General question : Retired or not?

[wcampbell47]

June 1st I moved from full time to part time with the corporation at my own suggestion. With recent reduction in force events the corp was all for the move. Recently attained the 62 marker. My 401k, which was never large, is not what it was at one time. The wife still works full time and will for a while.

We have 1.5 acres on a creek that feeds into the Gulf of Mexico. I am 4 miles by boat to the Intracoastal Waterway which gives me access to lots of water. I use the B7510 for gardening and projects around the house. Saves the back and lots of other muscles.

This past spring I tilled several gardens with the 7510. Hope to continue that in the fall as well as do a few mowing jobs or spread dirt. As long as I work part time I make too much money to draw SS, at least until I'm 66. It will be a bit tight until then. I'm loving my 4 days at Creekside.

 

[Ozark Hollow]

Thanks Don,

And a similar thank you to you.

 

[RichT]

Interesting thread, especially for us "more experienced" folks. I just turned 61 myself, been retired for a little over 2yrs. Worked for Dept of Defense (Naval Surface to Air Missile Systems) for about 37yrs. Great job, retired as GS15 Dept Head. I love this forum, a lot of smart folks.

Started out with a little Kubota BX22, then graduated to a B26. Have about an acre in Southern California near Riverside. I'm restoring a 70 Road Runner convertible. Of late I've decided to pursue a long time interest, buy a cabin cruiser boat and hang out on Lake Mead. Heres a pic of the one I'm in pursuit of.

 

[jinman]

Interesting thread, especially for us "more experienced" folks. I just turned 61 myself, been retired for a little over 2yrs. Worked for Dept of Defense (Naval Surface to Air Missile Systems) for about 37yrs. Great job, retired as GS15 Dept Head. I love this forum, a lot of smart folks.

Rich, I was disability retired from the US Navy, but my specialty was the MK76 Weapons System, and most of my experience was on the old SPG-55 radar system. I was a weapons system chief when I retired and would have stayed in that profession, but it would have required me to stay on either coast. I wanted to return to Texas. Of course, here aviation is king, so that's what I made my career. I envy you the career you had because I dearly loved that job and technology.

 

[HarleyScooter]

I started working in the local steel mill at 18, by 19 we had our first child two years later our second. Family stuff kept us busy and me working a lot of overtime, I told my wife we would get to play on the other end. So planning for that for most of the next 30 years I retired 8-1/2 years ago at age 48. The first year I fished and worked around the house, in 2002 we bought a new Harley Ultra and started touring the country in late 2004 we traded it with 40,000 miles on a new 2005 Ultra that now has 47,000 miles, we have seen and experienced so much. I really liked riding the west coast 101 from Washington to the big redwoods of northern California. We have slowed down some on the touring mainly because of our two grandkids they are great. I spend most of my spare time helping our kids out, working on the yard, and making stuff for the tractor. In the winter I plow snow for the neighborhood, about 19 houses, we have a lot of older couples and single or widowed women living around us, I try to help were I can and I never charge any of them. Although I do not turn down any of the home made sweets that are offered, LOL. I guess what I am trying to say is I really enjoy retirement, I do not regret retiring at a early, and I was able to keep my promise to my wife.
Scott

 

[firefighter jim]

At age 49, I decided that life is too short and decided to "go for the gusto" and retire. I was fortunate in that with my job I was able to take a retirement at a fairly early age. In Ohio, policeman and firefighters can retire as early as 48. I've never looked back since although at times I have missed the job and the guys I used to work with. Next month it will be 10 years since I hung up my helmet for good! My wife (whom was married to a fallen policeman) and I have a cozy home high on a hill in the country on 11 acres whom we share with our dog and 4 cats and I've got to tell you, "Life is Good". If you can swing it, retire and smell the roses. Jim

 

[Bird]

Jim, I retired 10 days before I turned 49. In Dallas, police officers and firemen used to have to be 50 to draw a pension, but it was changed so they could go as early as 45, but of course, there was a little reduction in the pension for each month that you went prior to age 50. But I'm a little older than you. I retired 20 years ago last January.

 

[FxdGrMind]

Not retired yet, but have a 18-24 month plan to get out at 45 ish. My family medical history if full of early entry to the ever after, so I'm taking what I have left and making the best of it while I can. Slowly working on 5 acres, making the little farm, helping out neighbors and keeping the common road smooth. No money, but I accept sweets =)

I don't need much, so if I manage things well, all will work out. The farm will keep me busy. Granted If I manage things better, there is a sail boat trip I'd like to take. Buy a used rental in BVI... through the Panama Canal and up the coast continuing to Alaska and back to the PNW... put the sail boat up for sale and then fully retire on the farm with fond memories.

 

[firefighter jim]

Jim, I retired 10 days before I turned 49. In Dallas, police officers and firemen used to have to be 50 to draw a pension, but it was changed so they could go as early as 45, but of course, there was a little reduction in the pension for each month that you went prior to age 50. But I'm a little older than you. I retired 20 years ago last January.

Bird, Time goes quick doesn t it. Probably seems like yesterday when you left the police dept. Hope that you re enjoying your retirement and that "Life is Good" for you and yours. Jim

 

[RichT]

Rich, I was disability retired from the US Navy, but my specialty was the MK76 Weapons System, and most of my experience was on the old SPG-55 radar system. I was a weapons system chief when I retired and would have stayed in that profession, but it would have required me to stay on either coast. I wanted to return to Texas. Of course, here aviation is king, so that's what I made my career. I envy you the career you had because I dearly loved that job and technology.

Jim, I remember the Mk76, a good system IIRC. And the spig55 Terrier Fire Control Radar. I was mostly a Tartar guy, then SM-1. Worked a lot on the Tartar Digital System, then early AEGIS.