Dumbest question you'll ever read...

[Hakim]

Re: Dumbest question you\'ll ever read...

Actually some may think I have spoken ill of an American institution: The Rocking Chair. I LOVE rocking chairs, and we have a couple of favorites, which almost every does.

My father actually belonged to the "Sittin', Starin' and Rockin's Chair Club" back in the 50's. I thought it was a joke, but apparently not. I came across a book about the founder and his club. It seems there is a lot of lore about that sacred seat, plus many therapeutic benefits.

"Saxe, Thomas E. Jr. Sittin', Starin' 'N' Rockin'. New York; Hawthorne Books:1969. A different rocking chair book. "Uncle Tom Saxe" started the "Sittin' Starin' n' Rockin' Club" to practice, promote and develop the techniques of doing just that on "the most therapeutic article of furniture ever invented." This is the story of the club and its members, including a former President, broadcasters, aviators, and more. Also pictures of members and their favorite chairs in caverns, in front of the Taj Mahal and the Sphinx, and much, much more! Inscribed "Keep Rockin'! -Uncle Tom Saxe". 6"x8.5", 166 pages, b&w illustrations, dj. [21173] $40.00 "

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[Golfgar4]

Re: Dumbest question you\'ll ever read...

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The idea that I would quit everything I do now, to join the "sittin', starin' and rockin' chair club" is a day I hope never comes.
)</font>

I agree with that statement 100% Hakim. To me, it means that a person should stay busy and productive. I couldn't stand it if I was just was sitting around all day! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

But by retiring early, I'll have the opportuntiy to do all the things I want to do at my own discretion . Not only do I want to expand the businesses that I mentioned, but there are other things I want to do. I want to become active in a retired men's group at our church that not only work on projects as a group at our church, but volunteer their services to organizations like Habitiat for Humanity, or the community garden plots, or our wonderful Rotary Gardens.

And yes, I want to play golf whenever I choose before I won't be able to anymore.

I view retirement as a whole new phase in my life where I have control and make all the decisions, good or bad. As I mentioned earlier, I feel that I've put my time in for everyone else up to this point, and by golly, it's my time now! And I'm going to enjoy myself - if I'm not too tired from being so busy!! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[B7500]

Re: Dumbest question you\'ll ever read...

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I feel that I've put my time in for everyone else up to this point, and by golly, it's my time now! And I'm going to enjoy myself)</font>

Very well said!!
-Terry

 

[DaveNH]

Re: Dumbest question you\'ll ever read...

Ok, I'll second with Egon. Stay untill it's no fun.
Although my situation was a little bit different - forced vs volunteered
At first it was great, plenty of time, the summer off, hunted every day
of the deer season, etc etc.

But I miss the social interactions. (I managed a team of 16 engineers.)
It was hard going from 100 conversations a day down to 1 long one with a four year old! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[B7500]

Re: Dumbest question you\'ll ever read...

Dave,
I'm afraid Retirement is kinda like the "grass is greener" type thing. Wonderful, exciting to fantasize about when it's down the road but the actual reality of it may be something else.
My waffling about this massive decision is just like the responses I've been getting. Either go for it or don't. Unfortunately, there is no in between. Too bad in the whole work world environment one couldn't just go from full time to part time for a while to ease into retirement.
Thanks for your input.
-Terry

 

[frank_f15]

Re: Dumbest question you\'ll ever read...

very good topic for post> i am 61 and my co. is closing our operation, so i guess i am being forced to retire, but was planning on do so anyhow this comming. jan. pensoin ain't that great, but i wil be ok. i am looking forward to not going into work everyday. u have to make the decision on retireing.. for me it is a no brainer, i don't mind working, i just don't cherish GOING TO WORK. ther is a difference. good luck in your decesion and please keep us informed.

 

[Golfgar4]

Re: Dumbest question you\'ll ever read...

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Too bad in the whole work world environment one couldn't just go from full time to part time for a while to ease into retirement.
)</font>

Actually Terry, that's not so far from the truth! /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

In our organization, almost everyone that retires has the option of working part time in some other department. Right now, we have one retired police officer that works half days in our municipal building as a Technical Services (maintenance) employee, another retired officer that works half days in our Assessor's department, a retired Operations director that works as a consultant for our engineering department, and a few Operations (DPW) guys that work part time at our landfill.

Certainly our organization doesn't guarantee anyone that is retiring some kind of part time position. But we like to hire them because they're already familiar with the organization and they earned a certain amount of loyalty from the employer.

So maybe a talk with your Human Resources department or your department head might prove useful. You might just be able to </font><font color="blue" class="small">( have your cake and eat it too! )</font> /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[bigpete]

Re: Dumbest question you\'ll ever read...

Quite frankly, I've got a lot of stuff I need to get done and my job just keeps gettin' in the way! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Re: Dumbest question you\'ll ever read...

Terry,

I just turned 49 and have no plans for retirement at any time. I like what I do. I'm sure if I 'retired' I'd be busy anyhow so I'm not worried about getting bored. I just like doing what I do and can't quite imagine what else I'd rather do.

One thing I'll mention to you has to do with your marital status. My parents were married forever when my Dad retired at age 62. My Mom has never, ever been one to have an unkind or untoward word about anyone or anything BUT, after my Dad was retired for a few months I was over at their house one day and she said something I'll never forget.

"You know, it's kind of hard to believe that I kept and managed this house for all these years and for all that time I've been doing everything wrong." When I asked her what she meant she told me that Dad was now there all day to 'supervise' and it was about driving her crazy. "I love him but I don't know how much longer I can put up with this. I don't vacuum the right way. I don't dust the right way..."

It was then that I decided to hire Dad to work for me. That was an interesting role change in and of itself, but it worked out fine.

Just make sure you're not underfoot at home if you're married and your wife is used to the way things are. Your retirement shouldn't become a second job for her. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Golfgar4]

Re: Dumbest question you\'ll ever read...

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Just make sure you're not underfoot at home if you're married and your wife is used to the way things are. Your retirement shouldn't become a second job for her. )</font>

Excellent observation and comments Gary! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Couldn't agree with you more! That's another reason I want to have all of those other activities! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif