Rethinking Retirement???

bots2019 · 07-17-2007, 08:57 PM

CNN - Rethinking Retirement

"Those who say 'I'll never work again' are making a major, major mistake. Because they're going to find themselves adrift, away from a community purpose and a sense."

Hmm... a pretty sad thought that some can't autonomously find greater meaning in their lives than they're able to find through megacorp

I'll pass... it seems like these articles are trying to present the increasing numbers of those delaying retirement as some kind of social revolution... when in fact it's a financial necessity for most.

Khan · 07-17-2007, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bots2019

CNN - Rethinking Retirement

"Those who say 'I'll never work again' are making a major, major mistake. Because they're going to find themselves adrift, away from a community purpose and a sense."

Hmm... a pretty sad thought that some can't autonomously find greater meaning in their lives than they're able to find through megacorp

I'll pass... it seems like these articles are trying to present the increasing numbers of those delaying retirement as some kind of social revolution... when in fact it's a financial necessity for most.

Quote:

Although some employees sitting in cubicles may long for the end to their work lives, sun-drenched days with tee-times, knitting and visiting the grandchildren, Howard Stone said retirees shouldn't retire, at least in the traditional sense of the word.
"Those who say 'I'll never work again' are making a major, major mistake. Because they're going to find themselves adrift, away from a community purpose and a sense," he said.

I just love people who know what I think/want/need.

I am happier and healthier than I have been in my whole previous life.

%^& him and the horse he rode in on.

Webzter · 07-17-2007, 09:18 PM

I have two major goals in retirement. The first is to really dig into photography... it's a passion now without enough time.

The second is to go back to college and be 'that creepy old guy in class'.

Between those two and travelling, I think I'll be fine, thank you very much...

Helena · 07-17-2007, 10:01 PM

Retirement of the baby boom generation
has the government and corporate America
scared stiff... so they resort to propaganda
to try to convince us not to retire.

**bssc** · 07-17-2007, 10:12 PM

This is a good article to keep people working longer and funding social security. Those of us here can think for ourselves.

Goonie · 07-17-2007, 10:18 PM

To Taylor Gandossy (the author of the article) and to CNN, I say "Eat Poo!"

I will NEVER w*rk again!!!

And THAT'S my final answer!!!

Goonie · 07-17-2007, 10:30 PM

Quote:

"Nearly six in 10 baby boomers who intend to work after retirement say they want a job that gives them a greater sense of purpose....."

What greater sense of purpose could one have than to live and enjoy life fully, completely unencumbered by the shackles of a j*b?! My entire purpose in life, now that I'm retired, is to thoroughly enjoy endless days of play for the rest of my life!!! Scr*w w*rking after retirement!!!

chinaco · 07-18-2007, 03:26 AM

IMHO - People may be reluctant to take the initial step to ER (when older) for fear of being able to get the same wages if they need to reenter the workplace.

On a personal front, I believe there is a little anxiety about quiting work. Heck for most of us we have been doing it most of our lives. For some people, that is all they have socially.

Personally, my only concern about ER is financial (maintaining an acceptable lifestyle in the goods and services consumption sense). Finding structure, social connections, staying busy... those are things that I have little concern about.

52andout · 07-18-2007, 05:08 AM

If you want to stay busy and connected you can.
When I first left work I joined a local garden club and volunteered at a soup kitchen. Took a pottery class and am still throwing pots for fun. The people I am in contact with are so nice and really wonderful people. Fitness, reading all those books you never got around to, traveling in the off season, expanding your flower or vegetable garden, getting around to all the craft projects or home repairs you never had time to do, they are all waiting for you. You may have to try a few volunteer organizations to find a good fit. Habitat for Humanity, the red cross- the list goes on of good people doing good things. Next year my garden will be bigger so I can bring veggies to the soup kitchen with me.
The funny thing was my old coworkers kept calling me to meet for lunch as they were concerned about me. I didn't have time to meet with them and they just couldn't get it.

audreyh1 · 07-18-2007, 05:35 AM

It truly, truly amazes me that so many people think the only kind of "community" available to humans is the workplace!!! Huh?

What is wrong with people?!?!?

Audrey

Joss · 07-18-2007, 06:33 AM

This situation sort of parallels the "participant vrs non-participant" discussion aspects of racing motorcycles (and probably many other "extreme" activities). To the non-participant, racing is a frightening and dangerous activity, with no positive value whatever. That people do it with joy and fervor is utterly beyond comprehension.

