On Retirement And Hats

[belfastboy]

A hobby you get paid for is, like, the ultimate retirement. If you control when and where you do your hobby, you've got it made, at least, in my book!

That is one of the reasons I continued to work til just before my 70th birthday. I handled the contract work for a consulting engineer so we had flexibility as to the when. I worked 3 days a week (Tues thru Thurs) for about 8 or 9 months of the year. We could schedule the work and block big chunks of time off so my wife and still could travel for 2-3 months each year. Plus I loved the work, it was physical which was great for me....didn't have to bother with the gym membership. And they paid me for it. But it reached a point where the physical toll had become too great and it took me the Friday and into the Saturday to recover enough to other things I love like hiking and bike riding. I started to resent when Tues rolled around and I had to begin the cycle again.....so I pulled the pin.

 

[Rmccamey]

Sounds like you optimized the situation. That's my plan as long as my health holds out.

That is one of the reasons I continued to work til just before my 70th birthday. I handled the contract work for a consulting engineer so we had flexibility as to the when. I worked 3 days a week (Tues thru Thurs) for about 8 or 9 months of the year. We could schedule the work and block big chunks of time off so my wife and still could travel for 2-3 months each year. Plus I loved the work, it was physical which was great for me....didn't have to bother with the gym membership. And they paid me for it. But it reached a point where the physical toll had become too great and it took me the Friday and into the Saturday to recover enough to other things I love like hiking and bike riding. I started to resent when Tues rolled around and I had to begin the cycle again.....so I pulled the pin.

 

[tropicalbob]

Working beyond a given retirement date rankles so much with someone that I know. He never misses a chance to make a jibe, always going on about how time is so precious. Last time that I saw him he suggested that I get a hobby. I told him that I had one, I just happened to get paid for it.

Nicely put. After working on Wall Street for ten years I was promoted and transferred to Miami, where, after the market crashed a few months after I arrived, my wife and I found ourselves in a strange city with all of our belongings and no jobs (the firm I worked for got wiped out). My wife said, "Well, you know, you've been dying to go into teaching for a while now, why not give it a shot? Do you realize that the first word out of your mouth every morning for the last few years has been a four-letter one?" Miraculously, I made one phone call to the local high school and started work the next week. A few weeks after that, I stopped in at the university, as I'd read that they had one of the best graduate departments in the very subject I was most interested in. I applied, and a few months later I received a letter in the mail in which I found that I was not only accepted but had been granted a full scholarship. In the meantime my wife had found a very good job that soon led to an exceptionally good one. So, I couldn't agree with you more: working at a job you love isn't really like working at all. I love it so much I can almost put up with administrators.

 

[GHT]

A hobby you get paid for is, like, the ultimate retirement. If you control when and where you do your hobby, you've got it made, at least, in my book!

Exactly so, I do a couple of shifts a week, but the company like to use me as cover when one of their managers takes annual leave. It's always a balancing act. The British income tax system is paid as you earn, unless you are self-employed. Tax is levied in increments, the basic level being twenty percent of income. By income, that includes unearned income and I have two pensions, so I'm always aware that I can go over to the next higher tax band.

I started to resent when Tues rolled around and I had to begin the cycle again.....so I pulled the pin.

That is more or less how I will finally call it a day. Talking to one of the younger, full time, members of staff, I explained that working because you want to is so much more different than working because you have to. It's also reassuring to know that there will be no financial pain when that time comes.

So, I couldn't agree with you more: working at a job you love isn't really like working at all. I love it so much I can almost put up with administrators.

Your tale resonated with me, I too did something similar. When needs must, if you stop feeling sorry for yourself, it becomes possible to actually see the wood from the trees. Losing a well paid job, living in an unknown (to you) place, having no social circle, all adds to the pressure. But step back, take a deep breath and you might just find that the skills that you put to good use when employed, are just as handy to have when finding a new goal. Well done you.

