Still working, sorta. I have what we call the best paying part time job in the world. Certified Power System Operator for electric transmission utility. We work 12hr rotating shifts that average 40hrs/wk. Some weeks it is 84hrs, others it is 0. So for every two days worked, it's an additional day off from a normal working stiffs schedule. There are a number of 8hr days scattered into the schedule to allow time for training, vacations and holidays. We can, or sometimes must, move the 8hr days anywhere in the year to accommodate training needs. Training requirements are about 12 days a year, staff meetings another 12 days.
After 31 years at the local utility and 5 years at the current company I get 30 days vacation and 10 holidays. As we work rotation shift we work any holidays that fall on shift and only get the holiday off if it is scheduled on one of the 8hr days. Remaining holidays are scheduled like vacation days. Vacation cannot be taken on any 12hr shift day, however we can trade among ourselves if we need shift days off. Bosses don't care how we cover shifts as long as someone is there to fill the chair, not working two shifts, 24hrs straight, is about the only restriction.
Right now the work schedule is great as by the time I get sore from working at home it is time to go back to work where I can recover.
Funny this question came up now as DW and I just met with our retirement planner. I could retire now at 59-1/2 but $ would be a bit tighter than I want. If I retire at 62 my after tax cash would be about 1k per month higher than my current take home, not counting Social Security. Mostly because the drop off of retirement savings and a lower tax rate. I have been very blessed, had some good luck and made some good decisions along the way. The luck probably being the bigger component.
I am also blessed as because of how I was hired, classed as "Founding Employee" a hiring sweetener was that, in retirement, I will pay the same as an active employee for health insurance. Big bonus.
It is a good job with great co-workers and I am inclined, with time off the schedule allows, to keep working past 62. However the spouse vote will be to retire. Gotta keep Momma happy. Perhaps I can split a job with another co-worker in the same situation. The company would probably consider this as they are facing a real boomer skills job crunch in the next five years.
Also voting for retirement is my list of projects and other things I want to do, but I sure enjoy my work. It is the biggest video game in the world. We facetiously say it is us vs the power marketers, if the lights stay on, we won.
