What are the pros and cons of being retired..??

I have read some of the threads on this subject..so what I am looking for is..how are you girls feeling right now about retirement? What are you doing? Or not doing? Because you don´t always have to be DOING something..this I believe strongly (for myself anyway)

What are the pros and cons of retirement..do you think..at this point in time?

Thank you for any answers that come...

I can´t retire now at 60 for economical reasons or so I think..but I am longing for it. I sometimes wonder if I should be careful what I wish for? AND I DO KNOW that I should be happy where I am in life and love it and myself and others..RIGHT NOW!!! But I am so tired at times after my day at work with the children..and I don´t have the energy for other things that I would also like to do..I was going to write that "i just flake out when I come home"..but after thinking about it alittle, I realize that what I do when I come home are things I want to do,too..hmm.. but I don´t have the time and energy for my grandchildren and adult children that I would sometimes like to have..and they are IMPORTANT to me!

I post timidly because of how you signed off in another forum post... But, since you didn't suggest any limits, I'll contribute.

I am not retired, considering myself currently unemployed - going on six years, now. For the first three years, I was caring for grandchildren to help out my youngest daughter, who (with her family of five) had just relocated to Texas from NY state. Those three years flew by. Then my parents' healths started declining rapidly, along with emotional upsets it brought to our large family. Our mom has been my main objective (if you can call a person that) since one of my sisters moved back from CA to care for our dad.

Now about retirement - I don't see myself as retired, even though my DH pushes me to accept that as my state of being. I look forward to finding a job that I love so much I will never want to retire from it. If I were in a job position strictly for economical means right now, I think I would be thinking of ways to change to one that would give me a sustainable income while it fed my soul at the same time. If I enjoy my work, I welcome the "good" tired it brings.
AS yet, I haven't found that type of employment for myself... don't even know if it exists.
To never work again, as in retirement, seems deadly. I watch my mom and dad, who have traveled extensively with their ministry, and see them face the day in and day out with no responsibilities, per se, and see how sad they seem. I think the answer to their "retirement" would be having the means to do as they wish, regardless. But, when I think of myself that way, I can't find an appealing aspect to it. I guess I have had to work to have tangible and non-tangible things for so long, working for them is part of the pleasure. Maybe if I had been one with a bottomless purse, I might be thinking differently.
Free time - carving out blocks of free time is the answer for me, while working at something fulfilling and financially rewarding.
Is what I'm thinking a bunch of nothing?

Too Young to Retire: 101 Ways to Start the Rest of Your Life
Author: Marika Stone, Howard Stone

A book I have, but haven't read.

I'm in a different situation than most because I was able to quit working when I got married, due to my husband's income from his disabiltiy (military service connected). When I first stopped working, it was kind of weird. How to fill my days? That was 16 years ago. Now I have so many inerests and hobbies that there still isn't enough time in the day, most days, to do all I want to do! We do lots of volunteer work, have many friends who also have lots of free time that we are able to enjoy doing things with, and I often wonder how I would do it all if I had to go back to work! I don't spend any time feeling unfullfilled. I don't have time for that!!

Reality is that for economical reasons, I do have to work until mandatory retirement age. It's not what I want. It freaks me out that just yesterday I found out a woman I know will be retiring at 55, early retirement. That's only 6 yrs. older than myself. She is sounding jaded and probably doesn't have drive right now to reinvent her career.

But I'm trying my very best to squeeze in personal time passions now...not wait until the real retirement comes. You never know how life might be by then..besides interest courses come and go.

ANd their accessibility varies tremendously on where one is living ..if there is even decent instructors around.

ANd I cannot wait until retirement to do travelling that requires decent physical fitness...I must do it now when I'm still quite healthy. I am reminded of this whenever we do rigorous hiking/snowshoeing/cycling stints.

Problem is lack of time....sigh.

gims
I totally understand your definiton of unemployed v retired.
It took some time for me to accept my status.Partly due to stopping work earlier than I anticipated.
I believe laterly I felt defined by my job...then as it dawned on me all the benefits of having TIME for other pursuits.Even feeding a stray cat and the winning over of this poor creature.
Other more personal events showed me that home is a sacred place.
But having loved my job and contacts was a loss.I am on the cusp of finding another niche ..
Perhaps some are progammed to continue working and others for financial reason keep going.
I do believe a curtain comes down when people ask "what are you doing now?" to be retired seems to say...getting older to some.And women do this as often as men do.Its similar to that other era...when I was a stay at home Mother...I recognise a dismisal of all I do.But it does not offend.
For a time I activly sought another job...then as I say home events changed and I know I was using energy searching.Inded I was offered work as soon as I arrived at this decision.The law of supply and demand???
Today Monday...a new week starting and I am content..I have little plans to spend the week well.
We are all different...no one need agree with me...All I can say is that being 60 is for ME different from being fifty.
MA

