Does Gender Make a Difference?

by JoAnn
(Corpus Christi, TX)

I have read many of the accounts expressing both positive and negative aspects of retirement.

I am interested to know if you think females have fewer negative responses to retirement than males. Of course, our opinions are generalizations. However, I would like to hear your responses.

If you agree or disagree, can you determine why this may be true or not?

Comments for Does Gender Make a Difference?

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Gender
by: Diane

I think that retirement is a state of mind. You have to realize that no one is an island. You can be replaced quickly. the people who think that they were important in their job are the ones that will suffer most.

The other thing is I look at retirement as an opportunity. When working (I had a high stress job) my life was all about work. Now that I am retired I am starting to look at myself and do things for myself. lose weight, volunteer on things that I enjoy but never did while working because they would not bring in enough money. and enjoy people and family.
Does Gender make a difference?
by: Nancy

No, I don't think so, there are too many other variables in play. I can only speak for my experience.

I think the reason I had a hard time adjusting to retirement (5 years ago) was because of my recent rocky work history.

I had finally found a job I liked and was only there for 4 1/2 years before I retired. I had left a very good job I loved, teaching 20 plus years ago, because I got married and moved out of state. My husband didn't even consider moving to live with me or move halfway. (I'm not bitter LOL).

The second to last job I had, I had an ogre of a boss who took a dislike to me and tried to get me fired. I blamed myself, but there was really no winning with him. He trompled on a lot of people.

So I changed jobs at age 58 to a job that was really difficult to learn. It was very stressful dealing with clients and bosses. But even with that I loved the work, which I know sounds anachronistic. I think if I had been on the same job for 30 years or so it would have been different for me in adjusting to retirement.

I have lots of regrets, which I'm trying to get past.

Now I spend my days just like I want: at home. With human companionship with my husband, dogs, not human, I know. I spend my days with interesting hobbies which I love. My husband is an introvert like myself which is a very good match. I do take Bible studies and activities at church occasionally.
Gender differences re: retirement
by: Anonymous

That's an easy one for me to respond to - unquestionably women adapt easier than men. My source of information? I have been retired for 7 years.

My spouse is STILL working at 80 y/O, driving 20 miles one way to work with advanced macular degeneration. It's not the $ and certainly not the work. It's because he can't imagine life without this routine, doesn't know what he would do otherwise and is too frightened to find out.

I feel like I have an anchor around my ankle because there are many things I would like to do as a couple but can not because he 'has to work'. If you think this has caused some consternation and heated discussions, you would be right.

Consequently I have tried to make a life for myself without him - going where I want, doing what I wish and attempting to find others to share my time with.

My question now is would I rather stay with him or leave and frankly it's leaning heavily on the later. Some people just don't 'get it' ever.
Different experience
by: Sandy

Some of my former colleagues and I must be the exception. We are women and many of us struggled with retirement. I wonder if the type of job has a bigger impact versus gender.

I (and my colleagues) worked in Corporate America with stressful jobs, long hours and little time for outside activities. That, to me, is more of an indicator.

My friends who did not have such demanding careers (male or female) seem to have adjusted better.
Home makes the differemce
by: Sheila White, Canada

To me, that seems easy to answer. Most women are natural homemakers. When they are forced to be at home more than usual, there is normally plenty that they can do to make their surroundings more agreeable; whereas most men find little to do that appeals to them.

In the case of my husband and I, when he willingly gave up work at the age of 62 he found fulfilment in oil painting, an urge long suppressed.

It's all a matter of finding your best talent.
Gender Retirement Tranquility
by: Tom Damron

My 30 years as a retirement planner and asset manager gave evidence that women are more adaptive to retirement.

My observational opinion led me to believe that women were more content being at home, made friends with neighbors that were closer, were not as restless being away from the job, had more varied interests, and were more adept at finding volunteer work, part-time jobs, and busy tasks that served in keeping them from being bored.

That's the way I saw it unfold during my contacts when servicing their accounts.

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