 

[belfastboy]

Exactly so, I do a couple of shifts a week, but the company like to use me as cover when one of their managers takes annual leave. It's always a balancing act. The British income tax system is paid as you earn, unless you are self-employed. Tax is levied in increments, the basic level being twenty percent of income. By income, that includes unearned income and I have two pensions, so I'm always aware that I can go over to the next higher tax band.

That is more or less how I will finally call it a day. Talking to one of the younger, full time, members of staff, I explained that working because you want to is so much more different than working because you have to. It's also reassuring to know that there will be no financial pain when that time comes.

Your tale resonated with me, I too did something similar. When needs must, if you stop feeling sorry for yourself, it becomes possible to actually see the wood from the trees. Losing a well paid job, living in an unknown (to you) place, having no social circle, all adds to the pressure. But step back, take a deep breath and you might just find that the skills that you put to good use when employed, are just as handy to have when finding a new goal. Well done you.

The other interesting and wonderful aspect of working this late into life is that it became just about the work.

There was no longer any of the attendant crap. I was content with my pay, content with my position....nothing to strive for, no promotion to chase or raise to justify. I could just show up at work each day and do the job....which I loved. I could just enjoy that process thoroughly and totally unto itself. Completed each day and returned home with a clear mind and a tired body...fully satisfied with the day as it was. And yes, I consider myself fully blessed to have a retirement that is funded and have no financial worries...especially true in these pandemic times.

 

[Rmccamey]

You guys are making me jealous. I'm not quite there yet, but the days of showing up and not worrying about promotions, publications, and chairing the next great committee are getting to be fewer all the time

Exactly so, I do a couple of shifts a week, but the company like to use me as cover when one of their managers takes annual leave. It's always a balancing act. The British income tax system is paid as you earn, unless you are self-employed. Tax is levied in increments, the basic level being twenty percent of income. By income, that includes unearned income and I have two pensions, so I'm always aware that I can go over to the next higher tax band.

That is more or less how I will finally call it a day. Talking to one of the younger, full time, members of staff, I explained that working because you want to is so much more different than working because you have to. It's also reassuring to know that there will be no financial pain when that time comes.

Your tale resonated with me, I too did something similar. When needs must, if you stop feeling sorry for yourself, it becomes possible to actually see the wood from the trees. Losing a well paid job, living in an unknown (to you) place, having no social circle, all adds to the pressure. But step back, take a deep breath and you might just find that the skills that you put to good use when employed, are just as handy to have when finding a new goal. Well done you.

The other interesting and wonderful aspect of working this late into life is that it became just about the work.

There was no longer any of the attendant crap. I was content with my pay, content with my position....nothing to strive for, no promotion to chase or raise to justify. I could just show up at work each day and do the job....which I loved. I could just enjoy that process thoroughly and totally unto itself. Completed each day and returned home with a clear mind and a tired body...fully satisfied with the day as it was. And yes, I consider myself fully blessed to have a retirement that is funded and have no financial worries...especially true in these pandemic times.

 

[GHT]

The Lounge was, or still is, great therapy for getting used to retirement. My wife, having served 30 years in our National Health Service, loves the fact that she no longer lives to the call of the clock. She can lose herself in her cabin creating bespoke clothes, many of which are for your's truly. Regrettably I never learned any sort of creative skill, however, I do have a love of literature, everything from Shakespeare to Twain. Reading has always been my preference.

My work was in what is known as the logistics industry. That's the movement of goods from manufacture to end user, by land sea and air. The company that I was employed by was an international conglomerate, it meant that I travelled a great deal. Western European countries, The Middle East, mostly Saudi Arabia and North America. It sounds glamorous but there comes a time when you just can't face one more departure lounge.

My last position in that company was the head honcho of the distribution centre of one of the UK's leading supermarkets. Eventually the city traders saw big bucks in the break up of that conglomerate, and, following the passing of it's CEO, that's exactly what happened. By then I was in my early fifties and like so many others, out you go.