If I asked some of my neigbours this question they would have other answers.Most are farmers or secretary to their husband.Music reachers in their homes.Interior designers.
One important thing for me was trying to blend into those who were at home.Those older ladies who do coffee mornings and gossips.It was not for me.
One dear friend an English teacher lost her adult daughter to cancer shared this with me...I do what I want now... Life is precious.We decided together that when the coffee days were more like Calendar Girls..then we would be in the middle.
I found many of the age 80's women saw me as a young thing.. there to be hostes sweep the floor and bake.Pick them up etc.I took one lady to hospital and they kept her.So for two weeks I visited...washed and assisted.Whilst her sons went on holiday.I did this willingly but how soon people forget..When my own husband was ill she did not even inquire how he was.Likewise my own hospital stay.Selfish people grow older like the rest of us and this led me to believe I should protect myself.I had to learn this..
Not being at work means re creating a circle..one which is acceptable and kind.I have done this.
MA

I want to retire...NOW. If I could, I would. I have so many things sitting on the back burner that I'd love to have the time to explore. I would also volunteer....in hospice especially. What a wonderful thing to be able to do and give my all without thinking "paycheck." Oh, and I'd write, write, write!! All this just HAS to be a pro. Right now I want it so bad that I can't think of any "cons."

At 59, I think I’m ready to retire. I’ve been working since I was 15 years old. Of course it was after school and summer jobs, but it was work. When my children were small I gave English lessons from home. I also taught art classes, and sold art at street markets. And then I started my real-estate business. Like most of you, I’ve always worked.
The past year, I find myself fantasizing retirement. Only my fantasy entails more money;…so I got to keep working. I would like at least ¼ of my present yearly income, for my yearly pension plan. I’m far from that goal.
One thing is for sure, I have so many things I would love to do when I’m retired. I would love to start a book club for Germans wanting to read English literature. Of course golf more. Go on some long sailing trips with Hubby. Travel Europe from top to bottom and East to West. I would like to work side by side in the garden with my husband. And needless to say paint and write in all my free time.

Humlan, you sound so,…so….human. Really it’s a delight to read your posts. “… "i just flake out when I come home"..but after thinking about it a little, I realize that what I do when I come home are things I want to.�
Haha…I could have written that.

I am joining a book club this month at our library.The librarian is very welcoming.
Also a pop in day on 15th
sari wearing
Polish papercutting
belly dance
international food tasting
dance
hand painting
chinese writing
drumming
salsa
so many interesting things to try.When I worked I had no chance to try days like this.

MA

I'm retired and to receive a nice check every month plus full insurance coverrage and not pay a dime for it or have to work myself silly is marvelous. I love it...

Yes, I still work but because I want to and then I only take the manuscripts I want to take, no pressure and then of course my hobby is making afghans. But it is so wonderful to not have to be anywhere, at anytime, with anyone I don't wnat to be with...SIGH!!!! I recommend it wholeheartedly...

Chatty we should all be so lucky.
I'm proud of you and sooooo happy for you!
You deserve it.
YOU, like so many of the other ladies, are one of a kind!

Chatty, you've mentioned this before. I'm assuming by "full insurance coverage" you mean Medicare. Medicare "A" is the only part that's free and it only covers hospitalization. Over here, we still have to have another insurance plan or one of the other Medicare plans to pay for doctors visits, tests, meds,et. Are the Medicare laws different in Nevada? My husband has Med A but it certainly isn't enough. I now carry him on my insurance plan and it's very costly for a family plan, which is what I have to have.

...and even that isn't "full" coverage. We have to pay co-pays on meds and doctor visits and some tests and use of the emergency room.

Thank you so much for all your replies here up to now..I am going to read and reread them again because my mind is whirling..altho my money status brings me back to stillness like a rock..there is reality there. I have to see to it that I can survive moneywise and still have some over to do alittle of what I want to do..but no big things..that will probably tax my economy too much..

Mountain Ash.."not being at work means recreating a circle..one that is acceptable and kind. I have done this". Now that kind fo hits the nail on the head for me, I think. Thank you!

Gims, "I welcome the "good"tired it brings"..this is important..not to look too far ahead and perhaps be grateful for what one has right now..even if it´s not perfect. But then what is??? My job is meaningful..and I believe in what I do..I know that. And I feel as tho I still have something to give..sooo..hmmm...

