Poll-- Who is already retired?

[traineeinvestor]

We have this one: It's one of the extra smilies that you can see if you hit "More" under the smilies.

Thanks - I needed that.

 

[ziggy29]

Never, ever, EVER going to become a wage slave again, even if it was the end of the world.

Yeah, but are you really a "slave" if you're financially independent to the point where you can tell 'em to shove it if sucks or they give you a bunch of crap? To me, it's the FI aspect of it that is the key liberating force.

 

[jimnjana]

Not working, but have never ruled out going back to something that I enjoy doing eventually, or maybe not, because I really enjoy what I'm doing now. Being a VITA volunteer makes me realize how much I also enjoy helping people. Not sure if that could lead to a job down the road or just more volunteering.

 

[W2R]

Yeah, but are you really a "slave" if you're financially independent to the point where you can tell 'em to shove it if sucks or they give you a bunch of crap? To me, it's the FI aspect of it that is the key liberating force.

Well, then it's consensual enslavement and while that's different from the true semi-enslavement of work, there's something just a wee bit kinky about that, from my perspective. Nope! I'm not going to work FOR anybody, for wages, ever again. There is not going to be any "them" to whom I can say "shove it".

But then bear in mind that I'm newly retired, and just tasted freedom in recent weeks, and perhaps a bit wildly enthusiastic....

 

[jdw_fire]

Well, it's your poll, so your definition.

In my opinion I'd call it "retired" if you are financially independent to the point where the FIRE numbers still work even without a part-time income -- in other words, you're still semi-w*rking because you *want* to and not because you *have* to.

FI doesnt equal RE (or retired for that matter)! FI describes a persons financial life whereas retired describes a persons working life; past, present and future intent. let me explain the work life part: past in that the person has to have worked or said person cant be retired; presently cant be working; and must have the intent that they arent going to be working in the future, otherwise they are just unemployed or on sabbatical. of course it helps to be FI if you want to be retired.

Yeah, but are you really a "slave" if you're financially independent to the point where you can tell 'em to shove it if sucks or they give you a bunch of crap? To me, it's the FI aspect of it that is the key liberating force.

yes FI can be the liberating force but if you dont stop working, you arent liberated

 

[W2R]

yes FI can be the liberating force but if you dont stop working, you arent liberated

But wait, if you are truly liberated then can't you choose to work if you want to? Now I am arguing Ziggy's side. These questions are so complex.

Oh well. I just know that I am retired and I am very happy about that fact.

 

[ziggy29]

yes FI can be the liberating force but if you dont stop working, you arent liberated

I disagree. If you are working because you like it AND you are financially free to leave it at any time if you no longer want to do it, that is not any kind of "enslavement." One could certainly say it's not "retirement," but it's not like you are bound to your job by the desperate need for more paychecks.

 

[Boxkicker]

What about this...

1) Retired Military

2) Coach Basketball and Baseball for 3 hours max per day (November-Apr)

3) Part-Time work at local golf course 10 hours max per week (Nov-Apr)

4) Part-Time work at local golf course 30 hours max per week (May-Oct)

I don't consider any of this "work"...It is more of a fun thing to do to make money.

 

[travelover]

I may need to revote. One of the little ole ladies that I plowed snow for (gratis) slipped a $20 bill into my mailbox.

 

[Moemg]

The problem is retirement is as long or longer than our working lives . We all need ways to fill that time and if it's volunteer work , a hobby, travel,a sport , dancing , writing ,browsing museums or a part time job kudos to all of us who successfully fill our time and lead productive lives for many years and none of the choices should be looked down on IMHO ! They are all just ways to fill up time Happily !

 

[bbbamI]

Who is already retired?

...and here I thought it was a simple and direct question...silly me...

 

[Cruisinthru]

I am already into my fifth year of retirement. I highly recommend it to everyone!

 

[Goonie]

...........Nope! I'm not going to work FOR anybody, for wages, ever again. There is not going to be any "them" to whom I can say "shove it".

But then bear in mind that I'm newly retired, and just tasted freedom in recent weeks, and perhaps a bit wildly enthusiastic....

The only one for me to tell "shove it" is, um.....me! And it's gonna stay dat way 'til they stick me in a hole in the ground and shovel dirt in my face!

In 1 month and 28 days, I'll have been retired for 3 years......and I'm still wildly enthusiastic!!!

 

[Spanky]

Still working full time.

