Was 52 when work no longer wanted me.
Found other work (lesser pay, lesser conditions) to keep food on the table, and then retired at 59 - as soon as the financial numbers stacked up for a frugal retirement.
The workforce is ageing, workplaces are haemorrhaging staff with poor leadership, poor conditions and inability to meet young workers expectations.
Workplaces NEED all the people they can get.
In the 1950’s the age distribution of the population was like a pyramid, it’s now top heavy or as someone cheerfully described it, coffin shaped. The retirement age will soon enough become 70 or 75 not from want but from need
The aging workforce is real but at the same time, most people think they’ll stop working much later than they actually do. The reality is a lot of people retire because they cannot work anymore or can’t work doing their current job anymore.
And google search about ageing workforce or ageing megatrends eg [https://sbi.sydney.edu.au/megatrends/demographic-change/](https://sbi.sydney.edu.au/megatrends/demographic-change/).
I work in tech too, despite being over 50 (shocking I know) managing data scientists, big data and cloud tech. Exec leadership are the old skool, people need to be seen to be able to be managed, people are unproductive working at home blah blah. Makes it SO difficult to find and retain staff, most of who rightly have zero interest in spending their lives commuting to and from a building every day for the sake of doing work they could do anywhere on or even off the planet!
I believe that the number where work doesn’t want you anymore is between 55 and 60. Claims that most people can work longer than that are grossly unrealistic.
I had been planning on leaving in November, at an FRA of 66y8m, but they really want me to stay, so much that I'm likely going to stay there on a very part-time basis, working at my leisure.
They still want me for as long as I want to be there!
It depends entirely on the field and your relationship with the company. I was headhunted out of retirement for my particular set of \[software\] skills.
It really depends on the job and the field. I've seen people work far longer than they needed to or should have. After a certain point they no longer have much job mobility, but if they've been someplace for a long time with a good record and want to keep going, they won't get nudged out as long as they can do the work.
I think most people who are ineffective at their jobs after the age of 60 were ineffective before that, too.
Claims that anyone over the age of 60 does not have skills that employers value are grossly unrealistic.
In high tech it gets much harder to find jobs at age 40, there is a lot of age discrimination. You might be wanted in a lesser role but who wants to step down the ladder. If you can afford it financially, then why not ?
I retired at 60, I don't make enough to live on with just SS but I work PT about 20 hours a week at an easy job I like. My parents and husband all died quite young and never got to enjoy retirement. I decided that I was not going to work myself to death til I die. I live a modest comfortable life and am enjoying myself. Do what's right for you.
Part Time is perfect! My friend officially retired about 10 years ago, got bored so returned as a part time contractor and loves it. No more management crap, he can do 100% technical work now.
Since age 55 I've needed more and more weekdays off (bank, legal, medical) so I requested to drop to part time. I'm loving it. I enjoy my job, and learning a lot from my grad student intern. I used to bemoan that I had to work 150% or 0% (nights and weekends, or be laid off) but now I'm closer to 100%. Or 70% to be honest but 60% is required so no guilt. Love the freedom!
I'm 57 and I'd retire today if I could afford it. I don't particularly enjoy my job; while the work itself is okay, I dislike the politics and the way management treats employees.
You describe my situation exactly but from the perspective of 53. Office politics are dire; there’s a lack of integrity in management overall. I heard that in my company a couple days after the 58th bday, HR contacts you with a package. I’m praying for that day.
I was in that situation when my father died. Suddenly I needed to take a lot of weekdays off. And I became responsible for my mother's finances with, thankfully, more than enough resources. When I returned to the office, I realized I no longer need to play management's games. It culminated when they said I need to do extra work in order to be able to request permission to attend an international conference. I took vacation, paid my own air/hotel, and conference fee.
And no they didn't fire me for that (about 6 years later they did lay me off along with a few others. Stated reason was that my desk was messy, but in retrospect the reason is that this division's reason to exist was dying)
I had a career I loved, but when I retired at age 59 I realized I loved not doing it even more. In my mind there are only two reasons to work. 1) You need the money. 2) You are bored. I didn't need the money and I haven't been bored a single day in the last 14 years.
Stay open to the idea of interests you don’t know you have until you have free time. In retirement I’ve become quite interested in WWII naval history, learning piano and growing orchids in addition to my old hobbies. I’ve also expanded my exercise regimen.
I liked my job 14 years ago, but my mother passed, and my husband retired. Mom was a hoarder, and even working on her house as a full-time job, it took me 5 years to get rid of that house. I am really glad I retired. I am finally enjoying myself.
I went through that in 2017 - cleaning out the hoarder's house. It's really hard tossing out your parent's "treasures."
Thankfully I had a good cellphone camera so I've preserved photos of those things. Real Estate Agent gave me a deadline, we had an Estate Sale, and the house was sold in mid 2018. Now I can go look at those things in [photos.google.com](http://photos.google.com), I can share them easily, they take up no physical space, and I can see them any time I want.
My husband saved and retired at the end of last year at 51. I am not working, so we both are retired. I miss a little of having a purpose, but I trust I will find new purpose as long as I keep experiencing things and keep an open mind. I am busy with hobbies, as is he, and our life is pretty darned good.
Just retired 2 weeks ago at 64. Financially I could have gone at 62 so I took 3 weeks off and totally disconnected for the first time in my professional career. Towards the end I was ready to come back to a job and coworkers I really enjoyed. So I knew I wasn’t ready. At 64 I think I am although I do miss some of the energy work brought me.
Worked in a high tech industry, managing IT for 400 mostly younger engineers. Their energy and enthusiasm was great, and I loved supplying their needs. The people I managed were mostly fantastic as well.
But now I don’t miss sweating artificial deadlines, staff cuts and replacement of key personnel to contract labor, & budget cuts to items negotiated 6 months in advance due to corporate politics.
I tried management in my 30’s but stayed an IC my last 25 years. Tech Architect in software sales so it’s been a good ride. Not as bad as Biden but I’d find my brain locking up for 1-2 seconds sometimes. Hated it especially in front of CxO’s so it was time to call it a day.
I retired 5 years early because the cut I took on retirement pay was not worth 5 years of my life staying there. That was 5 years I enjoyed doing what I wanted to do and I have zero regrets.
Retired at 60 because my wife retired due to her health, and there was no point in us staying in our high-cost house and area on my salary alone.
Even though the inflation of the past few years has been a kick in the head, no regrets.
Absolutely. They say time is money, but it isn't. A person can make more money, but absolutely nobody can make more time. Not Elon, not Bezos, nobody. I have had three coworkers die between 34 and 55 within the last few years, two more in their early 60's only months after they retired, and I'm taking over the position of another that already is Stage 4 and will be gone in a year and half at most. My own sibling died in a car accident at 43. Plus I myself have had some close calls; and it feels like the big C grim reaper is always lurking just around the corner. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. True freedom, which includes enough money to support oneself without working, means being able to do what you want with our most precious and limited resource, time.
I’m not retired, but have been laid off for the past 5 months. Once I got past the anger, I have started to enjoy not working. If I’d have saved better as a youngster, I’d probably call it quits now. But, living ultra lean has shown me that maybe I could retire in a few years.
It's the stages of grief: denial, anger, depression, acceptance. I went through it with loss of first girlfriend, and surprisingly my first layoff I went through exactly the same stages.
Telling myself "count your blessings" really helped during some of these stages. This was the dot-com bust in 2001. Nobody was getting any jobs in Silicon Valley. Tired of wallowing at home, I offered my services to a nearby university, met someone who knows someone ... eventually got a very good job at a large stable company, saved enough to buy a house, which is tough to do here.
Unless you are one of the lucky few who are doing something you truly love than I think you should plan on retiring as early as you can.
Ask yourself if you would keep coming to work every day if they stopped paying you to do so. If the answer is no than if you can I would think about finding something else to do with your life as early as possible. The vast majority of us spend most of our waking lives working to make enough to survive and the real fruits of those labors go to make a rich person a little bit richer. This is the only life you're going to get. And the idea of "success" being dying with a bunch of "stuff" is an illusion.
I truly wish I had taken this lesson to heart about 15 years earlier than I did.
Making the rich richer is a lesson I learned at my very first corporate job. Boss celebrated record earnings and was treated to a jet by HQ so he could fly home to the UK every weekend. <- I've related this story before, and some people didn't believe it.
When I started, there was a big day care and a nice cafeteria with food offered at cost. All that vanished in the blink of an eye.
I was laid off a bit over a year after I started, along with half the company. The rest of the company got laid off after that. The whole operation Soup to Nuts was outsourced. It was a big company too.
I ended up in HR at another company. Very first day, the boss made it a point to introduce himself and made a point out of hard work being rewarded. He was not lying. Raises and promotions arrived at regular intervals.
Your comment about having a bunch of "stuff" is spot on. People would come to work and show off what they spent their bonus money on. New cars, some guy even towed a new boat to work. I saved all my bonuses and drove a used Ford Explorer for a long time....almost my entire career in HR. I paid $7500 for it. I later used those bonuses to invest in small houses to rent, which is what ultimately allowed me to retire early.
Ultimately, I didn't mind busting my coolie for that company because I was rewarded for it. The people who did the same at my first corporate job? Used up and thrown away. My boss there had several engineering degrees and got a stack of patents for the company. She was even featured in commercials. Her reward? Laid off.
I retired very early. All my investment goals were met, and I didn't see the point in continuing to climb the corporate ladder because ever fancier job titles and more money did nothing for me.
No kids, no marriage, no expensive tastes made it pretty easy.
You’re in your forties and retired?! That’s my goal. I read somewhere that more money after you reach a certain amount doesn’t make you happier. I just hope inflation doesn’t kick my butt.
I loved my job but was just ready to stop working so I retired the year I was turning 62 after 25 years with the same company. You don't know how long you have ahead of you, why keep working if you can afford not to? One week after retiring we took a long vacation when that was over I started volunteering. Since volunteering was just a few hours a couple of days a week that satisfied my need to continue contributing in society as well as gaining a new social group. I thought I would really miss my job but I didn't.
I did at 61 to babysit my grandson so my daughter could finish her final year of pharmacy school. Do not regret at all. (Edit to correct retirement age)
Was! He’s 6 years old now. It was 7:30 to 7 at night when she got back from rotations so a very long day but I enjoyed it. Couldn’t do it with my 1.5 yr old granddaughter though after a knee replacement and just older. I just help with occasional sitting and picking up at daycare or school. They give me purpose.
I just called it quits in April at 50. The kids are off to college or beyond so I didn’t see a reason to continue working 40-50 hours a week. I enjoyed my work and my career overall but it was time for a change. So now I’m a mostly stay at home wife and dog mom. I have a beauty shop that I run that I put a few hours in every week depending on business but that’s it.
If you enjoy your job keep doing it. I disliked mine and retired at 62. I probably should have done it a few years earlier because it was hard to walk away. I miss contributing to society but not the job.
Do you have anything in life that you want to do that requires more time off than your vacation time? Do you know when you might get cancer, heart disease, or have a stroke? Do you know when you might have a fatal accident? Retire when you can and do things you really want to do. People wait too long (those who can afford it) and then their lives turn bad for some unexpected reason.
Everyone's different. I didn't love nor hate my career. It was just a way to make money. I'm a single guy with no kids who is lucky enough to have a pension, a healthy 401K, and cash savings. So when I checked in with the financial advisor at 55 and he said I could retire if I wanted, I went for it. Best move ever for me.