Chattylady..I was hoping that you would show up here because I have felt that you are quite satisfied in your retirement..and quite busy..at your own speed. I sort of plan to have something to keep me busy when the time comes,too..like maybe writing that book or whatever..but you seem to be HERE and NOW..and I really love that!

Thank you!

My pleasure Humlan...
And Louisa, I have Medicare parts A&B, but also have Senior Deminsions, they take care of everything for members. I pay $2.15 for a 90 day supply of any medications I might need to take. They also pick up the payment deducted for part B Medicare which is $93.50 a month. To belong is absolutely free, so I am more than satisfied with them...

thanks, chatty. I've never heard of that one. I will have to look into it. Working in healthcare, I usually know all of them. We found it costly, but the best thing for us, to add my husband to my healthcare plan at work. I'm on several meds and he is on two so our co-pays alone are considerable.

Louisa, what about trying Wal-Mart, now many of their drugs are only $4.00 for a thirty day supply. Thats worth checking on too. My neighbor who isn't old enough for Medicare yet transfered her prescriptions and saves $70.00 a month using Wal-Mart...

I'd like to add my thoughts -- I originally "retired" 6 years ago at age 55 when my wonderful husband took early retirement at age 61 and asked me to leave my job and be able to enjoy our lives together - you know, travel, walks along the beach, etc. Since this was my second marriage and the love of my life I eagerly said "yes". A year and a half later my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died in six weeks. I have never regretted my decision to "retire" to enjoy life with him. But what have I been doing for the last 4 years??? TOTALLY ENJOYING LIFE!! I decided not to return to the insurance industry because I really never liked it but needed it to raise my 3 kids alone. I had to try lots of things to see what really "fit" for me. Finally I decided to work as a life coach part time and enjoy traveling on life's journey part time. At present, I go to school three mornings a week in a fantastic program called OLLI (Osher Life Long Learning Institute) its all over the US and really inexpensive. I'm studing photography, memior writing, and exploring the area I live in from the ice age to present time. I also volunteer at my local theatre group. My children and grandkids live out of state and sometimes its lonely but I keep busy and we call each other daily. I think the real cons of retirement is wasting time -- its a gift to explore all the things you never thought you could do.....enjoy it!!

This is a strange thought for me. I have never had to work but have always worked! I put my money in a trust fund that has been supporting me all of my life. I don't see a dime except to spend it and I don't think about retiring.

A choreographer who is good usually dies at work! A jazz or blues singer sings until they are ancient, if you've watched the career of people like BB King and the woman who sings with him.

I never give a thought to stopping working, really. I do get paid for what I do because that has to do with self esteem. I give a lot away because I can and that means I should. I give too much away at times, I am told.

But, I have time to read, travel and have hobbies so I don't know what I would do if I did retire...?

There's always that new dance step or that person who needs to learn to dance. There is always a show going up that needs a choreographer and people always want to hear jazz and blues!

I don't give it thought but it was interesting to read about those who do!

Dancer9

I tend to agree with hunlan..there is a hard reality that some of us cannot for economic reasons, retire early.

So for myself the way around this..is to do my cycling and bits of painting when I can during my little free time amongst huge hunks of time sucked up by work commutes and earning a living.

Most likely by retirement, I would like to work part-time (for 1-2 days) per week and then apply my energy to personal passions. I'm a more solitary person by nature ...and do derive some contrasting human interaction ..to challenge my thoughts and how I view the world.

I have noticed for my partner who is retired (but sort of getting out of it in starting up a biz..), he has used points of my schedule to determine his cycling time, local trips and his volunteer work when I am away. Part of the reason why he meets me halfway to cycle home during warmer seasons is...it adds on more mileage cycling for him..which is what he wants. But he does all his hard cycling when I'm not around...to slow him down.

Thanks Chatty. I nkow about Wal Mart. It doesn't apply to all meds. some of the ones I take are not generic and I won't switch to something different. I might check into it again though. You never know when they increase or change their list of meds they accept.

On the subject of retirement: My husband loves being retired. He has plenty to do. We go to Disney twice a year through our disney Vacation Club and we go on two or three weekend getaways a year. He also goes on sports trips with one of his friends once in a while when he can. I cannot retire yet, but look forward to it. I'm sure I will find things to do.

