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Post by Sunkist on Jun 13, 2023 22:35:08 GMT -5
Does anyone here think there's anything bad, wrong, or negative about retiring at age 65? (or, more accurately, 65 3/4 ?) Seems individuals in this area think if a person isn't employed til they die they're just a lazy bum who doesn't want to work. If I don't take action to get steady income VERY soon, I won't have a place to live for very long.
First, I've been in one specific line of work for more than 16 years.. but the entire field is almost entirely gone due to AI. For around a year or so, clients have been using AI instead of hiring us. I've had no work since January, and trying to keep my bills paid by doing little online surveys for around 50 cents apiece.
Second, I'm 100% totally burnt-out exhausted.
As I don't have anyone "IRL" to ask, I thought I'd ask opinions of members here.
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Post by 2old on Jun 14, 2023 6:14:50 GMT -5
Retire when you can, financially, and when your mental health needs it!! If you wait until 65 3/4 and can draw full SSA benefits, take advantage of that as long as it does not effect your health.
Good friend retired at 62. They had put back enough so the minimum amount one could make did not effect their financial ability to pay bills. OTOH, I worked until 70. Enjoyed my job. Needed the financial security of the larger SSA benefits by working the additional years.
Nobody can tell you when to retire. You need to make that decision on your own. A financial advisor will usually counsel you free and look at what is best financially. But, it's better to be living hand to mouth... and sleep at night than to have a few more dollars/month and end up with health issues because of pushing yourself in a high pressure situation.
Good luck with whatever decision you make!
Hint: Once retired, don't "recline and decline". Get involved with community, etc. to have something get you out of bed and communicating with people. Have know to many who retire and in a few short years have "rotted" away.
Also... just remember, you have to grow old but you never have to grow up!!! Have fun! Enjoy life! Do the things that make you laugh, even if things you might not have entertained while working. We never know if tomorrow will be there so find a way to enjoy today!!!
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Post by formerlyme on Jul 3, 2023 14:42:49 GMT -5
Sunkist, if you are exhausted and burnt-out, I think you should retire the minute you can afford to. If you should need to supplement retirement income, you could look for a part-time job in a stress-free environment to tide you over. There is no shame in early retirement; it's often the best choice. Your health matters! I was totally drained and stressed beyond belief after 29 years working in government. When they wanted to cut staff numbers, they offered decent early retirement packages to those 50+ years of age with enough years of service. I grabbed that opportunity, retired just shy of my 52nd birthday, with enough to survive financially with my enhanced government pension package. It's one of the best decisions I ever made!
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Post by birdgal on Jul 3, 2023 16:20:21 GMT -5
As long as you can afford, financially and emotionally to retire now why not?
I worked for a company that offered full retirement if you had 30 years of service. I retired at age 50. I got my full pension and started a small business. I was and still am extremely grateful to be able to have done that.
Good luck with whatever decision you make. Enjoy your retirement. You deserve it!
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