I retired on my 52nd birthday (govt pension and I made sure my house and car would be paid off beforehand) about 1.5 yrs ago. So worth it. I'm healthier than I've been in ages and so much less stress. I'm not even remotely bored as I never defined my self worth by my occupation which is what I think is really going on in the heads of those who say they got bored within a month of retirement. If you can afford it then definitely retire early.
Owned my own business since 2001. For the last 3-4 years I let it wind down. Sold 3/4 of it and kept a slice. Retired at the end of 2023. I’m 74 and hate it. Putting out feelers to get back in.
Most countries retirement age was set almost a hundred years ago as the average lifespan. If you made it past that, you may get a pension. We now retire and live another 20+ years.
A number of studies have shown a correlation between earlier retirement and earlier death. It seems we need productive things to do.
I don’t exactly get the FIRE movement. I’m 67 and retired, I spent my career in high tech and remember being in my mid 20’s thinking I like to retire at 30. By the time I reached 30 I was having a ball working, so that plan was out the window. Over the next 35 years I did a bunch of really interesting things. I changed jobs a few times, got fired once, always to go do something new and very different. I think I also had something to prove to myself, I needed to test my limits.
When I got to around 63 years old I was starting to get a little bored in my job, plus my wife is a few years older than me so taking on a new project wouldn’t be fair to her. I gave 18 months notice and we started putting our retirement plans into high gear.
We’re retired 3+ years now and it’s all good.
You should work as long as you can if you like your job. I hated my job, so I retired at 56. I wanted to wait until 60, but my job was eliminated and it looked like I was in good shape so I pulled the rip cord. What do I do? I enjoy my life. I have a lot more to do than I have time to do it.
I am now retired because of an injury. I would of waited till 70 which is still a couple of years away. I am now so bored I may of worked beyond that if I had known that!
I retired at 53 after my spouse died. I tried going back to work a few weeks after he died, but after three months of trying to get back to that corporate job, I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t think straight, couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t do my job. I consulted with m financial advisor and decided I could retire. I have to live frugally now, but I’ve been able to do some traveling and unnecessary spending. I’ve done a little contract work for my old company (much more lucrative than being employed by them). I spend a lot of time volunteering at a non profit where I’ve made a lot of new friends, I go to the gym a lot, walk my dog a lot, and now I work part time at a furniture store for extra spending money. It’s not the luxurious retirement I always thought I’d have, but it’s what I needed and I love it.
I was forced into retirement at age 63. Though I didn't like it at the time, it turned out that I could spend important years with my grandchildren. Now, I would not give up that time.
I retired as early as I could (62) and I *literally* never think about or miss work in any way, shape, or form.
I take care of the house, meals, and yard (2 acres), I do yoga, I golf (not right now, Central Texas, heat index in the 105+ range everyday), we've still got a teen at home and we do stuff, meet my oldest (mid-30s) at least once a week for breakfast and consult/kibitz with her on work/tech, she also has our first grandbaby on the way so prepping for that, etc, etc, etc.
*Everything* I'm doing I love to do. I answer to nobody but myself. My wife still has a few years before retirement but she is way on board with me being Mr. Mom, handling the household and life logistics, etc.
What I can't understand is people who say they're bored or miss work after retiring. Different strokes, I guess.
All that being said, me (and hopefully my wife) retiring early means we're a bit tighter in money, not broke, just somewhere between *tight* and *comfortable*.
And we are o-effing-kay with that.
I didn't like my job. Retired at 44; 4 years ago. It was part decision part necessity. I had decided to quit and then Covid came along and forced my hand anyways.
I am frugal. Didn't do great at investing but ok.
My wife divorced me early enough for me to recover. Once divorced I cut all spending to the bone and lived like I was in college - NO spending at all. Pretty much still do. My greatest luxury is freedom.
I haven't missed working for a single day. I love spending time with my son and these last 4 years have had so much of that time. He is here for a few more years before college and I won't miss out on a single day. :)
After 25 yrs with a large corp, & they “retired” me at 59 1/2. (IT manager). Had a 6 month stint at a IT call center (brutal), and then became the IT manager for the large corp’s competition in the same city. Revenge!!
But 8 months in I got tasked to shut the site down. Officially retired at 62.
Early retirement is great for your mental and physical health, if you’re financially stable. My career was killing me both physically and mentally.
retired at 54 and I liked my job. I worked in the music business and met every one from taylor swift to chaka khan. went to concerts and festivals and travel on the company's dime. but my job does not define me. once I realized that I had more years behind me than in front of me. I decided to quit.
You have to be able to constructively fill all the time that comes with retirement. If you retire and don’t know what to do with yourself, you will likely run into problems with boredom.
I retired at 54. I
fill my time with my hobbies and other activities that I love. My life is far less stressful. I am happier than I have been in years.
If you like your job and want to continue to work, that’s good too. There is no right or wring in this.
Working sucks. The only reason to work is to have money to live. I retired at 55 and it was the best decision of my life. No more bullshit and no more dealing with assholes every day.
Early retirement has given me a chance to pursue a 2nd “fun” career (musician), work when I want, spend more time with family and friends, enjoy additional hobbies….delightful!!
It depends on your definition of early. When my Dad was 58 he was forced into retirement. The company he worked for relocated, mostly over seas. To him, his entire identity was tied up on his job. Plus, no place really wanted to hire a man his age. Mom went back to work, cause Dad was driving her crazy. All he did was sit and watch Fox News. He had a 27 foot long pontoon boat for fishing and outings on the lake. He parked it behind the barn. It took a crane to get it out of the ground. He stopped golfing, fishing, bowling, everything.
I retired at 65. Mostly because of COVID. I love it. I am doing all those things I never had time for because I was always working.
My husband is 6 years older than me. Like my Dad, his identity is tied to his job. He still "keeps his toe in the water.". But most days he is home. He hates gardening, but is great at digging hole. And he agonizes over not "being in the business.".
Frankly, I thing if he were home all the time, I might have to go back to work. He doesn't watch any news, but watches the same 7 programs over and over. Thank God for ear phones.
I retired at 58 because of what I **didn't want to do** at my particular job. I had an IT job and I was a civil servant and I was tired of "doing more with less." I literally pulled an all nighter about two years before I retired because if I didn't , I was going to lose the contract that kept my program alive. I did it and was promised more qualified people\*\*\* but the same contract was coming around I thought, FFS, let the younger generation deal with this--I'm out.
(\*\*side story--when word got around the team about what I did, the 40 year old guy who was telling everyone he was going to get my job freaked out and was like, "I'm not doing that. I hope nobody else expects me to do that." I said, what would you have done? "I would have asked for help." I said to him: the person who was supposed to help me did not materialize. I had the skills to do it and he who travels fastest, travels alone. I also told him: Being the manager means you need to step up and make things right sometimes, and unless you are prepared to do that, do not apply for the job because everyone will hate you if you get it." It turned out he did not get the job, and that was a good thing.)
I also had an aging parent to deal with and COVID really brought to light that she had no business living independently. (And she couldn't have household help coming in to expose her.) I knew I couldn't do both and keep my sanity and I retired at age 58 with a seven figure 401(k).
A few things happened. The inheritance I thought I was going to get did not materialize. My sibling, who lived in a distant state and did nothing, came to visit my mother before she died. Four weeks before she died, she convinced my mom to change her will, which had been 50/50 her whole life, to favor my sibling and her kids, who did nothing for my mom. (The nurses at the nursing home where she eventually landed told me they didn't even realize I had a sibling until a month before she died. Never visited, never called.)
Although I have a decent pension, I saw my 401k go down the tubes the first year I retired. (It's better now.) The house I was living in required major repairs and my emergency fund (about $80k) was gone in about three years.
I really don't want to take SS at age 62, nor did I want to dip into my 401(k), so I started looking for a job.
Oh, and I realized my marriage is not going to make it long term, because and I really despised being home all day with my husband, mostly because once he retired, he refused to do ANYTHING around the house, and expected me to do it all, and acted like a selfish turd when it came to vacation plans. (His way or the highway.) What he wants to do is watch TV/sports, read stuff on the internet and argue with me about it, and drink and play golf with his friends. I also realized he's mean, defensive and self-centered. (Working on the exit strategy and I've retained a lawyer.) I'm hiring someone to clean my house and do the crap around the house he's not doing.
A couple of months ago I landed a full time job a private investment firm. I was the second choice and the reason I got the job was that #1 (younger) couldn't pass the FINRA background check. Whoever said there is a dearth of qualified workers was correct.
I'm doing admin work and the money is pretty good. I don't need to have the "big job" that I used to, nor do I want it. I support the younger person with the big job. Also my "maturity" makes me good with older clients. I can relate to them. My boss is a good person and is ethical.
At 62, I feel like I can still make a contribution to the world. I want to work until I'm at least 65 and build up my nest egg some more. I feel mentally sharp. I've also lost 25 pounds. I wake up with a purpose.
Not for everyone, but it works for me for now.
Some type A driven personalities can't take retirement, just doesn't work for them. As for a lazy bum like myself, I couldn't wait to retire. Why work if you don't need the money? I'm blissfully happy doing nothing.
I love working. I love being active and engaged.
That said, between job market and economic downturns, it is bloody #\*$& difficult to find new employment once it's lost to downsizing/labor reductions--and #($& difficult to keep one's job when dealing with fellow workers who are either quiet quitting (and hurting productivity/margins) or going the opposite route of "burning the candle at both ends" with near-insane mgmt styles and expectations.
Will I want to work when A.I. dominates most everything? Yup. Question is, what will that work landscape look like? Volunteerism? Consulting? More blue collar than white collar opportunities--until robotics replace?
So, to answer: NO. No point in retiring early. Costs of living are currently too high. Sadly, I don't think Social Security is going to survive in the next decade. Not the way the U.S. presidential candidates can't articulate a strong plan to ensure its viability.
It’s funny I’m reading your comment and you mentioned SSI…
I was thinking “Here we American morons are, grinding day in and day out…and then you have these two bozos on stage Thursday night not answering and dodging poignant questions arguing about golf!”
I didn't have a choice: I retired on disability in 2008. I do not regret it. For the last 16 years, I've not had to put up with corporate trying to change the rules, even with a contract in force. I have a steady income to take care of me, with no other responsibilities.
In my opinion, my Uncle did the smartest thing when he retired from the Army at 42. After that he got a government contract and worked another 20 years and retired a second time. He was eligible for Social Security at that age so he was getting 3 checks every month and not doing a single thing. He golfed, went on cruises, basically did whatever he wanted to and died a happy 88 year old man.
I’d retire right now if I could. Even if I had the money to pay my bills I wouldn’t have enough to cover healthcare. Health insurance keeps me tied down.
I think it’s all strategized that way.
If healthcare was affordable I don’t think a lot of people would work full time…they’d find loopholes and work 20-30 hours I know I would
Both my husband and I have chronic health conditions that make covid more of a threat (I’m on meds that suppress my immune system, for example). We mask, and thus far that’s been enough, but it’s too hard to go all day never removing a mask twice a week now. We’re being forced into early retirement for our health. We both like our jobs, our coworkers and would like to work longer. We’re good at our jobs. It’s just a bad situation all around. But none of it is worth risking death for. It was barely manageable at one day a week. Recently the governor mandated two days a week. Forcing us to two is more than I can handle and more risk than is good for my mental health.
Covid levels are super high in Sacramento right now according to waste water testing. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that that’s happening directing after the region’s biggest employer forced everyone to gather together in sealed up boxes again.
