Special day

smfcpacfp · Apr 29, 2008

I am retiring today after 32 years as a university professor (teaching income taxes in the college of business). As a matter of fact, I am composing this while giving my last exam - 5,000+ class sessions and 6,000+ students over those years. It is only my second real job (first as CPA for a big firm for 5 years (Arthur Andersen in NYC)). My health is good, my finances are set and hopefully I will have a good dozen years or so at age 60.

It has been a good job in a great location, but it is a job and after 32 years I have had enough fun doing it. Admittedly teaching income taxes has not been easy, and some of the students think that I am 鍍oo hard? but I have somehow managed to survive and prosper despite the criticism. My employer has failed to find a replacement despite a year of effort, and I did give them an option to employee me on a limited basis, but I really hope they find a replacement.

After this it will be more traveling and greater pursuit of my two new avocations (SCUBA diving and kayaking) with my wife. Perhaps I can also make a meaningful contribution as a volunteer doing something, but certainly use my tractor more!

Phils · Apr 29, 2008

Congratulations Steve!

That's a long time doing one thing. You are obligated to make up for that now.

Phil

bigshovel · Apr 29, 2008

Good for you!!! May your retirement be enjoyable, filled with fun and good health.

Brad

kenmac · Apr 29, 2008

you've made all that money. Now, it's time to enjoy it. Congrads.

smfcpacfp · Apr 30, 2008

Thanks to all for the words of encouragement.

I have at least one memory from the day I graduated from undergraduate school. It was a beautiful summer day in June in Ohio and I had to take my cap and gown back to the bookstore. Rather than getting a ride with my family I decided to take a long walk back by myself. I guess I was a little melancholy and thought to myself, this last four years was great, and now I have 40 years of working ahead of me.

Well that 40 year period is finally over.

jinman · Apr 30, 2008

Lots of us are approaching retirement. I have 1-1/2 years to be able to retire at the SSI minimum age of 62. I'm also retired from the US Navy and my wife has a city municipal retirement. With those and our savings, we hope to be financially secure with only my working part-time or not at all. It's a big step and you should be proud of doing it at a relatively young age. I don't understand those who work into their 70s and become disabled before they retire. I know situations are different, but I don't want to work until I die. I hope you have the time to become thoroughly tired of having fun. ...not likely.

Congratulations!

You could always do tax prep a few months out of each year. We have a good friend who sets up an office only from Feb-April and makes a nice income just doing tax prep. The rest of the time, she and her husband build farm fences all over N. Texas. He's a retired fireman.

ronjhall · Apr 30, 2008

Congratulations on your retirement.
I have been retired since August 2004.
Couldn't be happier. We bought a Motorhome in 2006 and spend some of the winter months traveling in warmer weather. One of the best benefits is visiting TBN members. Hope you get out and travel. Look up some of the members here on TBN. They are the nicest people.

Egon · Apr 30, 2008

Retirement; isn't that the time of life when you really start working??

MossRoad · Apr 30, 2008

Congratulations!

I just crossed the hump.... 21 done and 20 to go!

ToadHill · Apr 30, 2008

I know how you feel I've retired 3 times and this time I think it's for real. With your background if your looking for something to do after 8 months or so, get in touch with the local aarp they offer a great program for retirees to help seniors with their taxes.

dooleysm · Apr 30, 2008

All you old guys enjoy your retirement, us young guys will keep working to support social security

czechsonofagun · Apr 30, 2008

Good for you!!! Enjoy your free time

wjoerob · May 1, 2008

You have been abundantly blessed. Don't ever think you did all that time and work on your own. Who gave you each day's breath, and the opportunity to earn an income in the work of your choice? Now consider giving some time and energy back -- look into short-term mission trips or volunteer work. Ask the pastor at your local church what needs they have. Who gave us this idea of "retirement" meaning to sit and rust away?

scott_vt · May 1, 2008

smfcpacfp said:
My health is good, my finances are set and hopefully I will have a good dozen years or so at age 60.

Good Mornin Steve,
First congrats on your big lifestyle change !!! Im in semi-retirement at 57 and enjoying the heck out of it, why just this mornin I slept in till 7 am !

I had every intention on working until 62 but Pitney Bowes felt that I needed to retire early, and after 35 years as a toolmaker/modelmaker we packed it in !

I havent looked back, and other than loseing my machining capability,albiet temporarily, its been great ! I honestly think your going to scratch your head and ask yourself where all your extra time is going, your surely will be kept busy ! Enjoy !

smfcpacfp · May 2, 2008

wjoerob said:
You have been abundantly blessed. Don't ever think you did all that time and work on your own. Who gave you each day's breath, and the opportunity to earn an income in the work of your choice? Now consider giving some time and energy back -- look into short-term mission trips or volunteer work. Ask the pastor at your local church what needs they have. Who gave us this idea of "retirement" meaning to sit and rust away?

I couldn't agree more. I do feel very fortunate and I will give back, but there also seems like a lot of things that I have always wanted to do, just around the house and property that need doing, especially tractor projects. any way, I intend to do both.

AlanB · May 2, 2008

That is cool!

I hope it is all you want it too be.

I still want you to fix the link on the bottom of your motorcycle page that say's the best wheelie, have to see if it is someone I know

Kyle_in_Tex · May 2, 2008

I just came across this thread. Congrats on the retirement! Hope they find a replacement.

I've heard many a story of cabin fever and I've been seeing you folks getting plenty of your share of wintry weather. Any plans to thaw out during the long winters? I like Ron's idea of the RV. He and his wife visited us (along with TxDon and his wife) last year. He showed me his new high speed mobile internet connection for his laptop.

Maybe you could chase the AMA flat track circuit around? I am anxiously awaiting the super moto AMA race hosted in Austin I think this November 1st.

I'm 47 and have two young children. Late bloomer. Although I wouldn't change a thing, I will probably have to work into my late 60's to be able to retire.

P.S. I have cherry tomatoes that are turning orange and should be pickable in a couple more days.

smfcpacfp · May 3, 2008

Kyle_in_Tex said:
I just came across this thread. Congrats on the retirement! Hope they find a replacement.

I've heard many a story of cabin fever and I've been seeing you folks getting plenty of your share of wintry weather. Any plans to thaw out during the long winters? I like Ron's idea of the RV. He and his wife visited us (along with TxDon and his wife) last year. He showed me his new high speed mobile internet connection for his laptop.

Maybe you could chase the AMA flat track circuit around? I am anxiously awaiting the super moto AMA race hosted in Austin I think this November 1st.

I'm 47 and have two young children. Late bloomer. Although I wouldn't change a thing, I will probably have to work into my late 60's to be able to retire.

P.S. I have cherry tomatoes that are turning orange and should be pickable in a couple more days.

Truth be told, I really like the winters. We plan to take a few winter SCUBA diving trips throughout the winter to warm climates. My mother-in-law has a 32' RV which we took on a trip a few years ago, but I don't think we could do it regularly on long trips.

You know, I haven't been to a flat track race in 10 years, nor have I paid much attention to it for a while, but it is still my favorite form of motorsport racing. Maybe I should go to one this year - good idea.

KennethBrown · May 4, 2008

Congrats Steve. As a downside now you'll have to find somebody else to host your pics. Small price to be able to do what you want for sure. I've been off for almost 3 weeks now with a new baby and I am ready to go back to work but hate the thought at the same time.