General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI retired today...
I hope it was the right decision. For peace of mind, I'm certain. Financially, who knows? I've done my best to save, but with the way the world is right now, it's impossible to be super confident.
It's time for the next chapter in life. It will all sink in on Monday morning.
mr715
(3,796 posts)doc03
(39,122 posts)never regretted it one day.
CousinIT
(12,645 posts)I'm doing the same next year. Trying to plan retirement in this mess is, well. SUPER annoying. I've saved too, but with inflation as it is, and who the hell even knows if Medicare and Social Security will be there? Shitler and his spawn and billionaire friends may just vacuum up all that money too, like they're doing with the Treasury money.
walkingman
(11,018 posts)Well, 2nd best....marrying my DW of 48 years in May. ☮
Nevilledog
(55,103 posts)I retired in 2017 at 51. Find things that delight you, no matter how small.
canetoad
(20,863 posts)Nevilledog
(55,103 posts)MIButterfly
(2,962 posts)Welcome to the club.
I dont know what kind of work you did, but for me, the worst day of retirement has been much better than the best day I ever had working.
Enjoy it!
2naSalit
(103,502 posts)It's a harsh change at first but it starts to feel better every day until it seems like every day is Saturday!
I hope it's the start of a great time in your life!
Tesha
(21,152 posts)Now were wondering how to structure days
but at 70 he deserves some golden days.
So do you!
senseandsensibility
(25,260 posts)I'm sure it's well deserved.
Here's to a new chapter in your life!
SheltieLover
(81,331 posts)oasis
(53,810 posts)anciano
(2,286 posts)I retired in 2012 at 64. Love it!
Good luck and best wishes.
The Wizard
(13,806 posts)Your time is your own.
lamp_shade
(15,510 posts)hamsterjill
(17,673 posts)Everything has been fine so far. Youre going to love it. Find something that interests you and stay engaged. Learn how to say no when you need to.
Congratulations!!!
Emile
(42,766 posts)Being a wage slave sucks.
malaise
(297,048 posts)😀
livetohike
(24,349 posts)littlemissmartypants
(34,136 posts)Clouds Passing
(8,102 posts)The Blue Flower
(6,544 posts)The company I was working for went under during the pandemic. And my age became a barrier to finding similar work. My eyes simply couldn't manage 6 -8 hours a day of editing technical reports. I have managed on SS and what I saved over the years. It's been great to branch out into the things I truly care about and am interested in. Congratulations on your new chapter. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Wicked Blue
(8,957 posts)for a long and happy retiement
Ilikepurple
(749 posts)joanbarnes
(2,127 posts)crosinski
(728 posts)JMCKUSICK
(6,390 posts)You made retirement the old fashioned way, you've earned it!
LoisB
(13,183 posts)dem4decades
(14,199 posts)ShazamIam
(3,152 posts)underpants
(196,874 posts)Bluejeans
(158 posts)Congratulations!
I retired 3years ago.
To save money on groceries we watch where we spend our grocery money. Theres a drug store near us with a decent sized grocery department that offers 10% off to seniors on Wednesday. We figured out what grocery items like coffee and other items are cheaper there than the big grocery across the road. We go to the drug store first on Wednesday then hit the big grocery after that. We have no shamewe use every coupon we can!
We also use the military commissary every few months for canned goods, paper items and meat. If youre a veteran and receive a VA disability rating you qualify to use the military commissaryget details from the VA website
BeneteauBum
(636 posts)My three daughters were out of the house so I went sailing
..still sailing 16 years later.
Enjoy yourself!
Peace ☮️
QueerDuck
(1,856 posts)democrank
(12,648 posts)Cherish every minute.
MiHale
(13,096 posts)Stroke retired me
first year was the easiest, yet the hardest at the same time. Once I accepted the fact I didnt work any more I changed my outlook and found different things to stay occupied.
Went back into my childhood and rediscovered my love of growing things
gardening. Brought relevance back into focus.
Fiorillo
(24 posts)I retired in 2012, at 60 years of age. Mostly because Scott Walker had destroyed our collective bargaining agreement, but also to pursue our family genealogy! Many warned me it was "too soon" Best decision I have ever made in life! I've driven from New York to Los Angeles, searching out old tombstones, visiting county clerks offices, and talking to many people, much wiser than I!
The point being, that there is quite a lot out there to enjoy. I wanted to enjoy it while I could still jump for joy!
Frankly speaking
cate94
(3,113 posts)Welcome to the world of every day is Saturday!
Aussie105
(8,063 posts)For me there are only 2 days of the week now.
Shops open/shops closed days.
Response to The Madcap (Original post)
Fiorillo This message was self-deleted by its author.
Joinfortmill
(21,412 posts)IzzaNuDay
(1,306 posts)Definitely an opportunity to shape your time into what you want to do! Enjoy!
UpInArms
(55,145 posts)I hope you enjoy every minute of life without having anyone but yourself to boss you around
Congratulations!
spooky3
(38,750 posts)dwp6577
(124 posts)hoping for a layoff (and severance) in Dec
. Regardless, 62 is it, or AI will eliminate me earlier. Enjoy!
Prof. Toru Tanaka
(2,947 posts)One of my favorite things about retirement is sleeping a little later in the morning. Or if Im up early a little nap in the afternoon.
Enjoy your newfound time off and all the best!
Fla Dem
(27,698 posts)Take some time to relax and get used to the life where you don't have to get up at 5:00 am to be on your job by 8:00 and a life where have the whole day ahead of you to do what you want.
I hope you do enjoy your retirement, but you may need to find some extracurricular actives to fill your day. Golfing, volunteering at a food pantry or even getting a parttime job; nothing strenuous but one where you work a few hours a day, a few days a week, One where you get to meet and interact with other people. And there are hobbies and travel. So much you can look forward to. But as I said take some time to get used to your new life and then decide what you want to do next.
Good Luck and Enjoy!!!
Sanity Claws
(22,423 posts)I retired March 30 and moved at the same time. Like you, I'm concerned whether I will make it financially. I intend to apply for part-time and occasional work to supplement my social security, pension, and savings.
AllaN01Bear
(29,730 posts)good luck
William Seger
(12,492 posts)S/V Loner
(9,557 posts)I retired almost two years ago years ago at 70 when I sold my business. I am still trying to get used to it.
multigraincracker
(37,847 posts)Figarosmom
(12,610 posts)Especially in the winter. It is now my favorite time of year. I love not being forced to do something.
BlueWaveNeverEnd
(14,618 posts)KitFox
(589 posts)made that decision. Before my husband died, we were able to have nine years together with both of us retired. Those memories still sustain me. I love being able to attend all of my grandchildrens games and events and the freedom to spend time on my hobbies and interests. Keep us posted on your new journey! 😊
moonshinegnomie
(4,033 posts)I retired young when I got to old . ( I was a commodity trader on the floor).
I was very worried about the future but its worked out despite having to go thru the global financial crisis and all the rest of tge crap over 30 years)
Dont regret it at all although I still trade stocks a lot
1WorldHope
(2,103 posts)TexLaProgressive
(12,766 posts)The end of February was my 11th retirement anniversary. I can remember the same trepidation you are feeling. We all know the uncertainties of the current world we live in. The truth is life has always been filled with them.
Good luck to you in your new life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Aussie105
(8,063 posts)Details will fall into place as time goes by, and you now have plenty of that, being unshackled from the daily work routine.
Retired over 10 years ago, so believe me, retirement makes you a better person.
I was told: Sorry, but your position is gone, but here is a decent severance package. Hope you aren't too upset!
I smiled and looked away.
Severance pay of 1 year's wage after tax was an unexpected bonus.
You think you played me? Think again!
MerryBlooms
(12,346 posts)markie
(24,030 posts)I understand the uncertainty... I retired years ago because I had to care for my father with dementia.... not because I wanted to.... I wasn't sure then, however, it has worked out and we manage somehow with our situation at hand
best wishes
BHDem53
(1,151 posts)with a nice monthly check from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board. Thank you Unions!
Bristlecone
(11,146 posts)Norrrm
(5,314 posts)Last edited Fri Apr 24, 2026, 09:08 PM - Edit history (1)
School - part-time student or teach some skill you have.
Part-time job.
Volunteer - Don't let it become a full-time 'job' without pay but has
................ full time responsibilities. Volunteering can stretch that far.
Get the hell out of the house sometimes. Spouse loves your absence as well as your presence.
............... (both spouses). Each spouse should have a personal piece of their own life.
There will surely be other suggestions.
Don't sit and rot.

niyad
(133,300 posts)live love laugh
(16,439 posts)debsy
(993 posts)paleotn
(22,477 posts)Trueblue Texan
(4,549 posts)I retired 3 years ago I think its pretty common to be anxious and scared that you havent saved enough. Turns out I worried needlessly. Life is working out ok and now that I have extra time, its easy to cut back on expenses if we have to. You will love this phase of your life. Be sure to stay physically active every day or you will be shocked how fast your body can age! Have FUN!
alison_in_nc
(6 posts)I retired last year at 62. So great so far!
Definitely agree on the financial aspect especially with President Crazy Pants at the helm.
Richluu
(156 posts)I've been retired for 12 years now. It's really good. Find your joy and ways to serve. It never gets old!
geojazz
(115 posts)NewLarry
(162 posts)Good for you. I've been retired for about 8 months now, and it's been an "interesting" time making the many changes needed.
Above all, remember, Have Fun!!!
WarGamer
(18,765 posts)I don't really need the $ so I'll just use it to buy monthly dividend stocks.
Omaha Steve
(109,570 posts)magicarpet
(19,026 posts)You earned and deserved the opportunity to smell the roses, daffodils, zinnias, lilacs, snap dragons, cherry blossoms etc., etc..