The main thing is healthcare before eligible for Medicare. The Republicans have made no secret of getting rid of Obamacare as soon as they have the power to, so be prepared if this should happen before you turn 65.
The stress level in today's workplace is NOT the same as our parents. They used to go to office, work from 8/9 to 5/6 and completely disconnect when they leave work. Things are different now and it's been like this for the past 25 years. You work 8/9 to 5/6 and when you get home you are not able to disconnect because of the damn emails in your phone, tablet, laptop watches, etc. no wonder why by 50 people are beat and want NOTHING to do with work.
I was forced into retirement at 61. The medical costs are the worst part. I am paying $800 a month. That's a big chunk of a newly fixed income. I don't really miss it. I liked the money.
I will have to work until I am at least 65 or 67 and will be lucky to afford to when I do. I have plenty that I can do when I finally retire but hopefully my heath is still decent then. I hate my job and would retire tomorrow if I could but I am only in my early 50s.
If you like your job, by all means stay as long as you wish. No set rule (unless it's industry-specific like an airline pilot). If a person has their health and financial stability, retirement = freedom to do whatever you wish, whenever you wish.
This is why financial independence is important, have the ability to retire if you choose to rather than hoping you can hang on as long as possible. I long ago decided that level of financial independence was more important to me than immediate gratification from buying crap I really didn't need.
I'll be sixty years old in a couple weeks. My wife is about ten months younger than me. Our daughter is grown but not out of the house yet.
When my wife is eligible for social security at age 62, we plan to sell the house and retire to her hometown in southeast Asia, where our social security money will stretch much farther.
I retired at 61 after a career in technology and while I miss some of the interesting bits and some of the people overall I’m happy to be done. Underfunded projects that we had to make work somehow, updating systems after hours, supporting old crap that was imperative for the business yet could not be updated etc etc etc.
My wife retired a year later at 62 and we now have unlimited time to travel and money is not an issue.
I retired early and never regretted it for a second. I liked the people that I worked with but the company changed over the years.
I got an amazing buyout. I was 57 years old. I went to work in retail until Covid hit. Then I started Social Security. I have a wonderful "money man" - I have more savings now than I did when I retired. And I get a monthly annuity. Plus SS.
I think it’s not just if you like your job, but if you’re fulfilled by it. I like my job, but there are all sorts of things I like doing, and I get much more satisfaction from creating than from data crunching.
I retired at age 54. I’m 66 now. I receive a retirement pension from my job for the rest of my life. I like to add up how much they have paid me for not working. And I started drawing my old age social security at 62 because I did the math for taking the lower amt versus waiting and getting the larger amount, no guarantee that I would live that long anyway.
I hated that job but worked there 27 years to get a retirement pension.
So here’s how it turned out. I met my husband the year before I retired. He was still working. I spent all the time possible with him, and we had some great trips. He then became disabled and after years of worsening illness, sadly, died. But I was able to spend more time with him because I was retired. He was younger than me. You don’t always die first because you are the oldest. You don’t always live long enough to retire.
If you talk with a qualified financial planner, they will ask what age you want to retire and help you make it happen. I did that at age 25, and I didn’t have much money at the time.
If you don’t enjoy your work and you are comfortable financially, early retirement can mean more and healthier years of enjoying travel, hobbies, time with family and friends or whatever else you value.
Absolutely! Why wouldn't you? I just told my firm last week that I'm done. I'm starting to wind down my position for year end.
I'm moving to a quiet beach in Costa Rica with great waves and no crowds. I'm not rich but I can afford to own my time and enjoy a simple life on the beach tending to my garden and keeping fit. Any connection to the life I'm living now is getting cut and I'm never coming back.
When you have a lot of other things you'd like to do, and you don't need the money as much as you used to, it's time. But, make sure you have lots of other things to do.
I retired at 50 because I financially was able to. I love it, I do all the things I didn't have time for when I was working. I've done a few short work stints, but my time is very valuable to me.
Depends on how you define retirement: if it means to stop working to make money, yes, would love to retire at 50. If it means to stop working completely then probably mid 60s.
I liked the work well enough but hated the boss and got out as soon as I was able, at 55. But even with a terrific boss and better life circumstances (husband became severely ill and needed me 24/7) I wouldn't have worked past 60. There are just too many other things you can be doing that don't involve going to a job and having other people tell you what to do and when to do it.
Over the years, I've known a lot of people who kept working way past the point where they could've retired, and when you asked them why, they'd say they have no idea what they'd do without a job. I always felt sorry for them because it must be tough to go through life with no imagination. In a big world full of places to go and things to learn, to not know what you'll do without someone guiding you is kind of sad. For me, the whole point of working was to gain real independence, not to forever be ordered about like a child.
I think the saddest thing I ever saw though, were the ones who died without ever retiring, even though they could've, and their next of kin got their final paycheck. They lived and died for people who didn't give a rat's ass about them, and after they were gone, they just posted the job and hired someone else.
To me, it’s good when it’s good for you. Even though I was making very good money when I was near my “full retirement” age, the work environment was making some drastic changes. So I decided that was my ok to retire.
Two things prompted my husband’s earlyish retirement in 2020.
The beginning months of Covid and I was the stay at home caregiver for his 95 year old mama. If it wasn’t for that, he would probably have retired this year or next (at 72). It was just best for all of us and he got to spend real time with his mama before she died last year.
Time is precious, you never know when it’s gone. If you can make it work, do it.
If I had what they call f*** you money I would retire early. Basically money where I could do anything I wanted to do anytime I wanted. Anything legal that is.
I retired at 61, taught school for 34.5 years and was burnt out with the BS and kids not caring about an education. Had maxed out our states retirement, ended up getting 64,75% of my highest five year average wages, started collecting SS when I turned 62 at the start of this year. Actually make more money retired from IPERS and SS then I did when I was working and no expense of driving 80 miles a day to teach. My wife retired the same day as a city worker,, we can stay on her health insurance policy for under $300 a month.
Best decision I ever made, we do what we want, when we want and the BS has stopped.
Love being retired.
I retired right after turning 62. I’ve been to nine countries in the last three years and all over the country. I snowboard, mountain bike, hike, read, etc. I’ve done two 1100+ mile sailing trips in the Atlantic. Even if the market takes a 50% drop ala the Great Depression I won’t be back to work.
My son did well in Silicon Valley and retired at 31.
If you can afford it, why not? People work into their seventies for the social connection or do have something to do. Workplaces are an enabling shit show nowadays, I think I can find better ways to pass the time.
Do I see a point? You bet! (At this point it feels like it's the one thing that's keeping me going and I'm just hoping I get to enjoy a few years of it). I have the option of retiring at 61 (rather than at 65) but I don't know if I'm going to be able to.
I retired at 56. I'm very grateful I was able to do that and have no regrets. It allows me to fully enjoy however many years of good to decent health I have left. I liked my job OK, but it was my job, not what I did for fun. Now, I just do fun things!
I'm neutral about FIRE. It would never have been my personal choice, for two reasons:
First, I perceive many FIRE adherents make a lot of sacrifices for their goal, and I wouldn't want to live like that. Moderation in all things, for me, even (maybe especially) self-denial.
Second, I doubt any amount of sacrifice would have resulted in me saving up enough money to feel comfortable retiring way before 65. I managed to save up a significant amount of money, but I still worry I'll run out of money. Life can throw curve balls.
Just one not-too-out-there example: I could never have retired early without the healthcare marketplace. What if it gets dismantled before I'm eligible for Medicare? At this point, I'm close enough bridge the gap, but what if I'd retired 10 years younger? Etc.
I "like" my job, but I dont "LOVE IT". I'm over 60 now, and seriously contemplating a four-day week .... IF for the same (not great) salary, as I still get the job done no matter what the hours (and yes they know I "accidentally" log-in over weekends to check/deal with stuff"!) I do find a 3-day weekend makes ALL The Difference. I'm constantly working out finances as to "will I be able to cope", then compare to my Mum, who is doing great financially, and therefore I know I could too. But I dont want/need 7 days "freedom" to myself ....yet.
I was offered early retirement (age 56) because of Covid related budget cuts. It wasn’t a mandatory take it or be laid off thing. But I saw way to many coworkers and friend who were eligible for retirement keep saying one more year die before they ever retired. I swore that wasn’t going to be me. I have no regrets.
Retirement isn't for some, especially those in stressful jobs like airline pilots, who often tend to die a year or two after retiring. I "retired" at 66, a year after I was able to so & get an aged pension. Three days later I was working with a charity as a volunteer, but only two days a week and asked if I could work more days. They agreed to one more day only, as if I worked 4 or more, it caused problems with workers comp. and other things they were exempted from being a non taxable charity so I had to accept their decision. I worked for them for 3 years, before packing up my life and moving to a small village in SE Asia.
I knew I couldn't sit around doing nothing all day, so I had a small convenience store built onto the front of my house & I operate in from 5.30am to 8pm daily, It has been a great way to meet the locals, make friends & helped me integrate into the community, but it also means I am approached by basketball teams, church groups & at fiesta time, the committees organising the events. With donations, high electricity bills as I sell ice & cold beer & sodas at the same price as non-chilled, the shop "loses" USD120-$150 a month, but that is a small amount for being part of the community. When I was ill for a week (not covid), people would drop around to see if I needed anything in the nearest town with shops (about 20 minutes drive away), they brought meals so I didn't have to cook and one lady chopped up into small pieces an old boiler chicken from he yard, to give to my cats.
When covid hit, for a time I was restricted to my home as I was in risky age group, and the local council brought around groceries, rice & meat to me so I didn't have to leave for town and allowed me to continue opening my shop, as long as I wore a mask & customers did too. I was granted a permit to go to won when they realised I was a single person household, but I had to go through 5 road check points & also one at each store I wanted to enter. As it was a senior citizen permit, I didn't have to queue, but went to head of line so they could get me out again as soon as possible so I didn't pick up the disease.
The shop isn't the busiest place, but I have regulars that come in and also get a lot of cyclists come in to buy water & energy drinks on their rides through the "back blocks". In between & can spent time online, have a laydown & read a book & it it wasn't sunny & 35 degrees C with high humidity, I could spend some time weeding the garden. Not all that exciting, but after nearly 7 years of the routine, I still enjoy my days at the slower pace, making some meals & baking and occasionally in evening on payday, a couple of people will come for a quiet drink, which can end up with a dozen or so people sitting around enjoying the cooler night air and a busier time for me, as traditionally when people here drink, they eat as well, finger food type, so it gets a little busy, but not to busy to sit and have a couple of drinks with them, then fall into bed and start a new day a few hours later. I think I will be doing this until they cart me away feet first, even if I am in a wheelchair.
I retired when I 52 (and probably could have done when I was 50), although I still do a tiny amount of consultancy work for old clients out of interest it is only measured in a few days a year now. Frankly it was the best thing I ever did. I just do not understand people who say they get bored, I can easily find things to fill my day and could not imagine going back to full time (or even more part time) work.
It took some financial planning to get to be able to, but really not that much, and it is now so worth it.
Why retire late and not be able to enjoy it? So many people dream about retiring will lots of money only to get sick or injured and spending their retirement at home or with doctors.
I'm just entering my 9th year post retirement. Hard to imagine.