To the participant, short of a Vulcan mind-meld, there is just no way to convey the soul soaring reasons it appeals. And, in the end, most discussion distill down to "if you have to ask, you won't understand."

Personally, I can't imagine why otherwise sane people climb mountains or bungee-jump.

.... or continue to work past their "sell by" date.

RunningBum · 07-18-2007, 06:35 AM

As a telecommuter, when I work I'm bound to my house, working alone. I have a few phone calls a week, and IM and email people, but usually it's the same couple dozen or so people. When I retire, I'll be able to get out more during the day and meet more people. And I already have a couple of purposes in mind, like doing work for the local nature foundation and perhaps the volunteer fire department, which sound a lot more community oriented than keeping some software working.

Cattusbabe · 07-18-2007, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 52andout

If you want to stay busy and connected you can.
When I first left work I joined a local garden club and volunteered at a soup kitchen. Took a pottery class and am still throwing pots for fun. The people I am in contact with are so nice and really wonderful people. Fitness, reading all those books you never got around to, traveling in the off season, expanding your flower or vegetable garden, getting around to all the craft projects or home repairs you never had time to do, they are all waiting for you. You may have to try a few volunteer organizations to find a good fit. Habitat for Humanity, the red cross- the list goes on of good people doing good things. Next year my garden will be bigger so I can bring veggies to the soup kitchen with me.
The funny thing was my old coworkers kept calling me to meet for lunch as they were concerned about me. I didn't have time to meet with them and they just couldn't get it.

I love this post. This person has a life. This is the reason to FIRE. This is the stuff w**k keeps you from doing. I am 18 months FIRED. We have traveled and are doing all of those projects that needed doing around the house. I have time to spend with my elderly parents. We are also looking into taking pottery classes. Work is a means to and end. For me it was to get here. FIRED ASAP.

Sandy · 07-18-2007, 07:14 AM

I saw this article as well. It is sad that so many people do not know how to structure their own time and need someone else to do it for them.

I also agree that there is a cultural "sell" going on. The purpose of this sell is to help people justify continued employment when they are are financially unprepared for RE.

My recent vacation has only reinforced my desire to FIRE so that I can have the time to do what I want to do when I want to do it.

Eagle43 · 07-18-2007, 07:31 AM

Seventy-seven (77) million baby boomers coming down the retirement road. Somebody's got to convince some of them to keep working longer. As for me and my house, we shall continue in ER with a watchful eye on our Index Funds, hoping for the best.

Mudd · 07-18-2007, 07:40 AM

Did I read a different article? Granted I think what the Stone's said of making a huge mistake of retiring/lack of communtiy is a total croc, but the rest of the article was good. It states that you better have a plan if you're going to up and quit. Now to me that plan might be never working again, but if you have a passion about sculpting/wine making/writing children books, and you make some money doing it- That's o.k. in my book.

Mudd

Spanky · 07-18-2007, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Nearly six in 10 baby boomers who intend to work after retirement say they want a job that gives them a greater sense of purpose, according to a 2005 MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures New Face of Work Survey.

I do not have any intention to work after retirement.

unclemick · 07-18-2007, 12:17 PM

Welllllll - for those of us with fairly sick and demented minds - it wasn't too many years back when I could put on a pot of coffee in the morning and sit on the back deck over Lake Ponchartrain and look across and watch the poor bastards bumper to bumper commuting into the city to 'work.'

The shear joy of not working, never volunteering for nothing and doing absolutely nothing 'meaningful' (or any other crap like that) was overwhelming.

Of course in 13 years of ER - you always get sucked (suckered??) into things.

But that's yet another story which I would only admit to after torture and if my 5th amendment rights were violated.

heh heh heh - doing absolutely nothing is great if you can sneak it in while doing nothing in particular!

Life_is_Good · 07-18-2007, 12:30 PM

After 2 years of ER, I don't plan on working any more. I'm having too much fun doing whatever.... every day. I've taken up a few new hobbies and now have time for the simple pleasures... like reading books! Luckily, my wife and I get along so neither of us is going crazy with both of us hanging around (she ER'd 11 years ago).

playaman · 07-18-2007, 12:34 PM

Part of me can hardly wait to enjoy the freedom to be free; part of me, though, is apprehensive. I actually enjoy what I do, but I'm also tired of doing it .... Change is not always easy, and going from a structured to a non-structured environment is not an insignificant change.