Me too - bummer.

 

[jdw_fire]

wow W2R you are tough, i support

yes FI can be the liberating force but if you dont stop working, you arent liberated

your post

Well, then it's consensual enslavement and while that's different from the true semi-enslavement of work, there's something just a wee bit kinky about that, from my perspective. Nope! I'm not going to work FOR anybody, for wages, ever again. There is not going to be any "them" to whom I can say "shove it".

and then you respond with

But wait, if you are truly liberated then can't you choose to work if you want to?

 

[W2R]

The only one for me to tell "shove it" is, um.....me! And it's gonna stay dat way 'til they stick me in a hole in the ground and shovel dirt in my face!

In 1 month and 28 days, I'll have been retired for 3 years......and I'm still wildly enthusiastic!!!

That's great!! I have a feeling that in 3 years I will STILL be wildly enthusiastic, just like you.

 

[easysurfer]

I don't work but live off the earnings of DH so what does that make me?

Makes you Lucky Congrats!

 

[bigla]

Retired at 55, 6.5 yrs ago.
Larry

 

[CyclingInvestor]

51, retired 3+ years. It would take a lot more recession than the last couple years to ever get me to work again. I am enjoying it way too much.

I was FI the last 2+ years of work. While that status certainly removed the only stress I was subject to, I just consider that a pleasant period of my work-life, not any part of my retirement.

 

[cardude]

Who is already retired?

...and here I thought it was a simple and direct question...silly me...

LOL. Same here. Nothing as it seems, it seems................but I always enjoy everyone's differing perspectives!

I noticed the "retired" voters were outnumbering the "nots" at about 70 to 30 during the day, but then at night the "nots" started catching up. Fascinating! LOL. (hey, it was cold and rainy all day and I was bored).

I was guessing the poll would end up around 50/50. Seemed like a reasonable bet. Anyone wanna guess where it ends up?

 

[Eagle43]

On the first day of Jan, 2004, I ceased being a "wage slave." Since then, I have done a little volunteering, but have not been paid for any labor. About 10 years or so behind Unclemick, but I'm qualified to be called retired. Life is good.

 

[DesiGirl]

Ahhh I'm retired but I have 2 young kids which is lot of work overall. Husband is working 12-14 hours a day so we r not retired, waiting for the day when he would come home and we'll have fair distribution of household work (But more than that because he would be a happier person post FIRE)

 

[BUM]

Work!?! Me? No way, no how, no more. Been there done that. You couldn't pay me to work

 

[frayne]

Been retired for almost five years now.

 

[rescueme]

For the several people who reflected if a few hours a week working (even at different times of the year) are truly considered retired.

OK - let's start here:

Retired - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

I believe we can agree with the definition supplied in #2 (e.g. "having completed one's working or professional career").

So some folks have completed their "career" (I never considered it a career - it was just a job, for me ), but then spend time in their "retirement" doing other things (for pay).

For me, that is an important point. If you do something for pay (regardless if it is a hobby, avocation, or anything else you want to call it), you probably also have a schedule you need to keep.

If you teach classes, you need to have a schedule. If you work at a golf course, you have to have a schedule. You have a schedule, and your time is valuable to others, who are counting on you to perform a function, on a specific schedule. That to me, is a major point on determining if you truly "retired", in the sense of the word.

I do volunteer work, by driving for the local meals-on-wheels (deliver meals to local folks who are elderly or disabled), and yes - I do have a schedule (one/two times a week, depending on the time of the year).

However, we travel quite often. There is no problem if I don't show up - there is a large roster of "retired " folks that can fill in, on my absence.

I've even had times that I woke in the morning, forgot what day it was (it happens ) and realize that I had planned to do something else that would conflict with my volunteer work. A problem? Not at all; I just call up the volunteer office and they get another person to fill in.

For me, the main thing is that in retirement, my time (other than scheduled by my DW ) is my own - to spend the way I wish, and in the manner that I desire. If I was compensated, I would feel "obligated" to ensure that I'm on a schedule - whatever it is (you could run a hobby shop in your basement, but you still would probably post your hours of you were open).

I never want to be in that situation, again.

There is certainly nothing wrong with those folks that upon leaving the daily grind of employment, and then spend a few hours a week (for pay) doing what they want to do. However, IMHO - those folks are semi-retired (yes there is a difference - please see my "pregnant" thought a few posts up in this thread )...