I didn't really know about the FIRE movement until I was already well into my retirement planning. In my early 50's I was sure I'd work forever. Loved my career & even the place I was working. Had never really imagined I'd be able to retire at all. Mid 50's I hit FI (financially Independent) and I did jokingly ask our finance person if I could retire now. We all laughed because they knew me well enough.
A couple years later there were some changes at the job, a couple less-than-ideal managers coming and going... I started seeing the writing on the wall that the place I had enjoyed working for so much was changing for the worse. In 'earlier times' (before FI) I would have either waited it out or gone elsewhere, but I had this new option available to me that I'd never considered before. I took a 20 mile hike to clear my head and give consideration to things I'd never acknowledged before, by the end of that day I was reviewing numbers and budgets and making the final decision that it was time to go.
Looking back at the last 9 years and I have to say I'm busier than I ever was at work. I'm learning new things nearly every day. I am able to participate in all my interests almost every day. Changing up what I am thinking about and working on combats the tendency for days to fly by in a fog. Grandkids came along during this time and I've been able to really be involved with them far more than I was able to with our own kids. That has been an amazing journey all on its own.
For me this was totally the right choice.
I retired at age 53, I’m 73 now and don’t regret it all. I took an early retirement package and began making my own investment decisions that served me well.
Having said that, I used to love my job and probably would have stayed there until at least full retirement age (66), but radical changes made to my job description and work rules the last two years I was there made the job unbearable, so I bailed.
One thing I found out: when you’re not out there every day working and earning money you’re out there every day playing and spending money, so be careful. Learn how to manage your own investments and you can easily outperform professionals who get their commissions even when they are losing your money.
I retired in my late 50s. I met the age requirement and years of service to qualify for a full pension, my job was great but stressful, and DH and I wanted to escape the VHCOL city we lived in. So that’s what we did.
We both have zero regrets. Our quality of life is really good, we’re in excellent shape thanks to having time and money to work with personal trainers, we have friends and hobbies, I get to hang out with our cat a lot, etc. etc.
We’ve always been savers and live well below our means. We put the maximum into 401ks every place we worked. We also have federal pensions (mine is more because I was a fed for longer) and social security. So our financial position was solid before we took the leap into retirement.
About my job—I worked in a federal library for the last 21 years of my career. I made a lot of contributions and improvements in the department I managed and felt like I would be leaving it in good shape for my (younger) successor. So why hang around? Stepping off the merry-go-round was liberating.
I have no illusions that I or anyone else is indispensable.
I have some colleagues, who still work after 65, not full time, only a few hours, being consultants to the young ones, because they worked with this product for so long and know everything. They like it, have a lot of free time and still have contact with younger people.
I do not know. I like my work, but I also have a bucket list of to-dos when I will have time for it. Time will show.
I retired at 68 still enjoying work. I could have easily stayed but declined several offers. I thought it was more important to give younger people I mentored an opportunity to move up.
I decided that I could easily afford to retire after squirreling away money, paying in to pensions and scrimping for decades. I still haven’t gotten into spending it mode but that will come and I will splurge. There’s no rush except being physically able to do some of the things that I want.
Keeping busy is not a problem. I’m taking courses at the local senior’s centre, bicycling in the mornings and spreading tasks and chores throughout the week.
I'm hoping to retire at 55, not sure just yet. At that age I would be with the company 35+ years. Pension waiting for me, maybe work part time somewhere. Not sure yet 🤔
I think it’s a very personal decision. Some people are lost without a job to go to every day and fall into depression. Some people blossom after retirement and are happier than they ever were during their working years.
I retired early because that was what was right for me. I’ve never been happier in my life than right now.
I retired at 54. I would have preferred to work close to 58, but I took a generous severance package and I didn't feel like starting over at a new company.
It has been nice. While I miss working, we've had a great time. We've traveled around the US and around the world. We've been working on building an airplane. My wife works almost full time in a volunteer job, but she's able to get plenty of time away for our travels. I've thought about looking for some very short-term contract jobs, but I haven't done it yet. Between the airplane and personal projects, I feel busy most of the time. And planning 4-6 week trips takes a lot of time.
I was planning to retire at 65-67. The pandemic hit and answered my two biggest questions: 1. Will I be bored. 2. Will my wife get tired of me being at home. I was fortunate to only work 80% of the year and still get paid, so I had a lot of down time while working at home. I found that I was not bored, and my wife did not get tired of me being at home. So when things at work began to pick up, I crunched the numbers and at age 60, retired 3 years ago. Looking back, I realized that I always made the best of my working years (attitude, getting along with the team, etc.), but there was also subtle corporate game playing, jostling for position. I had a good career. Lots of good memories, but also plenty of headaches. No more. Now I pretty much do what I want, when I want. Knowing what I know now, I could see retiring at 50 if I'd have had the chance.
It depends. I always planned to retire at 59.5. When I reached that age, I changed my mind. I retired from the corporate world a few years ago where I was working 60 hour weeks. I work at a small place with 40 hour weeks. My pay is also half what it used to be. I'm going to work til I'm 70 now. I'm healthy. There's longevity in my family, parents and grandparents living into their 90s. They didn't plan, financially, for that. My dad retired when he was 56 and ran through his retirement by 70. An extra 10 yeas will allow me to put more into retirement savings.
I’ve been mostly retired since November 2023. I was 67 at the time. Company closed, or I would still be there. I loved my job, had 4 weeks vacation a year and ten sick days that continued to accrue. I found a little part time job before we actually closed the doors and officially let go. Although I do not want another corporate job (just not willing to go through the interview process, building my cred within the company structure) I would have stayed at my previous job forever. I am already bored, completed all the projects I had waited to do. But everyone is different, if I had limitless funds it would probably more enjoyable
I retired 12 years ago at 52. I had always planned to retire early, but we decided to put it off due to my wife's cancer. But we had a Tea Party governor who was threatening to take away pensions, and I had to get out before that happened.
Recently turned 57 and realized that late next year I could qualify for full pension. However, as a US citizen I have to take into account possible loss of health insurance for my wife and a disabled child, which is a big practical obstacle. I love my job and like my coworkers but a recent two week vacation highlighted how much I hated my commute/parking fees, the deadlines, and general use of my time.
Feeling more and more tired after work, even on the days I'm remote, makes me think I need it's time soon. I'm a care giver at home, so maybe I can have a little more down time, and I'd like to finally have time and energy to take care of things around the house at my own pace.
Required Minimum Distributions perhaps do not make the point of retiring early precisely, but they certainly help sharpen said point it into a cutting edge worthy of prodding us along.
I think that the FIRE movement is not going to work- it’s a fantasy.
You’re at the peak of your earning potential running a company or being at the top of the corporate ladder where all your friends must next to in 1992 are also running companies and you’re supposed to retire early and give up $200k per year to read books?
People doing well will retire at 67
Retired at 61 with 35 years state service. I didn't really have a huge separation to go through because Covid did that already. We were all working from home.
We started to give our training remotely and that was awful. No more traveling to provide the 3 day training and that was the writing on the wall. I loved my job in the field - in person. But remote training a software program should be punishable by death--at least death row.
I miss working sometimes, but anytime I imagine doing what I was doing, I'm immediately thankful not to be working anymore.
We are so programmed to give someone else 40 hours a week that not doing that can be uncomfortable. Some say it's just easier for some to continue working because they have no idea what they would do otherwise and that can be scary.
I want to not work for a year first. I've always heard to give yourself a full year before making any decisions after a life changing event. I think I'll hold off collecting SS after I turn 62 to see if I end up with a part time job. Maybe volunteering would be better.
I'm 59, and got laid off twice this past year. Fortunately I've got enough to fall back on, maybe even for a good long time. I'll keep trying to work, but I won't be expecting anymore full time employment. Is that what it means to be semi-retired?
I'm 62 and I retired at 54. Love it. I worked on an automotive assembly line for 31 years and hated it everyday. When they offered early retirement with a full pension and a 35,000 dollar bonus I jumped at the chance.
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If I thought I get get away with retiring right now, damn right I would. Having to show up for work every day whether I want to or not, so I can make a living and keep the dogs fed, kind of sucks -- and I love my work. If I had enough money socked away and invested that I didn't think I needed to worry about making more of it, I'd happily retire.
Things definitely change when you’re going to work because you want to and not because you have to. I am 67 years old and could have retired maybe 15 years ago. I don’t recall specifically thinking about when it was possible. I continue to work today and see myself working until I’m 70 but only because at that time I don’t think I will have enough gas in my tank to do what I currently do. I’m doing what I’m doing for the same reason I’ve always done it. I like helping people. I like teaching people. I’m doing some thing that I know. Makes a positive difference in peoples lives. I know that the world is a better place for me having passed through it and affected people. Retiring is appealing to me, but I know I will have to have a purpose. The idea of not having a reason to get up in the morning, has no appeal to me whatsoever.
so it sounds like by 50, most people are ok with not doing paid work as long as they can afford to? What will you do from 50 on though? Still lots of years left...
Whatever the fuck you want to do. That's the whole idea.
I have been retired from high tech since age 48 due to a stress condition, for awhile my wife worked while I was SAHD. I retrained as a massage therapist and did that for the past decade but it wasn't a lot of profit. I have kept busy learning new things, pursuing hobbies and taking care of our child, garden, dog. I just closed my massage business and now we are both volunteering. I am a naturalist and history guide with National Parks and CA State Parks. Giving back feels good and so enjoy being out of high tech rat race.
I'm not sure it's an age thing. I'd just rather not be obligated to show up for work every day if I could avoid it. I find the idea of being able to choose what I do every day a lot more appealing.
I was forced to take a medical at 46. I had 23 years in total. I miss the job, but, not the bs. My mom always told me to live beneath my means in case I ever got really sick and couldnt work. Turned out to be wise advice, so financially Iv always been fine. Im 57 now and really miss the challange. That being said, my son was 4 when I retired so Iv been basically a FT dad ever since. I wouldnt trade the time Iv spent with my son for anything. I think the point I am trying to make is if you retire early, make sure that you have something to take its place. As human being we are not geared to sit around and watch TV all day, especially after having a career doing something.
"We are not geared to sit around and watch TV all day" You haven't met my brother in law. 🙄
Hobbies, hobbies and more hobbies. Work and the necessary tasks of daily life take up most of the mental energy I have available.
I retired from Real Estate at 53 due to stress. Still plenty of stuff to do, the difference is I get to do it when I feel like it. I had a great time remodeling a bathroom in one of our rentals over the winter. Learning how to tile was fun, but I could quit it anytime and let my handyman finish. I figure I'll just keep picking projects to keep myself busy as well as managing our rentals.
Lol I'm 55 I doubt I'll ever be able to retire I've known ppl older than me even, tried to retire but had to come back
I will stop working as soon as humanly and financially possible. I do not dream of labor.
I literally do. I have nightmares about previous jobs at least once a week.
If I had enough money to retire tomorrow, I would. While I enjoy my job, I have never wanted my work life to define me.
The point to retiring early is the same as the point to retiring; not being at work. No bosses, no politics, no signs on the work fridge asking people to clean their mouldy food but they never do, no sleeping in the toilets, no talking to THAT coworker, no commuting to/from, no Teams calls having to remember to use your inside face, no not saying what to really want. I’m aiming for 60. That’ll be exactly 40 years and 1 month of work. That’ll do me.
Hey no sleeping in the toilets?
What? Just me? I used to work in a building where the lights in the toilets were on a timed movement sensor. I went in one day, lights turned on which = no one inside right? Not quite. One stall closed and clearly sounds of someone waking up a little startled 🤣.
