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Post by htmb on Feb 21, 2016 15:43:23 GMT
Though I am gradually becoming accustomed - excited even - to the idea of a summer retirement, only a very few people outside my family have been informed. Amazingly, I have already been asked by someone near-and-dear to take on a volunteer task as a webpage developer for a local non-profit, "...since you will have so much future free time and already have these skills." My outward response was to say, "Ask me in a year," but inwardly I was recoiling in horror.
Is this the way it's going to be?
I'm pretty good at setting boundaries, but I can see now that I am going to have to think through the whole retirement thing and come up with an action strategy to best guard what will be seen as my "free" time. And, while I certainly support this particular non-profit, I am not ready to commit my time outside of taking care of myself for awhile. I figure I've worked long and hard enough for others in another non-profit institution, so now I can allow myself the time to take better care of me. Though I can see myself continuing to perform some volunteer work, I would also like to pick up a little extra cash here and there, rather than give away all my skills for free.
There are so many unknowns when exiting the workforce. Most of my jobs have been very specialized, and I'm walking away from my current placement after ten years of basically creating my job description to fill a growing institutional need. At first I found the idea of retirement utterly and completely counter-intuitive, but now the idea has grown on me and I'm spending more time documenting my work and having conversations with my hopeful replacement. While planning a summer trip to kick off my "days of leisure," I'm also looking down the road and trying to plan for a future that, from here, looks like a big giant blur.
One of the most helpful things for me has always been to hear about the experiences, hopes, fears, successes, and mistakes of others. I've already received some great advice from members of this forum, so I thought I'd begin this thread as a place to continue to share. Retired or not, I'm looking forward to hearing your stories and sharing helpful advice.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2016 16:20:52 GMT
First off, congratulations! It sounds like this is a long-anticipated and desired transition for you. I really have no advice to give, except to say that, when faced with volunteer requests, say, "I'm so sorry, but I'm writing a book. and the research is taking up all of my time". People will be impressed and it will give you at least 10 years breathing space.
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Post by chexbres on Feb 21, 2016 16:46:54 GMT
Congratulations! And you're right - the future will be blurry for a long time, unless you let other people put you to work (paid or not), or try to structure your own time. Otherwise, it's hard to find your way out of the fogginess that comes with having no structure at all.
After I retired, I thought I would catch up on my sleep - and made plans to fill my days with things I never had time to do while I was gainfully employed. But I soon discovered that I was too restless to sleep as much as I thought I would - my body clock just went haywire - and a lot of the things I thought I was missing out on didn't really interest me so much, after all. But having absolutely nothing to do didn't interest me, either, and I became more than a little depressed about it.
Maybe setting strict boundaries for yourself is the best idea to start with. You can't just go "cold turkey" after working long hours - your body and brain will tell you something is wrong. If you can stick to a light schedule of volunteer work - or better yet, something with a paycheck - that would probably be the best way to ease into the uncharted waters of retirement. Maybe try something completely different, which would stretch your brain a little and not let you fall into the same old patterns of the work you did previously.
I have a friend who has retired - as of today - 6 times in succession. She's a dedicated teacher, and just can't stand the idea of not working, so starts out "volunteering" then becomes chairman of the board because nobody else has the time or inclination to do it. Now she's 77 years old and has a few physical problems, but is so heavily-invested in what she's doing that she feels that she can't leave. You really have to watch out for this kind of thing - and remember that no matter what anyone tells you, they will always find somebody else to do the job if you turn them down.
I know you'll enjoy your first "truly free" Summer vacation!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2016 17:23:49 GMT
From what I have read, the majority of people who retire at a reasonable age have no interest in getting involved in charity or whatever sort of volunteer work (if they are not already doing it) for at least 4 years after retirement. It takes most of us 4 years to decompress from a full life (generally 40 years or more) of labour, even though everybody keeps asking "don't you get bored?"
And I'm sure you know that many retired people are instantly considered to be permanent babysitters by their offspring "because you have nothing better to do."
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Post by htmb on Feb 21, 2016 17:25:34 GMT
The book idea is interesting, Lizzy, but would only work with people who don't know my routines all that well.
Chexbres, I'm sure you are right about putting some sort of structure into my day. That's will be a definite need.
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Post by htmb on Feb 21, 2016 17:28:41 GMT
Good point, Kerouac. Though I know how to relax, I also need to feel like I'm being "productive" much of the time. I'm hoping to continue with creative outlets that I already, and perhaps add a few others.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2016 17:37:30 GMT
For me, the main creative occupation is to do as many as possible of the things that you never had the time to do in the past. And I'm sure you'll recall that most of them were earmarked years ago as things you would finally do once you stopped working.
