2018 Update from 2013 post

by H.S.

I wrote "Regret so far by: Anonymous " in 2013 and a follow up in 2014 on trying to get back the college job I early retired from like an idiot. Who would give up tenure at 55? Being "off" (5/13 to 5/14) was an HORRIBLE PERIOD in my life.

I did it in part because my wife wanted us to move elsewhere. I was depressed beyond belief and having terrible thoughts (yes, that.). I am telling everyone NOT TO RETIRE especially early.

I now have another college position since Fall 2014. Although nontenured, I like it. I also a part-time engineering position elsewhere. I am busier than ever now at 60 and happy (11/2018). I work 10 hrs/day 7 days/week making up for that "long awaited, much overrated retired period".

I was lucky to get these jobs and AGE DISCRIMINATION is a REAL THING. I faced it in job search.

Don't give up something you may regret and be unable to replace if you regret.

Comments for 2018 Update from 2013 post

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Whatever Floats Your Boat
by: Michael D. Bell, REALTOR®, Venice Florida

I retired at 51 and moved with my spouse to Venice, Florida. I love it. I'm 53 now. I sell real estate here and set my own schedule.

I start my day with a 40 mile bike ride at 8AM and then have the rest of the day to myself. I also serve on the Board of Director's for my homeowners' association.

I think that feeling needed and wanted can be fulfilled in many different activities, and there is nothing wrong with working.

One of my great aunts worked part-time until she was 96. She lived until 105. As my Mom always says "whatever floats your boat."
Feeling blessed
by: Mary from Michigan

I'm glad you are doing what makes you happy. Happiness and fulfillment are different for everyone and there is no right or wrong.

I left a high profile job for a Fortune 500 insurance company one year ago at 62. I am now just understanding what living in the moment means. I LOVED what I did but it is important to me that I don't want to die in my office giving orders but to live until I die paying it forward to the ones I love.

My best to everyone here going through this transition.
2018 Update
by: Sherry

I have experienced age discrimination on an interview. I am 69 and have been retired 2 years and recently started looking for a part-time job. The interviewer at one job opening asked me how long I was planning on working???!!!!
retiring
by: Anonymous

I so much agree with you. I was a high school teacher and loved it. I left to help my daughter and then son with their children. But little children soon become older children with their own lives.

I definitely think if you have a job you enjoy, keep it as long as you are physically able.

Good for you for getting back in the game but don't you want one or two days off a week?
work
by: plp green bay

Why would anyone want to work 10 hours a day, 7 days a week? I have to ask. That seems extreme. I can see that retirement at 55 would be early but to do nothing but work now...and if you really are working that much, you have no time for family or anything.

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