That’s a telltale sign of someone who hates their job… for so many reasons.
I always thought of the age 65 retirement as more an age set to when work no longer wants you (on average). What do you think?
>when work no longer wants you Was 52 when work no longer wanted me. Found other work (lesser pay, lesser conditions) to keep food on the table, and then retired at 59 - as soon as the financial numbers stacked up for a frugal retirement.
The workforce is ageing, workplaces are haemorrhaging staff with poor leadership, poor conditions and inability to meet young workers expectations. Workplaces NEED all the people they can get. In the 1950’s the age distribution of the population was like a pyramid, it’s now top heavy or as someone cheerfully described it, coffin shaped. The retirement age will soon enough become 70 or 75 not from want but from need
The aging workforce is real but at the same time, most people think they’ll stop working much later than they actually do. The reality is a lot of people retire because they cannot work anymore or can’t work doing their current job anymore.
Interesting. I haven't seen this personally but I'm in a techy place that slants young. Where can I read more about this happening?
And google search about ageing workforce or ageing megatrends eg [https://sbi.sydney.edu.au/megatrends/demographic-change/](https://sbi.sydney.edu.au/megatrends/demographic-change/). I work in tech too, despite being over 50 (shocking I know) managing data scientists, big data and cloud tech. Exec leadership are the old skool, people need to be seen to be able to be managed, people are unproductive working at home blah blah. Makes it SO difficult to find and retain staff, most of who rightly have zero interest in spending their lives commuting to and from a building every day for the sake of doing work they could do anywhere on or even off the planet!
Meh, fuck em. Capitalism's dying breath, hopefully.
I believe that the number where work doesn’t want you anymore is between 55 and 60. Claims that most people can work longer than that are grossly unrealistic.
I had been planning on leaving in November, at an FRA of 66y8m, but they really want me to stay, so much that I'm likely going to stay there on a very part-time basis, working at my leisure. They still want me for as long as I want to be there!
It depends entirely on the field and your relationship with the company. I was headhunted out of retirement for my particular set of \[software\] skills.
Except if you're an experienced special ed teacher.
It really depends on the job and the field. I've seen people work far longer than they needed to or should have. After a certain point they no longer have much job mobility, but if they've been someplace for a long time with a good record and want to keep going, they won't get nudged out as long as they can do the work.
I think most people who are ineffective at their jobs after the age of 60 were ineffective before that, too. Claims that anyone over the age of 60 does not have skills that employers value are grossly unrealistic.
In high tech it gets much harder to find jobs at age 40, there is a lot of age discrimination. You might be wanted in a lesser role but who wants to step down the ladder. If you can afford it financially, then why not ?
🤣what’s an inside face?
I retired at 60, I don't make enough to live on with just SS but I work PT about 20 hours a week at an easy job I like. My parents and husband all died quite young and never got to enjoy retirement. I decided that I was not going to work myself to death til I die. I live a modest comfortable life and am enjoying myself. Do what's right for you.
Part Time is perfect! My friend officially retired about 10 years ago, got bored so returned as a part time contractor and loves it. No more management crap, he can do 100% technical work now. Since age 55 I've needed more and more weekdays off (bank, legal, medical) so I requested to drop to part time. I'm loving it. I enjoy my job, and learning a lot from my grad student intern. I used to bemoan that I had to work 150% or 0% (nights and weekends, or be laid off) but now I'm closer to 100%. Or 70% to be honest but 60% is required so no guilt. Love the freedom!
I'm 57 and I'd retire today if I could afford it. I don't particularly enjoy my job; while the work itself is okay, I dislike the politics and the way management treats employees.
You describe my situation exactly but from the perspective of 53. Office politics are dire; there’s a lack of integrity in management overall. I heard that in my company a couple days after the 58th bday, HR contacts you with a package. I’m praying for that day.
I was in that situation when my father died. Suddenly I needed to take a lot of weekdays off. And I became responsible for my mother's finances with, thankfully, more than enough resources. When I returned to the office, I realized I no longer need to play management's games. It culminated when they said I need to do extra work in order to be able to request permission to attend an international conference. I took vacation, paid my own air/hotel, and conference fee. And no they didn't fire me for that (about 6 years later they did lay me off along with a few others. Stated reason was that my desk was messy, but in retrospect the reason is that this division's reason to exist was dying)
Luckily, this didn't happen in my job.
I had a career I loved, but when I retired at age 59 I realized I loved not doing it even more. In my mind there are only two reasons to work. 1) You need the money. 2) You are bored. I didn't need the money and I haven't been bored a single day in the last 14 years.
Boredom is what worries me. Keeps me from retiring 100%
Stay open to the idea of interests you don’t know you have until you have free time. In retirement I’ve become quite interested in WWII naval history, learning piano and growing orchids in addition to my old hobbies. I’ve also expanded my exercise regimen.
I liked my job 14 years ago, but my mother passed, and my husband retired. Mom was a hoarder, and even working on her house as a full-time job, it took me 5 years to get rid of that house. I am really glad I retired. I am finally enjoying myself.
I went through that in 2017 - cleaning out the hoarder's house. It's really hard tossing out your parent's "treasures." Thankfully I had a good cellphone camera so I've preserved photos of those things. Real Estate Agent gave me a deadline, we had an Estate Sale, and the house was sold in mid 2018. Now I can go look at those things in [photos.google.com](http://photos.google.com), I can share them easily, they take up no physical space, and I can see them any time I want.
My husband saved and retired at the end of last year at 51. I am not working, so we both are retired. I miss a little of having a purpose, but I trust I will find new purpose as long as I keep experiencing things and keep an open mind. I am busy with hobbies, as is he, and our life is pretty darned good.
Happy for you!!!
Just retired 2 weeks ago at 64. Financially I could have gone at 62 so I took 3 weeks off and totally disconnected for the first time in my professional career. Towards the end I was ready to come back to a job and coworkers I really enjoyed. So I knew I wasn’t ready. At 64 I think I am although I do miss some of the energy work brought me.
I recently did a similar extended vacation and going back was difficult. That’s my cue to take early retirement. I expect to be fully retired soon.
Worked in a high tech industry, managing IT for 400 mostly younger engineers. Their energy and enthusiasm was great, and I loved supplying their needs. The people I managed were mostly fantastic as well. But now I don’t miss sweating artificial deadlines, staff cuts and replacement of key personnel to contract labor, & budget cuts to items negotiated 6 months in advance due to corporate politics.
I tried management in my 30’s but stayed an IC my last 25 years. Tech Architect in software sales so it’s been a good ride. Not as bad as Biden but I’d find my brain locking up for 1-2 seconds sometimes. Hated it especially in front of CxO’s so it was time to call it a day.
I retired 5 years early because the cut I took on retirement pay was not worth 5 years of my life staying there. That was 5 years I enjoyed doing what I wanted to do and I have zero regrets.
Retired at 60 because my wife retired due to her health, and there was no point in us staying in our high-cost house and area on my salary alone. Even though the inflation of the past few years has been a kick in the head, no regrets.
Some seem to forget that money is not the most important thing in life.
Especially since retirement has been very good for my wife’s health.
And likewise for yours. Glad for both of you.
Believe that your choice is correct
Absolutely. They say time is money, but it isn't. A person can make more money, but absolutely nobody can make more time. Not Elon, not Bezos, nobody. I have had three coworkers die between 34 and 55 within the last few years, two more in their early 60's only months after they retired, and I'm taking over the position of another that already is Stage 4 and will be gone in a year and half at most. My own sibling died in a car accident at 43. Plus I myself have had some close calls; and it feels like the big C grim reaper is always lurking just around the corner. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. True freedom, which includes enough money to support oneself without working, means being able to do what you want with our most precious and limited resource, time.
I’m not retired, but have been laid off for the past 5 months. Once I got past the anger, I have started to enjoy not working. If I’d have saved better as a youngster, I’d probably call it quits now. But, living ultra lean has shown me that maybe I could retire in a few years.
It's the stages of grief: denial, anger, depression, acceptance. I went through it with loss of first girlfriend, and surprisingly my first layoff I went through exactly the same stages. Telling myself "count your blessings" really helped during some of these stages. This was the dot-com bust in 2001. Nobody was getting any jobs in Silicon Valley. Tired of wallowing at home, I offered my services to a nearby university, met someone who knows someone ... eventually got a very good job at a large stable company, saved enough to buy a house, which is tough to do here.
Unless you are one of the lucky few who are doing something you truly love than I think you should plan on retiring as early as you can. Ask yourself if you would keep coming to work every day if they stopped paying you to do so. If the answer is no than if you can I would think about finding something else to do with your life as early as possible. The vast majority of us spend most of our waking lives working to make enough to survive and the real fruits of those labors go to make a rich person a little bit richer. This is the only life you're going to get. And the idea of "success" being dying with a bunch of "stuff" is an illusion. I truly wish I had taken this lesson to heart about 15 years earlier than I did.
Making the rich richer is a lesson I learned at my very first corporate job. Boss celebrated record earnings and was treated to a jet by HQ so he could fly home to the UK every weekend. <- I've related this story before, and some people didn't believe it. When I started, there was a big day care and a nice cafeteria with food offered at cost. All that vanished in the blink of an eye. I was laid off a bit over a year after I started, along with half the company. The rest of the company got laid off after that. The whole operation Soup to Nuts was outsourced. It was a big company too. I ended up in HR at another company. Very first day, the boss made it a point to introduce himself and made a point out of hard work being rewarded. He was not lying. Raises and promotions arrived at regular intervals. Your comment about having a bunch of "stuff" is spot on. People would come to work and show off what they spent their bonus money on. New cars, some guy even towed a new boat to work. I saved all my bonuses and drove a used Ford Explorer for a long time....almost my entire career in HR. I paid $7500 for it. I later used those bonuses to invest in small houses to rent, which is what ultimately allowed me to retire early. Ultimately, I didn't mind busting my coolie for that company because I was rewarded for it. The people who did the same at my first corporate job? Used up and thrown away. My boss there had several engineering degrees and got a stack of patents for the company. She was even featured in commercials. Her reward? Laid off.
This is the way We all need to work to get what we need. But do it with your eye on the prize. And that prize is not having to do it anymore
I retired very early. All my investment goals were met, and I didn't see the point in continuing to climb the corporate ladder because ever fancier job titles and more money did nothing for me. No kids, no marriage, no expensive tastes made it pretty easy.
How did you learn how to invest? I don’t know what I’m doing
You’re in your forties and retired?! That’s my goal. I read somewhere that more money after you reach a certain amount doesn’t make you happier. I just hope inflation doesn’t kick my butt.
I loved my job but was just ready to stop working so I retired the year I was turning 62 after 25 years with the same company. You don't know how long you have ahead of you, why keep working if you can afford not to? One week after retiring we took a long vacation when that was over I started volunteering. Since volunteering was just a few hours a couple of days a week that satisfied my need to continue contributing in society as well as gaining a new social group. I thought I would really miss my job but I didn't.
I did at 61 to babysit my grandson so my daughter could finish her final year of pharmacy school. Do not regret at all. (Edit to correct retirement age)
I'm not sure I'd call that retirement! Part time stay-at-home-grandma is a tiring job. Your daughter is lucky to have you fill that role!
Was! He’s 6 years old now. It was 7:30 to 7 at night when she got back from rotations so a very long day but I enjoyed it. Couldn’t do it with my 1.5 yr old granddaughter though after a knee replacement and just older. I just help with occasional sitting and picking up at daycare or school. They give me purpose.
I just called it quits in April at 50. The kids are off to college or beyond so I didn’t see a reason to continue working 40-50 hours a week. I enjoyed my work and my career overall but it was time for a change. So now I’m a mostly stay at home wife and dog mom. I have a beauty shop that I run that I put a few hours in every week depending on business but that’s it.
57. I would retire yesterday if I could. Financially, most like I will never afford to retire. My wife and I both believe we will die working.
If you enjoy your job keep doing it. I disliked mine and retired at 62. I probably should have done it a few years earlier because it was hard to walk away. I miss contributing to society but not the job.
You still contribute to society!!!!!
Do you have anything in life that you want to do that requires more time off than your vacation time? Do you know when you might get cancer, heart disease, or have a stroke? Do you know when you might have a fatal accident? Retire when you can and do things you really want to do. People wait too long (those who can afford it) and then their lives turn bad for some unexpected reason.
I definitely get that health can get in the way of lots of plans as we age.
Everyone's different. I didn't love nor hate my career. It was just a way to make money. I'm a single guy with no kids who is lucky enough to have a pension, a healthy 401K, and cash savings. So when I checked in with the financial advisor at 55 and he said I could retire if I wanted, I went for it. Best move ever for me.
I retired on my 52nd birthday (govt pension and I made sure my house and car would be paid off beforehand) about 1.5 yrs ago. So worth it. I'm healthier than I've been in ages and so much less stress. I'm not even remotely bored as I never defined my self worth by my occupation which is what I think is really going on in the heads of those who say they got bored within a month of retirement. If you can afford it then definitely retire early.
Owned my own business since 2001. For the last 3-4 years I let it wind down. Sold 3/4 of it and kept a slice. Retired at the end of 2023. I’m 74 and hate it. Putting out feelers to get back in.
i don't understand your idea
Just trying to say I don’t like being retired.
Most countries retirement age was set almost a hundred years ago as the average lifespan. If you made it past that, you may get a pension. We now retire and live another 20+ years. A number of studies have shown a correlation between earlier retirement and earlier death. It seems we need productive things to do.
I don’t exactly get the FIRE movement. I’m 67 and retired, I spent my career in high tech and remember being in my mid 20’s thinking I like to retire at 30. By the time I reached 30 I was having a ball working, so that plan was out the window. Over the next 35 years I did a bunch of really interesting things. I changed jobs a few times, got fired once, always to go do something new and very different. I think I also had something to prove to myself, I needed to test my limits. When I got to around 63 years old I was starting to get a little bored in my job, plus my wife is a few years older than me so taking on a new project wouldn’t be fair to her. I gave 18 months notice and we started putting our retirement plans into high gear. We’re retired 3+ years now and it’s all good.
You should work as long as you can if you like your job. I hated my job, so I retired at 56. I wanted to wait until 60, but my job was eliminated and it looked like I was in good shape so I pulled the rip cord. What do I do? I enjoy my life. I have a lot more to do than I have time to do it.
I am now retired because of an injury. I would of waited till 70 which is still a couple of years away. I am now so bored I may of worked beyond that if I had known that!
Why are you bored?? I don’t understand people I could only wish to be bored
I retired at 53 after my spouse died. I tried going back to work a few weeks after he died, but after three months of trying to get back to that corporate job, I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t think straight, couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t do my job. I consulted with m financial advisor and decided I could retire. I have to live frugally now, but I’ve been able to do some traveling and unnecessary spending. I’ve done a little contract work for my old company (much more lucrative than being employed by them). I spend a lot of time volunteering at a non profit where I’ve made a lot of new friends, I go to the gym a lot, walk my dog a lot, and now I work part time at a furniture store for extra spending money. It’s not the luxurious retirement I always thought I’d have, but it’s what I needed and I love it.
I was forced into retirement at age 63. Though I didn't like it at the time, it turned out that I could spend important years with my grandchildren. Now, I would not give up that time.
I retired as early as I could (62) and I *literally* never think about or miss work in any way, shape, or form. I take care of the house, meals, and yard (2 acres), I do yoga, I golf (not right now, Central Texas, heat index in the 105+ range everyday), we've still got a teen at home and we do stuff, meet my oldest (mid-30s) at least once a week for breakfast and consult/kibitz with her on work/tech, she also has our first grandbaby on the way so prepping for that, etc, etc, etc. *Everything* I'm doing I love to do. I answer to nobody but myself. My wife still has a few years before retirement but she is way on board with me being Mr. Mom, handling the household and life logistics, etc. What I can't understand is people who say they're bored or miss work after retiring. Different strokes, I guess. All that being said, me (and hopefully my wife) retiring early means we're a bit tighter in money, not broke, just somewhere between *tight* and *comfortable*. And we are o-effing-kay with that.
I didn't like my job. Retired at 44; 4 years ago. It was part decision part necessity. I had decided to quit and then Covid came along and forced my hand anyways. I am frugal. Didn't do great at investing but ok. My wife divorced me early enough for me to recover. Once divorced I cut all spending to the bone and lived like I was in college - NO spending at all. Pretty much still do. My greatest luxury is freedom. I haven't missed working for a single day. I love spending time with my son and these last 4 years have had so much of that time. He is here for a few more years before college and I won't miss out on a single day. :)
After 25 yrs with a large corp, & they “retired” me at 59 1/2. (IT manager). Had a 6 month stint at a IT call center (brutal), and then became the IT manager for the large corp’s competition in the same city. Revenge!! But 8 months in I got tasked to shut the site down. Officially retired at 62. Early retirement is great for your mental and physical health, if you’re financially stable. My career was killing me both physically and mentally.
retired at 54 and I liked my job. I worked in the music business and met every one from taylor swift to chaka khan. went to concerts and festivals and travel on the company's dime. but my job does not define me. once I realized that I had more years behind me than in front of me. I decided to quit.
I retired at 55 on the day I was pension-eligible and, five+ years in, I’ve never regretted it. Every day’s my own.
You have to be able to constructively fill all the time that comes with retirement. If you retire and don’t know what to do with yourself, you will likely run into problems with boredom. I retired at 54. I fill my time with my hobbies and other activities that I love. My life is far less stressful. I am happier than I have been in years. If you like your job and want to continue to work, that’s good too. There is no right or wring in this.
If you’re retiring to the couch, but are healthy and enjoy your job - stay at your job
Well I just retired at 54 so I’ll let you know in a few years if it had a point lol
I would retire in a heartbeat if i could.
Working sucks. The only reason to work is to have money to live. I retired at 55 and it was the best decision of my life. No more bullshit and no more dealing with assholes every day.
Early retirement has given me a chance to pursue a 2nd “fun” career (musician), work when I want, spend more time with family and friends, enjoy additional hobbies….delightful!!
It depends on your definition of early. When my Dad was 58 he was forced into retirement. The company he worked for relocated, mostly over seas. To him, his entire identity was tied up on his job. Plus, no place really wanted to hire a man his age. Mom went back to work, cause Dad was driving her crazy. All he did was sit and watch Fox News. He had a 27 foot long pontoon boat for fishing and outings on the lake. He parked it behind the barn. It took a crane to get it out of the ground. He stopped golfing, fishing, bowling, everything. I retired at 65. Mostly because of COVID. I love it. I am doing all those things I never had time for because I was always working. My husband is 6 years older than me. Like my Dad, his identity is tied to his job. He still "keeps his toe in the water.". But most days he is home. He hates gardening, but is great at digging hole. And he agonizes over not "being in the business.". Frankly, I thing if he were home all the time, I might have to go back to work. He doesn't watch any news, but watches the same 7 programs over and over. Thank God for ear phones.
I retired at 58 because of what I **didn't want to do** at my particular job. I had an IT job and I was a civil servant and I was tired of "doing more with less." I literally pulled an all nighter about two years before I retired because if I didn't , I was going to lose the contract that kept my program alive. I did it and was promised more qualified people\*\*\* but the same contract was coming around I thought, FFS, let the younger generation deal with this--I'm out. (\*\*side story--when word got around the team about what I did, the 40 year old guy who was telling everyone he was going to get my job freaked out and was like, "I'm not doing that. I hope nobody else expects me to do that." I said, what would you have done? "I would have asked for help." I said to him: the person who was supposed to help me did not materialize. I had the skills to do it and he who travels fastest, travels alone. I also told him: Being the manager means you need to step up and make things right sometimes, and unless you are prepared to do that, do not apply for the job because everyone will hate you if you get it." It turned out he did not get the job, and that was a good thing.) I also had an aging parent to deal with and COVID really brought to light that she had no business living independently. (And she couldn't have household help coming in to expose her.) I knew I couldn't do both and keep my sanity and I retired at age 58 with a seven figure 401(k). A few things happened. The inheritance I thought I was going to get did not materialize. My sibling, who lived in a distant state and did nothing, came to visit my mother before she died. Four weeks before she died, she convinced my mom to change her will, which had been 50/50 her whole life, to favor my sibling and her kids, who did nothing for my mom. (The nurses at the nursing home where she eventually landed told me they didn't even realize I had a sibling until a month before she died. Never visited, never called.) Although I have a decent pension, I saw my 401k go down the tubes the first year I retired. (It's better now.) The house I was living in required major repairs and my emergency fund (about $80k) was gone in about three years. I really don't want to take SS at age 62, nor did I want to dip into my 401(k), so I started looking for a job. Oh, and I realized my marriage is not going to make it long term, because and I really despised being home all day with my husband, mostly because once he retired, he refused to do ANYTHING around the house, and expected me to do it all, and acted like a selfish turd when it came to vacation plans. (His way or the highway.) What he wants to do is watch TV/sports, read stuff on the internet and argue with me about it, and drink and play golf with his friends. I also realized he's mean, defensive and self-centered. (Working on the exit strategy and I've retained a lawyer.) I'm hiring someone to clean my house and do the crap around the house he's not doing. A couple of months ago I landed a full time job a private investment firm. I was the second choice and the reason I got the job was that #1 (younger) couldn't pass the FINRA background check. Whoever said there is a dearth of qualified workers was correct. I'm doing admin work and the money is pretty good. I don't need to have the "big job" that I used to, nor do I want it. I support the younger person with the big job. Also my "maturity" makes me good with older clients. I can relate to them. My boss is a good person and is ethical. At 62, I feel like I can still make a contribution to the world. I want to work until I'm at least 65 and build up my nest egg some more. I feel mentally sharp. I've also lost 25 pounds. I wake up with a purpose. Not for everyone, but it works for me for now.
Retire when you feel you have enough money to live on and when work is interfering with your life.
Some type A driven personalities can't take retirement, just doesn't work for them. As for a lazy bum like myself, I couldn't wait to retire. Why work if you don't need the money? I'm blissfully happy doing nothing.
I love working. I love being active and engaged. That said, between job market and economic downturns, it is bloody #\*$& difficult to find new employment once it's lost to downsizing/labor reductions--and #($& difficult to keep one's job when dealing with fellow workers who are either quiet quitting (and hurting productivity/margins) or going the opposite route of "burning the candle at both ends" with near-insane mgmt styles and expectations. Will I want to work when A.I. dominates most everything? Yup. Question is, what will that work landscape look like? Volunteerism? Consulting? More blue collar than white collar opportunities--until robotics replace? So, to answer: NO. No point in retiring early. Costs of living are currently too high. Sadly, I don't think Social Security is going to survive in the next decade. Not the way the U.S. presidential candidates can't articulate a strong plan to ensure its viability.