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Post by mossie on Feb 21, 2016 17:45:16 GMT
You have really made me think, my memory for recent events is very poor. But you must have a long period of "me time"' and gradually become accustomed to your new selfish life. Yes, you can do what you want to do, without being pushed hither and thither by outside influences. Then go with the flow.
I find myself saying, in common eith a lot of others "I have no idea how I had the time to go to work". As Kerouac says it will take a few years before you suddenly realise that you have a new, better routine. But be selfish, do the things you want to do.
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Post by htmb on Feb 21, 2016 17:51:01 GMT
Other than exercise more often and more efficiently, and perhaps take French classes at the university (they are only offered during my working hours) I have no memory of things I wanted to do in the past, but couldn't.
I NEED to clean out and organize all the crap I've accumulated over the years, but I certainly don't WANT to spend much time doing it.
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Post by onlyMark on Feb 21, 2016 17:52:22 GMT
I remember the time when I had a full time job. I was less busy than I am now. But I'm not busy doing charity work or such like. My time now is for me and my family.
I decided that as soon as I had enough pension money to live in a cheap country like Thailand/Bali etc I'd retire as soon as I could and do odd jobs when I wanted until that retirement age. I wasn't cut out to work and do jobs. It was necessary but as soon as it was practicable, I stopped. I had no fear of retirement. I have no yearning to 'do something worthwhile' by helping out somewhere or devoting my time to campaigns about something or other. I am being selfish and doing what I and my family want to do. Everyone else can look after themselves now. I've gone past the altruistic stage I was for years and degenerated to the me me me stage.
In saying all that, if someone upon retirement 'wants' to do charity work etc then more power to them. Each to their own and if it is a fulfilling and satisfying way to spend the rest of their new found time, then bully to them.
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Post by bjd on Feb 21, 2016 17:52:25 GMT
I think a lot of people plan too much because they are afraid they will not be able to fill the time they used to fill by working. Then they end up even busier than they were before.
Think about what you would like to do but haven't had time to do. Some structure is indeed necessary, but leave some time for just not having to do anything.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2016 17:55:29 GMT
I haven't even found the time to clean house yet. (But that is almost certainly because it was not on my list of "things I want to do when I stop working.")
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Post by mich64 on Feb 21, 2016 21:56:08 GMT
Congratulations on your upcoming retirement htmb!
I guess technically I am retired but not in the traditional way.
From reading one of your posts above I thought of a suggestion to make. If you do wish to volunteer, try finding events where you can combine the physical activities you enjoy. I have many friends who involve themselves with events like 1, 2, 5 and 10 klm. walks/runs for many varied charities. The one I thought of for you was the kayaking charity festivals that involve races for varied lengths and levels.
But first, enjoy that summer holiday cherishing that knowing when you return home, new adventures of your choosing await!
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Post by htmb on Feb 21, 2016 22:11:02 GMT
Mich, that's a great idea. Thanks for the tip!
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Post by mickthecactus on Feb 22, 2016 8:28:23 GMT
A very apposite thread.
Yesterday I was 68 and from March 1 I go down to working 3 days a week.
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Post by bjd on Feb 22, 2016 9:32:14 GMT
Is there no official retirement age in England, Mick? And Happy Birthday!
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Post by mickthecactus on Feb 22, 2016 10:10:45 GMT
It used to be 65 but no limit now.
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Post by breeze on Feb 22, 2016 13:16:20 GMT
Happy birthday, Mick. I think you will like working 3 days a week.
Twice in my life I had 3-day-a-week jobs. One job was Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and every morning I would wake up and think "Oh boy! Today I go to work" or "Oh boy! Today I don't go to work!"
The other job was three days in a row, and it was so nice to come home on Thursday and think, "Ah, the weekend!"
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Post by htmb on Feb 22, 2016 13:58:41 GMT
You were almost a Leap Year baby, Mick! Happy birthday.
Are you happy about going to three days per week? I worked a four day work week for awhile and loved it. All but the 80% paycheck.
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Post by mickthecactus on Feb 22, 2016 14:17:17 GMT
Thank you guys! yes, happy about the 3 day week but not the 40% salary drop....
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Post by breeze on Feb 22, 2016 17:16:36 GMT
I'm an experienced retiree--I've done it at least three times in my life.
htmb and mick, you both have so many interests which you haven't had time for in the past, and soon you will. You read about people who are lost without a job to go to, but I don't know anybody who felt like that.