It was an opportunity that I took to start up on my own, a year later my brother joined me and we never looked back, even a couple of serious bad debts just bounced off of us. Eventually there came a time when my brother wanted out. He was looking forward to reducing his golf handicap. We took the decision to sell up. I was 64 and retired. It lasted 18 months, try as I might I just couldn't settle into retirement. Salvation came when one of my former clients called, completely out of the blue. They wanted an experienced manager, but only for a couple of days a week, that was definitely for me.

I've been there for a few years now and the two days a week have become first three and then four and in a few weeks time it will be five. It may sound sad, especially to those retired and loving it, or to those in a job where Monday always seems to come round quicker than Friday. But to me, keeping the balls in the air is just the best stimulus ever. My commute is a ten minute walk and my working day will be nine am to four pm. My Missus has given me her blessing, and I have given her my promise, no more 12 to 14 hour days. I couldn't be happier.

 

[belfastboy]

The Lounge was, or still is, great therapy for getting used to retirement. My wife, having served 30 years in our National Health Service, loves the fact that she no longer lives to the call of the clock. She can lose herself in her cabin creating bespoke clothes, many of which are for your's truly. Regrettably I never learned any sort of creative skill, however, I do have a love of literature, everything from Shakespeare to Twain. Reading has always been my preference.

My work was in what is known as the logistics industry. That's the movement of goods from manufacture to end user, by land sea and air. The company that I was employed by was an international conglomerate, it meant that I travelled a great deal. Western European countries, The Middle East, mostly Saudi Arabia and North America. It sounds glamorous but there comes a time when you just can't face one more departure lounge.

My last position in that company was the head honcho of the distribution centre of one of the UK's leading supermarkets. Eventually the city traders saw big bucks in the break up of that conglomerate, and, following the passing of it's CEO, that's exactly what happened. By then I was in my early fifties and like so many others, out you go.

It was an opportunity that I took to start up on my own, a year later my brother joined me and we never looked back, even a couple of serious bad debts just bounced off of us. Eventually there came a time when my brother wanted out. He was looking forward to reducing his golf handicap. We took the decision to sell up. I was 64 and retired. It lasted 18 months, try as I might I just couldn't settle into retirement. Salvation came when one of my former clients called, completely out of the blue. They wanted an experienced manager, but only for a couple of days a week, that was definitely for me.

I've been there for a few years now and the two days a week have become first three and then four and in a few weeks time it will be five. It may sound sad, especially to those retired and loving it, or to those in a job where Monday always seems to come round quicker than Friday. But to me, keeping the balls in the air is just the best stimulus ever. My commute is a ten minute walk and my working day will be nine am to four pm. My Missus has given me her blessing, and I have given her my promise, no more 12 to 14 hour days. I couldn't be happier.

I worked til I was 69 and retirement was bittersweet. It was time as the work had a physical component which I loved but the toll was getting too great and my standards started to slip. In my fatigue I found myself accepting 'good enough' too often and to me that was a signal it was time. But I love to work, and I loved this particular job. There are days that I miss at least some aspects of it. But the positive affect is that it has pushed me into other endeavours...such as hat making. And as the shop is in my garage the commute is waaaay better.

 

[glider]

If you were a basically a happy person when you were working then you will be in retirement also, the reverse is also true. I think we need something our someplace to work for, could be a part time job or volunteer work or even a workout routine but some reason to get up dress and go somewhere. I have a part time job and I enjoy the interaction with other people. I would say that I really don't need the money but I sure don't have any problem spending it. On the whole I highly recommend retirement.

 

[scottyrocks]

I retired but went back work full time, but in a totally different industry. The main difference is the complete absence of stress. It's great.

I need to be somewhere, on a schedule, more than occasionally.

I started out there wearing fedoras, but I was getting them dirty too often, mainly by bumping into a low greasy rack (naptha and I have become very close). I've taken to wearing ball caps until I figure out which of my fedoras is going to be the sacrificial work hat.

 

[Zombie_61]

...I started out there wearing fedoras, but I was getting them dirty too often, mainly by bumping into a low greasy rack (naptha and I have become very close). I've taken to wearing ball caps until I figure out which of my fedoras is going to be the sacrificial work hat.

I made an attempt to go back to work late last year. It only lasted 7 months (October 2019 to April 2020) because I was lied to about the job, but it was rather dirty warehouse work (a distributor of industrial strength cleaning supplies, ironically). My solution was to buy a few cheap flat caps on Amazon, so when they got dirty or possibly damaged I wouldn't care much. I still have them because I didn't work there long enough for them to experience the level of filth or damage I expected.

 

[Silver-Wolf]

I enjoyed retirement until you get bored and then the challenge is in finding things that interest you, keep you busy and alive. 3+ decades since I stopped working and retired and to be honest I really miss the normal work gig lol. Mind you, long as you find something interesting and learn something new each day your doing a-ok in my books!

I'm silver 'n grey wit a lil bit O' white (ok alot of white lol) but still taking name 'n kicking asses. "n styling with a lid while I do it!~

Cheers Wolf.

 

[belfastboy]

If you were a basically a happy person when you were working then you will be in retirement also, the reverse is also true. I think we need something our someplace to work for, could be a part time job or volunteer work or even a workout routine but some reason to get up dress and go somewhere. I have a part time job and I enjoy the interaction with other people. I would say that I really don't need the money but I sure don't have any problem spending it. On the whole I highly recommend retirement.

Yes, I fully agree. While I do miss many aspects of work I do have zero regrets. I left when it was time to go and I have developed another life....one that I love as much as i loved my working life. Having the freedom to do whatever and whenever makes for a stress free life. Most days in the Covid restricted life of today is spent in my shop making, repairing hats. I usually have one or two or three on the go. Will work on one for a bit then take a break and watch a recorded ball game on the TV in my shop....then do a bit more. Maybe take a real break for a nap or go for a bike ride. When the Covid thing settles down some we will resume our 3-4 months travel each year. Life truly is good

 

[GHT]

One blessing that I can vouch for when working at an age when retirement is the norm. The amnesia fairy doesn't recognise you. You are off to work everyday so you are, more or less, left alone.

I jest of course, but the point is, I thought of starting a retirement thread and member's plans for that time. Then I remembered this thread, and although it's a case of blowing my own trumpet, I was quite impressed given that the last post here was four years ago.

Have we got any new retirees or anyone approaching retirement? Any plans? My wife and I were at one of the UK's heritage railways, so called because small sections of railway were bought and run by volunteers when about a third of our rail network was shut down in the 1960's.

The number of volunteers at that heritage railway that were retired railway workers just struck me. Not as odd but so often, working in retirement, is seen as preparing to be the richest corpse in the cemetery. These people were doing, what they have done, all their working lives. Only now they are doing it for free.

What it gives them of course, is friendship and camaraderie, a purpose in their life, a reason to get out of bed for and a structure that makes retirement worthwhile. Good luck to them I applaud that.

 

[Rmccamey]

My "days to retirement" clock is at 115 and I'm looking forward. The downside is I have an aging mother to care for. The upside is more free time to spend with the kids and grandkids. I've developed hobbies over my life and it will be fun to devote a lot more time enjoying those activities.

Time >> Money

 

[belfastboy]

My retirement was brief. My hatting 'hobby' has morphed into a full time business that I work 5 to 6 days a week. Our interest in travel has waned and post Covid we have not returned to it save for a two week vacation each year. We sold our motorhome and having travelled the world in our younger years there are but a few destinations that interest us enough to endure airplane travel. Life is good.

 

[RickP]

In 2014 I was happily working my tail off as an IT guy... then I had a massive stroke. Took 6 months to relearn that pesky talking and walking without teetering over thing. I toughed it out for another 3 1/2 yrs, but working IT with 1/2 a brain functioning was a chore. I retained everything I once knew, but had serious trouble picking up new things (IT industry is one big new thing after another) I was fortunate that the county I worked for had a good retirement plan and I was able to take an early retirement in 2019. Had to settle for a little less money but I have no stress and no regrets. Knowing it was coming, I spent the last few years working hard to pay off every bill I had. Comfortably live-able income, no bills and no stress. My whole world sort of revolves around the dog, mowing the grass, the gym, the coffee shop, hats, and generally doing only things I WANT to

 

[Mcox47]

Been retired since March of 2023 and I highly recommend it as a lifestyle. Told myself I would take 6 months to do nothing before jumping into anything new. Turns out "doing nothing" is the right answer.