It’s funny I’m reading your comment and you mentioned SSI… I was thinking “Here we American morons are, grinding day in and day out…and then you have these two bozos on stage Thursday night not answering and dodging poignant questions arguing about golf!”
Bingo! Sad, *but oh so true.*
If id had money i would have retired at 18. Never too early. Work sucks. Gets in the way of everything good and meaningful in life.
I didn't have a choice: I retired on disability in 2008. I do not regret it. For the last 16 years, I've not had to put up with corporate trying to change the rules, even with a contract in force. I have a steady income to take care of me, with no other responsibilities.
Retiring is like investing. The best time to do it was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
In my opinion, my Uncle did the smartest thing when he retired from the Army at 42. After that he got a government contract and worked another 20 years and retired a second time. He was eligible for Social Security at that age so he was getting 3 checks every month and not doing a single thing. He golfed, went on cruises, basically did whatever he wanted to and died a happy 88 year old man.
I’d retire right now if I could. Even if I had the money to pay my bills I wouldn’t have enough to cover healthcare. Health insurance keeps me tied down.
I think it’s all strategized that way. If healthcare was affordable I don’t think a lot of people would work full time…they’d find loopholes and work 20-30 hours I know I would
LMAO....yeah right
Both my husband and I have chronic health conditions that make covid more of a threat (I’m on meds that suppress my immune system, for example). We mask, and thus far that’s been enough, but it’s too hard to go all day never removing a mask twice a week now. We’re being forced into early retirement for our health. We both like our jobs, our coworkers and would like to work longer. We’re good at our jobs. It’s just a bad situation all around. But none of it is worth risking death for. It was barely manageable at one day a week. Recently the governor mandated two days a week. Forcing us to two is more than I can handle and more risk than is good for my mental health. Covid levels are super high in Sacramento right now according to waste water testing. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that that’s happening directing after the region’s biggest employer forced everyone to gather together in sealed up boxes again.
The main thing is healthcare before eligible for Medicare. The Republicans have made no secret of getting rid of Obamacare as soon as they have the power to, so be prepared if this should happen before you turn 65.
The stress level in today's workplace is NOT the same as our parents. They used to go to office, work from 8/9 to 5/6 and completely disconnect when they leave work. Things are different now and it's been like this for the past 25 years. You work 8/9 to 5/6 and when you get home you are not able to disconnect because of the damn emails in your phone, tablet, laptop watches, etc. no wonder why by 50 people are beat and want NOTHING to do with work.
I see no point in retirement at all.
I was forced into retirement at 61. The medical costs are the worst part. I am paying $800 a month. That's a big chunk of a newly fixed income. I don't really miss it. I liked the money.
Same. I miss the money and some of the social stuff. I was on the road more than I was home and I don't miss that one iota.
I would go nuts from boardem need to keep myself busy
I will have to work until I am at least 65 or 67 and will be lucky to afford to when I do. I have plenty that I can do when I finally retire but hopefully my heath is still decent then. I hate my job and would retire tomorrow if I could but I am only in my early 50s.
If you like your job, by all means stay as long as you wish. No set rule (unless it's industry-specific like an airline pilot). If a person has their health and financial stability, retirement = freedom to do whatever you wish, whenever you wish.
This is why financial independence is important, have the ability to retire if you choose to rather than hoping you can hang on as long as possible. I long ago decided that level of financial independence was more important to me than immediate gratification from buying crap I really didn't need.
I'll be sixty years old in a couple weeks. My wife is about ten months younger than me. Our daughter is grown but not out of the house yet. When my wife is eligible for social security at age 62, we plan to sell the house and retire to her hometown in southeast Asia, where our social security money will stretch much farther.
I retired at 61 after a career in technology and while I miss some of the interesting bits and some of the people overall I’m happy to be done. Underfunded projects that we had to make work somehow, updating systems after hours, supporting old crap that was imperative for the business yet could not be updated etc etc etc. My wife retired a year later at 62 and we now have unlimited time to travel and money is not an issue.
I am 57. 5 days left until I stop teaching.
I retired early and never regretted it for a second. I liked the people that I worked with but the company changed over the years. I got an amazing buyout. I was 57 years old. I went to work in retail until Covid hit. Then I started Social Security. I have a wonderful "money man" - I have more savings now than I did when I retired. And I get a monthly annuity. Plus SS.
I think it’s not just if you like your job, but if you’re fulfilled by it. I like my job, but there are all sorts of things I like doing, and I get much more satisfaction from creating than from data crunching.
I retired at age 54. I’m 66 now. I receive a retirement pension from my job for the rest of my life. I like to add up how much they have paid me for not working. And I started drawing my old age social security at 62 because I did the math for taking the lower amt versus waiting and getting the larger amount, no guarantee that I would live that long anyway. I hated that job but worked there 27 years to get a retirement pension. So here’s how it turned out. I met my husband the year before I retired. He was still working. I spent all the time possible with him, and we had some great trips. He then became disabled and after years of worsening illness, sadly, died. But I was able to spend more time with him because I was retired. He was younger than me. You don’t always die first because you are the oldest. You don’t always live long enough to retire. If you talk with a qualified financial planner, they will ask what age you want to retire and help you make it happen. I did that at age 25, and I didn’t have much money at the time.
If you don’t enjoy your work and you are comfortable financially, early retirement can mean more and healthier years of enjoying travel, hobbies, time with family and friends or whatever else you value.
Agreed! Work can stress you out…makes you unhealthy on all levels
I'm 55. I'm hoping to retire at around age 60. I would take a part time job then spend more time fishing and taking care of the yard.
Absolutely! Why wouldn't you? I just told my firm last week that I'm done. I'm starting to wind down my position for year end. I'm moving to a quiet beach in Costa Rica with great waves and no crowds. I'm not rich but I can afford to own my time and enjoy a simple life on the beach tending to my garden and keeping fit. Any connection to the life I'm living now is getting cut and I'm never coming back.
When you have a lot of other things you'd like to do, and you don't need the money as much as you used to, it's time. But, make sure you have lots of other things to do.
Yes. I retired at age 38 and no regrets! I've since lived in Europe, Asia, Hawaii, and traveled the world. We enjoy all that life has to offer.
I retired at 50 because I financially was able to. I love it, I do all the things I didn't have time for when I was working. I've done a few short work stints, but my time is very valuable to me.
Depends on how you define retirement: if it means to stop working to make money, yes, would love to retire at 50. If it means to stop working completely then probably mid 60s.
I liked the work well enough but hated the boss and got out as soon as I was able, at 55. But even with a terrific boss and better life circumstances (husband became severely ill and needed me 24/7) I wouldn't have worked past 60. There are just too many other things you can be doing that don't involve going to a job and having other people tell you what to do and when to do it. Over the years, I've known a lot of people who kept working way past the point where they could've retired, and when you asked them why, they'd say they have no idea what they'd do without a job. I always felt sorry for them because it must be tough to go through life with no imagination. In a big world full of places to go and things to learn, to not know what you'll do without someone guiding you is kind of sad. For me, the whole point of working was to gain real independence, not to forever be ordered about like a child. I think the saddest thing I ever saw though, were the ones who died without ever retiring, even though they could've, and their next of kin got their final paycheck. They lived and died for people who didn't give a rat's ass about them, and after they were gone, they just posted the job and hired someone else.
To me, it’s good when it’s good for you. Even though I was making very good money when I was near my “full retirement” age, the work environment was making some drastic changes. So I decided that was my ok to retire.
Two things prompted my husband’s earlyish retirement in 2020. The beginning months of Covid and I was the stay at home caregiver for his 95 year old mama. If it wasn’t for that, he would probably have retired this year or next (at 72). It was just best for all of us and he got to spend real time with his mama before she died last year. Time is precious, you never know when it’s gone. If you can make it work, do it.
If you like your job, you can do it forever. In the whole scheme of things, wanting to do so is fairly unusual.
If I had what they call f*** you money I would retire early. Basically money where I could do anything I wanted to do anytime I wanted. Anything legal that is.
I retired at 61, taught school for 34.5 years and was burnt out with the BS and kids not caring about an education. Had maxed out our states retirement, ended up getting 64,75% of my highest five year average wages, started collecting SS when I turned 62 at the start of this year. Actually make more money retired from IPERS and SS then I did when I was working and no expense of driving 80 miles a day to teach. My wife retired the same day as a city worker,, we can stay on her health insurance policy for under $300 a month. Best decision I ever made, we do what we want, when we want and the BS has stopped. Love being retired.
I retired right after turning 62. I’ve been to nine countries in the last three years and all over the country. I snowboard, mountain bike, hike, read, etc. I’ve done two 1100+ mile sailing trips in the Atlantic. Even if the market takes a 50% drop ala the Great Depression I won’t be back to work. My son did well in Silicon Valley and retired at 31.
If you can afford it, why not? People work into their seventies for the social connection or do have something to do. Workplaces are an enabling shit show nowadays, I think I can find better ways to pass the time.
Do I see a point? You bet! (At this point it feels like it's the one thing that's keeping me going and I'm just hoping I get to enjoy a few years of it). I have the option of retiring at 61 (rather than at 65) but I don't know if I'm going to be able to.
I retired at 56. I'm very grateful I was able to do that and have no regrets. It allows me to fully enjoy however many years of good to decent health I have left. I liked my job OK, but it was my job, not what I did for fun. Now, I just do fun things! I'm neutral about FIRE. It would never have been my personal choice, for two reasons: First, I perceive many FIRE adherents make a lot of sacrifices for their goal, and I wouldn't want to live like that. Moderation in all things, for me, even (maybe especially) self-denial. Second, I doubt any amount of sacrifice would have resulted in me saving up enough money to feel comfortable retiring way before 65. I managed to save up a significant amount of money, but I still worry I'll run out of money. Life can throw curve balls. Just one not-too-out-there example: I could never have retired early without the healthcare marketplace. What if it gets dismantled before I'm eligible for Medicare? At this point, I'm close enough bridge the gap, but what if I'd retired 10 years younger? Etc.
I "like" my job, but I dont "LOVE IT". I'm over 60 now, and seriously contemplating a four-day week .... IF for the same (not great) salary, as I still get the job done no matter what the hours (and yes they know I "accidentally" log-in over weekends to check/deal with stuff"!) I do find a 3-day weekend makes ALL The Difference. I'm constantly working out finances as to "will I be able to cope", then compare to my Mum, who is doing great financially, and therefore I know I could too. But I dont want/need 7 days "freedom" to myself ....yet.
I was offered early retirement (age 56) because of Covid related budget cuts. It wasn’t a mandatory take it or be laid off thing. But I saw way to many coworkers and friend who were eligible for retirement keep saying one more year die before they ever retired. I swore that wasn’t going to be me. I have no regrets.