Humlan
"recreating a circle."
A house is for sale next door.A couple much our age.Two children grown.We had many fine times when the children were young..we were stay at home Mothers for a long time.Then work and study made gaps.Mrs. retired last year and now Mr is retired and they wish to move near their family to baby sit etc.
Never a cross word a repected friendship but no longer in and out of homes.Childrens frienships shared was the main focus.
I was quite affected seeing the sign go up.Not for today but for the times...the energy of the past .
I then gave thought to the local popualation.Fewer people here now who have been as long as we have.New build is popular and these homes change hands often.
It a realisation that my feelings are of times changing bringing any change for me closer.All things will change..
So along with having more time...retirement is a changing mind set..Bonus time to go out together and the new pursuits.
Whatever happens for two families we share memories of good times..we even shared a cat!! a moody girl who has a split life.
But that for sale sign evoked a lump in my throat.
Mountain ash

Pros:
- Being able to set your own daily schedule. It’s a relief to avoid commute traffic, although that means errands are squeezed into the middle of the day. But there’s always tomorrow, LOL.
- Getting enough sleep. Not a small thing; many people are sleep-deprived.
- Traveling at your own pace, instead of thinking, “Gee, I only have a week and I want to see/do XX number of fun activities – can I fit everything in?”

Cons:
- Your friends/family are still working, so get-togethers are still on the weekends.
- You’re now on a budget. How you spend money matters a great deal, as inflation/price increases nibble away at your $$. In today’s economy, it’s unlikely you can just ‘go back to work part-time’ to earn additional money to ease a budget deficit. You need to have already planned for unexpected expenses and disability/death, not just trusting to luck, Providence, or government aid as your sole backstop.
- Start working on creating a new social circle. Time will inevitably scatter your friends and former co-workers, so you need to keep reaching out to invigorate your personal contacts.

Despite the inevitable ups and downs, my DH and I were fortunate to be able to take early retirement and can live very comfortably. We’ve done a lot of planning, so were able to take the recent market gyrations in stride. I’ve been retired for several years but DH just retired last December, so this is our time to travel together – nothing big, just some fun places we’ve wanted to re-visit – while our health still permits it.

We have a lot of hobbies, so retirement was not a big adjustment for us as it might be for some. In fact, we often don’t have time to do some things we thought we would! Most important is fitting in physical activity. We like to walk and hike, which can take up quite a few hours in a day! I can’t walk as far as DH, so half the time we’ll separate. I’ll take an easier, shorter walk while he goes to a state park and hikes 2-3 hours up and down hills. My family and I are super-foodies so gotta do something to keep the pounds from multiplying!

Your description pretty much sums it up Jakkom. Been there am doing it all now...I also work for myself when I want to and as hard as I want to. I have cut back dramatically lately to enjoy life outdoors more.

I reinvented myself after forced retirement. I began writing publicly, doing VA work, and learning new skills. While I'm having the time of my life, I've never worked harder. Yet...it seems like fun all the time.

I wake up every day with a grateful heart, instead of dreading going into the office. Life can AND IS sweet after retirement.

The only downside I can see to it all is discipline. Now where did I put that discipline of mine...hmmm...

My week gets filled up with events and although several people told me this would happen when I no longer went out to work I agree that they were speaking the truth.
At presentI have plants to nurture and how I would like a full day in my greenhouse and patio...did some this morning...went to an appointment did some more after tea..love it.
I am hand feeding a robin and father blackbird..they keep me company as I tend the flowers..baby blackbird walks around..mum is on eggs..I have a smile on my face...even when no one is here..

The father bird takes the soaked sultanas to his nest and feeds the family..then he eats.
Robin seeks me out for company as well as some crumbs and fruit.watches me with a cocked head..gregarious robin

Mountain Ash, birds and pants are so peaceful. They nourish us as we nourish them.

Hmmm. Meredith,...the only way I norish my pants is if I don't make it to the john on time. lol lol

LOL, Edelweiss!! I've read Meredith's line over and over all day and couldn't think of anything clever to say.

That doesn't mean to say that I didn't giggle to myself now and then...

PLANTS

geez

Mountain Ash...You are precious..I love the picture I have of you in my head...working in your garden to the songs of your birds ...you exude contentment...:)

She takes you there, doesn't she?

Absolutely!!!!

We have a third of an acre set round our 1845 era cottage.Being a "cottar house" that is a cottager who works part time farming for a landowner and the other weaving linen in the 1800's those who lived here had to grow produce and keep chickens and a pig.We have on our house plans the pigstye..Now demolished using the stones for rockeries.But in that small area that the pigstye was anything can grow.Once I staked sweet peas and the willow stakes took root.everything there grows large and strong.
I have defined areas all set in grass.bordering is a field where cattle graze..and sheep over winter..These cattle tell me by their body language when a storm is brewing..this weekend the rain fell like Noahs ark time..poor cattle were upset..sheets of rain meant that needed to shelter..alas the farmer doesn't do trees...were it me I would have shelter for them however brief their lives...trees with spreading branches..but me...I married an electronic engineer..never to be a farmers wife.