Done some light traveling and got myself a British convertible to drive and tinker with. Still have a sedan so the wife stays happy.

Get to wear my small collection of hats more now than when I was working. I don't leave the house without one, even to just mess around in the yard.

 

[GHT]

My "days to retirement" clock is at 115 and I'm looking forward. The downside is I have an aging mother to care for. The upside is more free time to spend with the kids and grandkids. I've developed hobbies over my life and it will be fun to devote a lot more time enjoying those activities.

Time >> Money

Tina, my wife, whom I speak of so often that most Loungers all but know her, albeit by proxy. The lady has a purpose built cabin where she makes our clothes as well as soft furnishings for our home. It's a hobby that she has always enjoyed.

My retirement was brief. My hatting 'hobby' has morphed into a full time business that I work 5 to 6 days a week. Our interest in travel has waned and post Covid we have not returned to it save for a two week vacation each year. We sold our motorhome and having travelled the world in our younger years there are but a few destinations that interest us enough to endure airplane travel. Life is good.

Good for you, I am glad that life is good for you. When I treated Tina to her cabin I did say that there's to be no selling. She has done a few bridal gowns and bridesmaid's dresses, that was stressful enough, but sales and customer headaches, she can do without, especially those caused by outside influences like damaged by delivery companies, or worse, lost.

In 2014 I was happily working my tail off as an IT guy... then I had a massive stroke. Took 6 months to relearn that pesky talking and walking without teetering over thing. I toughed it out for another 3 1/2 yrs, but working IT with 1/2 a brain functioning was a chore. I retained everything I once knew, but had serious trouble picking up new things (IT industry is one big new thing after another) I was fortunate that the county I worked for had a good retirement plan and I was able to take an early retirement in 2019. Had to settle for a little less money but I have no stress and no regrets. Knowing it was coming, I spent the last few years working hard to pay off every bill I had. Comfortably live-able income, no bills and no stress. My whole world sort of revolves around the dog, mowing the grass, the gym, the coffee shop, hats, and generally doing only things I WANT to

Rick, what a tale you have to share, so sorry to hear of your stroke. You will see from my reply to the last two posts that I mention Tina, my wife. Had we lived in your neighbourhood, chances are that you could have met at the dreadful time of your stroke. In her working life Tina was a paramedic in the ambulance service. It meant more to her than just being a job. She could have worked for one of the big fashion houses but she has always had a dedication to others.
So to you Sir, just as I told my lady, enjoy your retirement, go where the whim takes you and treasure each day, for none of us know how many days are left.

 

[Rmccamey]

Although not a top priority, we are looking forward to some travel in the coming years. Return visits to Ireland, Scotland, Italy and Germany are on our list. And, for some unexplained reason, I have always wanted to see the white cliffs of Dover.

There is still much for us to explore in north America, however. Colorado this fall, the northeast U.S. for the fall foliage in '25, perhaps the Canadian Rockies the following year...Alaska at some point. We spend several weeks each year in the mountains of New Mexico, and it will be nice to go on vacation and not have to worry about "being back in the office Monday morning".

Above all, I think little league baseball, dance recitals, and junior livestock shows with the grandkids will be the best part of retirement. Kids grow up mighty fast these days. My father did not live long enough to see very much of his grandchildren and I suppose I'm wanting to make up for some of the things he didn't get to see.

My retirement was brief. My hatting 'hobby' has morphed into a full time business that I work 5 to 6 days a week. Our interest in travel has waned and post Covid we have not returned to it save for a two week vacation each year. We sold our motorhome and having travelled the world in our younger years there are but a few destinations that interest us enough to endure airplane travel. Life is good.