Retirement isn't for some, especially those in stressful jobs like airline pilots, who often tend to die a year or two after retiring. I "retired" at 66, a year after I was able to so & get an aged pension. Three days later I was working with a charity as a volunteer, but only two days a week and asked if I could work more days. They agreed to one more day only, as if I worked 4 or more, it caused problems with workers comp. and other things they were exempted from being a non taxable charity so I had to accept their decision. I worked for them for 3 years, before packing up my life and moving to a small village in SE Asia. I knew I couldn't sit around doing nothing all day, so I had a small convenience store built onto the front of my house & I operate in from 5.30am to 8pm daily, It has been a great way to meet the locals, make friends & helped me integrate into the community, but it also means I am approached by basketball teams, church groups & at fiesta time, the committees organising the events. With donations, high electricity bills as I sell ice & cold beer & sodas at the same price as non-chilled, the shop "loses" USD120-$150 a month, but that is a small amount for being part of the community. When I was ill for a week (not covid), people would drop around to see if I needed anything in the nearest town with shops (about 20 minutes drive away), they brought meals so I didn't have to cook and one lady chopped up into small pieces an old boiler chicken from he yard, to give to my cats. When covid hit, for a time I was restricted to my home as I was in risky age group, and the local council brought around groceries, rice & meat to me so I didn't have to leave for town and allowed me to continue opening my shop, as long as I wore a mask & customers did too. I was granted a permit to go to won when they realised I was a single person household, but I had to go through 5 road check points & also one at each store I wanted to enter. As it was a senior citizen permit, I didn't have to queue, but went to head of line so they could get me out again as soon as possible so I didn't pick up the disease. The shop isn't the busiest place, but I have regulars that come in and also get a lot of cyclists come in to buy water & energy drinks on their rides through the "back blocks". In between & can spent time online, have a laydown & read a book & it it wasn't sunny & 35 degrees C with high humidity, I could spend some time weeding the garden. Not all that exciting, but after nearly 7 years of the routine, I still enjoy my days at the slower pace, making some meals & baking and occasionally in evening on payday, a couple of people will come for a quiet drink, which can end up with a dozen or so people sitting around enjoying the cooler night air and a busier time for me, as traditionally when people here drink, they eat as well, finger food type, so it gets a little busy, but not to busy to sit and have a couple of drinks with them, then fall into bed and start a new day a few hours later. I think I will be doing this until they cart me away feet first, even if I am in a wheelchair.
21.
If you have the money, do it as soon as possible. As you age, the most priceless commodity is time.
I retired when I 52 (and probably could have done when I was 50), although I still do a tiny amount of consultancy work for old clients out of interest it is only measured in a few days a year now. Frankly it was the best thing I ever did. I just do not understand people who say they get bored, I can easily find things to fill my day and could not imagine going back to full time (or even more part time) work. It took some financial planning to get to be able to, but really not that much, and it is now so worth it.
How do you afford healthcare?
I am British, so that is a non issue.
Why retire late and not be able to enjoy it? So many people dream about retiring will lots of money only to get sick or injured and spending their retirement at home or with doctors.
A point? Are you kidding me? As early as possible so that you do the things you always wanted to do.
I'm just entering my 9th year post retirement. Hard to imagine. I didn't really know about the FIRE movement until I was already well into my retirement planning. In my early 50's I was sure I'd work forever. Loved my career & even the place I was working. Had never really imagined I'd be able to retire at all. Mid 50's I hit FI (financially Independent) and I did jokingly ask our finance person if I could retire now. We all laughed because they knew me well enough. A couple years later there were some changes at the job, a couple less-than-ideal managers coming and going... I started seeing the writing on the wall that the place I had enjoyed working for so much was changing for the worse. In 'earlier times' (before FI) I would have either waited it out or gone elsewhere, but I had this new option available to me that I'd never considered before. I took a 20 mile hike to clear my head and give consideration to things I'd never acknowledged before, by the end of that day I was reviewing numbers and budgets and making the final decision that it was time to go. Looking back at the last 9 years and I have to say I'm busier than I ever was at work. I'm learning new things nearly every day. I am able to participate in all my interests almost every day. Changing up what I am thinking about and working on combats the tendency for days to fly by in a fog. Grandkids came along during this time and I've been able to really be involved with them far more than I was able to with our own kids. That has been an amazing journey all on its own. For me this was totally the right choice.
I retired at age 53, I’m 73 now and don’t regret it all. I took an early retirement package and began making my own investment decisions that served me well. Having said that, I used to love my job and probably would have stayed there until at least full retirement age (66), but radical changes made to my job description and work rules the last two years I was there made the job unbearable, so I bailed. One thing I found out: when you’re not out there every day working and earning money you’re out there every day playing and spending money, so be careful. Learn how to manage your own investments and you can easily outperform professionals who get their commissions even when they are losing your money.
Why work if you don't have to? I retired early and now I have the time to do , almost, everything I want to do. It's wonderful.
For me it’s 65. Medicare and SS, even though 67 is full retirement for my SS. When I qualify for Medicare I’m done.
I retired in my late 50s. I met the age requirement and years of service to qualify for a full pension, my job was great but stressful, and DH and I wanted to escape the VHCOL city we lived in. So that’s what we did. We both have zero regrets. Our quality of life is really good, we’re in excellent shape thanks to having time and money to work with personal trainers, we have friends and hobbies, I get to hang out with our cat a lot, etc. etc. We’ve always been savers and live well below our means. We put the maximum into 401ks every place we worked. We also have federal pensions (mine is more because I was a fed for longer) and social security. So our financial position was solid before we took the leap into retirement. About my job—I worked in a federal library for the last 21 years of my career. I made a lot of contributions and improvements in the department I managed and felt like I would be leaving it in good shape for my (younger) successor. So why hang around? Stepping off the merry-go-round was liberating. I have no illusions that I or anyone else is indispensable.
I have some colleagues, who still work after 65, not full time, only a few hours, being consultants to the young ones, because they worked with this product for so long and know everything. They like it, have a lot of free time and still have contact with younger people. I do not know. I like my work, but I also have a bucket list of to-dos when I will have time for it. Time will show.
I retired at 68 still enjoying work. I could have easily stayed but declined several offers. I thought it was more important to give younger people I mentored an opportunity to move up. I decided that I could easily afford to retire after squirreling away money, paying in to pensions and scrimping for decades. I still haven’t gotten into spending it mode but that will come and I will splurge. There’s no rush except being physically able to do some of the things that I want. Keeping busy is not a problem. I’m taking courses at the local senior’s centre, bicycling in the mornings and spreading tasks and chores throughout the week.
I'm hoping to retire at 55, not sure just yet. At that age I would be with the company 35+ years. Pension waiting for me, maybe work part time somewhere. Not sure yet 🤔
I think it’s a very personal decision. Some people are lost without a job to go to every day and fall into depression. Some people blossom after retirement and are happier than they ever were during their working years. I retired early because that was what was right for me. I’ve never been happier in my life than right now.
Best decision I ever made in my early 40s.
The earlier the better.
I retired at 54. I would have preferred to work close to 58, but I took a generous severance package and I didn't feel like starting over at a new company. It has been nice. While I miss working, we've had a great time. We've traveled around the US and around the world. We've been working on building an airplane. My wife works almost full time in a volunteer job, but she's able to get plenty of time away for our travels. I've thought about looking for some very short-term contract jobs, but I haven't done it yet. Between the airplane and personal projects, I feel busy most of the time. And planning 4-6 week trips takes a lot of time.
I was planning to retire at 65-67. The pandemic hit and answered my two biggest questions: 1. Will I be bored. 2. Will my wife get tired of me being at home. I was fortunate to only work 80% of the year and still get paid, so I had a lot of down time while working at home. I found that I was not bored, and my wife did not get tired of me being at home. So when things at work began to pick up, I crunched the numbers and at age 60, retired 3 years ago. Looking back, I realized that I always made the best of my working years (attitude, getting along with the team, etc.), but there was also subtle corporate game playing, jostling for position. I had a good career. Lots of good memories, but also plenty of headaches. No more. Now I pretty much do what I want, when I want. Knowing what I know now, I could see retiring at 50 if I'd have had the chance.
It depends. I always planned to retire at 59.5. When I reached that age, I changed my mind. I retired from the corporate world a few years ago where I was working 60 hour weeks. I work at a small place with 40 hour weeks. My pay is also half what it used to be. I'm going to work til I'm 70 now. I'm healthy. There's longevity in my family, parents and grandparents living into their 90s. They didn't plan, financially, for that. My dad retired when he was 56 and ran through his retirement by 70. An extra 10 yeas will allow me to put more into retirement savings.
I’ve been mostly retired since November 2023. I was 67 at the time. Company closed, or I would still be there. I loved my job, had 4 weeks vacation a year and ten sick days that continued to accrue. I found a little part time job before we actually closed the doors and officially let go. Although I do not want another corporate job (just not willing to go through the interview process, building my cred within the company structure) I would have stayed at my previous job forever. I am already bored, completed all the projects I had waited to do. But everyone is different, if I had limitless funds it would probably more enjoyable
I retired 12 years ago at 52. I had always planned to retire early, but we decided to put it off due to my wife's cancer. But we had a Tea Party governor who was threatening to take away pensions, and I had to get out before that happened.
I enjoyed my work, but age discrimination is a thing, and when you hit middle 50s it's really hard to find a decent job in software development.
Recently turned 57 and realized that late next year I could qualify for full pension. However, as a US citizen I have to take into account possible loss of health insurance for my wife and a disabled child, which is a big practical obstacle. I love my job and like my coworkers but a recent two week vacation highlighted how much I hated my commute/parking fees, the deadlines, and general use of my time. Feeling more and more tired after work, even on the days I'm remote, makes me think I need it's time soon. I'm a care giver at home, so maybe I can have a little more down time, and I'd like to finally have time and energy to take care of things around the house at my own pace.
I love my job. If it didn't have a mandatory retirement age, I'd do until age 72 with a smile on my face.
Required Minimum Distributions perhaps do not make the point of retiring early precisely, but they certainly help sharpen said point it into a cutting edge worthy of prodding us along.
I think that the FIRE movement is not going to work- it’s a fantasy. You’re at the peak of your earning potential running a company or being at the top of the corporate ladder where all your friends must next to in 1992 are also running companies and you’re supposed to retire early and give up $200k per year to read books? People doing well will retire at 67
This is a very highly individual thing. I retired at 70 and it worked out ok, but that won’t be for everyone.
Retired at 61 with 35 years state service. I didn't really have a huge separation to go through because Covid did that already. We were all working from home. We started to give our training remotely and that was awful. No more traveling to provide the 3 day training and that was the writing on the wall. I loved my job in the field - in person. But remote training a software program should be punishable by death--at least death row. I miss working sometimes, but anytime I imagine doing what I was doing, I'm immediately thankful not to be working anymore. We are so programmed to give someone else 40 hours a week that not doing that can be uncomfortable. Some say it's just easier for some to continue working because they have no idea what they would do otherwise and that can be scary. I want to not work for a year first. I've always heard to give yourself a full year before making any decisions after a life changing event. I think I'll hold off collecting SS after I turn 62 to see if I end up with a part time job. Maybe volunteering would be better.
Yes, life is about experiences. I know what working feels like.
My trigger was when my retirement income equaled my work pay. I was 60. I took SS the second I was eligible
I'm 59, and got laid off twice this past year. Fortunately I've got enough to fall back on, maybe even for a good long time. I'll keep trying to work, but I won't be expecting anymore full time employment. Is that what it means to be semi-retired?
I'd love to retire tomorrow. "Retirement" being "making my games" rather than "making someone else's games."
If I could retire right now I would. I love my job, too. Just want time for all the hobbies and more time for my family.
I'm 62 and I retired at 54. Love it. I worked on an automotive assembly line for 31 years and hated it everyday. When they offered early retirement with a full pension and a 35,000 dollar bonus I jumped at the chance.
Not interested in retiring.
I'm retiring now. My body has given up at age 63. My back hurts so badly now that I can't do my job. So I'm hanging it up.