I love cottage homes. It is my dream!

Here you are, MA!!! Do you know the game Farmville on Face Book? Probably not..and I have been really trying to be farmer on this game..but I don´t think I am cut out for this either. But I DO feel sorry for your cows near by. And I bet you take very good care of your garden..and even fertilize it like some gals do their undies around here

HUGS!!!!

Jaw Jaw
you went to Ireland.... well similar low cottages are common here in Scotland.Not thatched but red pantiles .these were imported when this nation traded with Netherland in the 19th century..the tiles were ballast on the return from our trade..
these houses have really thick walls smallish windows and few cupboards built in..these homes weere for folks who didn't have much..folks sleep in box beds..in a recess in the main room.Ususally a chest held their clothes beneath the bed..we have still a beam evident in our room where these bed were placed was long before we came..
there is a weaving room attacted to the house where flax was woven this is our storage place for lawn mowers etc.( one day maybe another sitting room will be made)
these weavers were well read due to the packman carrying pamplets and books to the workers..early negotiations about pay for the linen meant these folks shared facts and prices..early politicans maybe.This home is moderised of course but the footprint of industrious Scots is the same..I tend the garden that these people started..someday others will do the same..
aS I write songbirds are singing their joy...their babies are hatched and with luck they may have another brood..all joy of life is in the song I hear..There is no where else I would rather be for now..

Hi Humlan...not getting emails at present here..will be fixed this week..speak then..

What a lovely description of all that you survey. I read it twice because it brought back so many memories of Scotland and Ireland. Yes, indeed.

Since I started to post on bws I have loved when others share their lives and description of their area..

MA, I love reading your descriptions. They are all poetry to me. you needn't ever post pictures, you paint them with words.

Mountain Ash , I had 2 emails to you bounced back this week..I thought that maybe your mailbox was just full...will try again next week though....

JJ, some of the prettiest sites I recall in my daydreams of my trip to Ireland involve a Thatched Roof...nothing like that beautiful site nestled among the rolling hills of green...:)

My little area of town used to be surrounded by farmland and cotton fields. In the evenings, I could stand on my front porch and watch the most amazing sunsets. Nothing around me but 2 or 3 houses. It was so nice.

Now I have 72 new ones around me. Progress, they call it. The cotton fields and farming land is almost gone. The sunsets; however, are constant!

In the small towns in Alabama, we have lots of cottage homes, antebellum homes, and "estates." All Southern style...think Gone With the Wind. I prefer the small homes and would kill to own a 1800-cottage...but I'd have to sell both kidney's and a couple of lungs to afford one.

There is still a great deal of farmland around...still cotton fields. But more and more I'm seeing new subdivisions coming up and more land taken. I still love it.

I am going to begin retirement in 2 weeks. I am reading with an anxious mind...

Anno

go with the flow...unique to you a pathway will lead you to all you need.

JJ Sounds wonderful..I adores sunsets..newbuild costing lots of money were build on farmers land..they block out my wonderful hill ..she was a barometer to me for thirty years..saw rain coming saw sunsets..still see sunsets just not my loved view.
we too have new homes in our village.maybe even one day in my garden..long after I am somewhere else..thats the way people want things here..live in the country near the train/motorway for the city..wheras for me its home..

JJ
Written when I had my hill all to myself...
..............................................................
Lomond Sunset in November ©

Fife, Scotland
2004

I have stopped peeling potatoes
In order that I watch
The kaleidoscope move to the
Other side of Falkland Hill
Slowly moving yellow to red
And weaving mauve and blue within
The setting day

I imagine were I to touch
first the clouds then sky
it would be as if fingers
were feeling ermine then silk
in a sewing box
Like ribbons of velvet
And exactly like a kitten's paw

I return to the task
Refreshed and singing softly
To think that November gifts
Me this spectacular show
Just as I stand at my kitchen window
Preparing a meal for my family

Beautiful MA, really beautiful poem. Love the simile with the kitten paw.

JJ, Your surroundings sound beautiful. As a child I once drove through the south with my parents, and the sceneries left an ever lasting impression on me.

Lovely Poem Mountain Ash....keep writing my friend..:)

Beautiful imagery, Mountain Ash.

Appreciate all your comments