Did Anyone Retire at 62 and Regret It? (supplement, federal, state)
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I retired at 51 and have never regretted it for one minute! Luckily, I had fairly inexpensive Federal BCBS so I didn't have to worry about health coverage, which keeps many people working for longer than they may have wanted. If I had stayed longer, I'd have a bigger pension, but I saved alot over the years, so that tipped the balance. Freedom ...24/7 is priceless!
Very few people have regrets when they get paid for staying home and doing what they want...
I was one of the ones who did regret it. I've retired twice since I was 62, once for 1.5 years and once for 3 years. Now I am back to work full time and love it.
Money was not the motivator, although it comes in handy. More importantly was my physical and mental health......I was stagnating and losing my people skills. You can only talk to the cat so much and play with your toys so much before you get bored.
Now, my days off mean much more and I get to interact with people all day and use my brain. For some it might work to retire, but not for me.
Clearly, if one can leave the expectations of the workforce with all the BS that goes with it and still pay their bills and have a stress free next avenue I am all for that. The problem is that most do not have the funds to really do this even when they have more than most. Why! I think the ones that have had challenges within the work world and enjoyed those challenges miss it. Now if one can turn a new corner and find a new and improved LOL CHALLENGE. Then I know I will be much happier.
I like the challenge. NO. I want and need a challenge! A hobby just doesn't do it for me.
Clearly, if one can leave the expectations of the workforce with all the BS that goes with it and still pay their bills and have a stress free next avenue I am all for that. The problem is that most do not have the funds to really do this even when they have more than most. Why! I think the ones that have had challenges within the work world and enjoyed those challenges miss it. Now if one can turn a new corner and find a new and improved LOL CHALLENGE. Then I know I will be much happier.
I like the challenge. NO. I want and need a challenge! A hobby just doesn't do it for me.
So I need to find my new and improved challenge.
Give me luck!
That is a huge part of it, the challenges. Every day, my mind is challenged to solve problems. I have to remember things, do math, etc. It is also nice to be appreciated again, my coworkers come to me for a lot of things, and it makes me feel useful again.
How long my body will hold out is the only question mark. I'm 71 and feel the effects of aging a little more every day, but once I am up and moving those aches and pains are kind of forgotten.
Clearly, if one can leave the expectations of the workforce with all the BS that goes with it and still pay their bills and have a stress free next avenue I am all for that. The problem is that most do not have the funds to really do this even when they have more than most. Why! I think the ones that have had challenges within the work world and enjoyed those challenges miss it. Now if one can turn a new corner and find a new and improved LOL CHALLENGE. Then I know I will be much happier.
I like the challenge. NO. I want and need a challenge! A hobby just doesn't do it for me.
So I need to find my new and improved challenge.
Give me luck!
Quote:
Originally Posted by don1945
That is a huge part of it, the challenges. Every day, my mind is challenged to solve problems. I have to remember things, do math, etc. It is also nice to be appreciated again, my coworkers come to me for a lot of things, and it makes me feel useful again.
How long my body will hold out is the only question mark. I'm 71 and feel the effects of aging a little more every day, but once I am up and moving those aches and pains are kind of forgotten.
Yes! You two hit the nail squarely on the head!
I, too, am one of the people who need a challenge. Two and a half years ago, I became president of the HOA where I live. We have 26 units - townhouses. I might be called crazy for putting up with the hassles, but the pay-off is in meeting the challenges. At the end of the day, that is what is gratifying about it, even if a given problem might be unpleasant. I am turning the HOA around from the old woman "Nazi" who used to be president to a more open and owner-friendly atmosphere. "Challenge" is exactly the right word.
I know from this board that a lot of people are greatly relieved at leaving the challenges of the workplace behind; they just want to smell the roses and do whatever they feel like on a given day. Some have bragged that they no longer know what day of the week it is, and they like it that way. More power to them. We are all different.
There is no point in one group bashing the other (which it sometimes comes to, unfortunately). We all have our likes and dislikes, from food to music to lifestyle. I am simply in the camp of Don and Sarah above.
As long as you have the money AND will enjoy your retirement activities go for it. What you will do in retirement is a key variable.
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