I've been watching my husband as he has been fading out of his job over the past 4 or 5 years. The fewer calls he gets and the fewer days he has to go in to work, the more he enjoys life. He had a backlog of projects around home that he's finally getting around to.
One thing I read about retirement is that your cost of living goes down. That turns out not to be true for us.
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Post by whatagain on Feb 22, 2016 17:27:26 GMT
Being the kid here (still in my 40's) I have not yet thought of retirement. But I have watched with interest some prople retiring... What I saw was like stated above : people saying 'I'll do this or that' when I retire usually don't. There is a reason for that : if you like to do something, you don't wait until you retire for doing it.
So what I've seen is that people would 'simply' take it easier, and spend more time on their hobbies (museums going for some, gardening (winter...), traveling, reading etc.
And of course babysitting.
Charity is a big lure I think : everybody (usually the non retired) will think how great it is - but volunteering is like working : you have to be motivated, select what you'd want to do and ... well sorry for being blunt but coping with some arseholes, and there are more there than in your previous company. Some consider the charity like a fiefdom and are insufferable...
So my advice would be : take it easy, do more in depth what you like to do, and don't overplan, don't plan that much, but don't be unprepared... (is it really clear ? .
And : Congrats !
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Post by htmb on Feb 22, 2016 18:07:27 GMT
It's very clear, and reminds me I need to steer clear of my neighborhood housing association. A most unpleasant group. I have managed to dodge their board for almost nine years and I sure don't want to join them now.
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Post by bixaorellana on Feb 24, 2016 5:47:28 GMT
I think "the kid" really has a handle on the retirement thing!
I also agree with everyone who says "be selfish", although I don't think doing what one wants after a lifetime on the treadmill is selfishness. Really, I believe some of the snark aimed at the retired is either jealousy or a failure of imagination on the part of those who are so used to being told what to do on the job that they can't feature managing their own time. Or possibly both.
As far as volunteering, no one should volunteer unless he/she truly wants to do whatever the volunteer job is and is good at it. I've had to work with volunteers and that frequently meant leaving my job (real work) to one side while I massaged egos and applauded tiny little triumphs on the part of people who wanted to "feel useful".
Your take on volunteering is perfect, Htmb, and you are level-headed enough not to succumb to wheedling or the "no one else can do it like you" angle. Marketable skills aren't called marketable for nothing!
Of the people who've responded to this thread, probably Mossie has been retired the longest and he has a clear-eyed and practical view of the retired state. All I would add is that you might find that what interests you and the things you'd like to do might be stuff that doesn't even occur to you until after you enter your well-earned retirement.
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Post by mickthecactus on Feb 24, 2016 8:35:10 GMT
I have no intention of volunteering for anything.
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Post by htmb on Feb 24, 2016 20:44:29 GMT
To a certain point, our state retirement is based on how many years we have worked, plus a percentage of our salary in the top five years of working. Since I came to this party late, and I worked part-time for many years when my older children were small, my retirement benefits have developed at a slower than usual pace. Today I made a BIG mistake. I looked up how much more I would earn in benefits if I worked just one more year. Then I looked up two, then, three. The benefits started to look slightly better and better. It wasn't really a lot to begin with, but increasing the years certainly made an improvement. I'm still not going to change my mind about retiring, but at least now I know what financial gains I'll be giving up.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2016 21:12:21 GMT
That wouldn't happen in France, because in the private sector at least, pensions are based on an average of one's 25 highest earning years. So an extra year or two makes very little difference. However, until recently, the pension of civil servants was based on just the last six months of salary, including premiums. This would have been a source of bad blood except for the fact that civil servants generally earn considerably lower salaries in exchange for almost unbreakable job security.
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Post by mickthecactus on Mar 2, 2016 11:02:43 GMT
Today was the first day of my semi retirement and I intended to stay in bed well beyond my usual 6am start. That went West as daughter and grandson need to be at the London hospital for his scan by 8am so I took them to the station for 6.45am.
I have walked my own dog and daughter's beagle so feel quite virtuous if slightly knackered about the exercise.
I was intending to work outside but the weathger isn't up to it so it's off to the greenhouse after I attempt to put together some flatpack furniture.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2016 12:44:51 GMT
Semi congratulations, Mick!
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Post by breeze on Mar 2, 2016 12:45:25 GMT
You're off to a good start, though you might want to slow down a bit if they'll let you. Nah, never happen.
Is there a greenhouse in your garden, or are you going to one that sells plants? Either one sounds good to me. (It's snowing here.)
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