In any event, I have declined a contract renewal and the final FIRE date remains fixed -- July 31, 2008. In other words, one year and counting...!

07-17-2007, 08:57 PM	#1
bots2019 Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 116	Rethinking Retirement??? CNN - Rethinking Retirement "Those who say 'I'll never work again' are making a major, major mistake. Because they're going to find themselves adrift, away from a community purpose and a sense." Hmm... a pretty sad thought that some can't autonomously find greater meaning in their lives than they're able to find through megacorp I'll pass... it seems like these articles are trying to present the increasing numbers of those delaying retirement as some kind of social revolution... when in fact it's a financial necessity for most.

07-17-2007, 10:18 PM	#6
Goonie Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 1,853	To Taylor Gandossy (the author of the article) and to CNN, I say "Eat Poo!" *I will NEVER wrk again!!!** And THAT'S my final answer!!! __________________ "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss -

07-18-2007, 03:26 AM	#8
chinaco Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 2,495	IMHO - People may be reluctant to take the initial step to ER (when older) for fear of being able to get the same wages if they need to reenter the workplace. On a personal front, I believe there is a little anxiety about quiting work. Heck for most of us we have been doing it most of our lives. For some people, that is all they have socially. Personally, my only concern about ER is financial (maintaining an acceptable lifestyle in the goods and services consumption sense). Finding structure, social connections, staying busy... those are things that I have little concern about. __________________ Disclaimer: I make no warranty or guarantee about the accuracy or completeness of this information. I am not a financial planner, my comments only represent my opinion.

07-18-2007, 06:33 AM	#11
Joss Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 207	This situation sort of parallels the "participant vrs non-participant" discussion aspects of racing motorcycles (and probably many other "extreme" activities). To the non-participant, racing is a frightening and dangerous activity, with no positive value whatever. That people do it with joy and fervor is utterly beyond comprehension. To the participant, short of a Vulcan mind-meld, there is just no way to convey the soul soaring reasons it appeals. And, in the end, most discussion distill down to "if you have to ask, you won't understand." Personally, I can't imagine why otherwise sane people climb mountains or bungee-jump. .... or continue to work past their "sell by" date. __________________ Can eat with either hand.

07-18-2007, 07:14 AM	#14
Sandy Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 856	I saw this article as well. It is sad that so many people do not know how to structure their own time and need someone else to do it for them. I also agree that there is a cultural "sell" going on. The purpose of this sell is to help people justify continued employment when they are are financially unprepared for RE. My recent vacation has only reinforced my desire to FIRE so that I can have the time to do what I want to do when I want to do it. __________________ I would not have anyone adopt my mode of living...but I would have each one be very careful to find out and pursue his own way, and not his father's or his mother's or his neighbor's instead. Thoreau, Walden

07-17-2007, 09:18 PM	#3
Webzter Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 330	I have two major goals in retirement. The first is to really dig into photography... it's a passion now without enough time. The second is to go back to college and be 'that creepy old guy in class'. Between those two and travelling, I think I'll be fine, thank you very much...

07-17-2007, 10:01 PM	#4
Helena Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 338	Retirement of the baby boom generation has the government and corporate America scared stiff... so they resort to propaganda to try to convince us not to retire.

07-17-2007, 10:12 PM	#5
bssc Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,268	This is a good article to keep people working longer and funding social security. Those of us here can think for ourselves.

07-18-2007, 05:08 AM	#9
52andout Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 55	If you want to stay busy and connected you can. When I first left work I joined a local garden club and volunteered at a soup kitchen. Took a pottery class and am still throwing pots for fun. The people I am in contact with are so nice and really wonderful people. Fitness, reading all those books you never got around to, traveling in the off season, expanding your flower or vegetable garden, getting around to all the craft projects or home repairs you never had time to do, they are all waiting for you. You may have to try a few volunteer organizations to find a good fit. Habitat for Humanity, the red cross- the list goes on of good people doing good things. Next year my garden will be bigger so I can bring veggies to the soup kitchen with me. The funny thing was my old coworkers kept calling me to meet for lunch as they were concerned about me. I didn't have time to meet with them and they just couldn't get it.

07-18-2007, 05:35 AM	#10
audreyh1 Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,863	It truly, truly amazes me that so many people think the only kind of "community" available to humans is the workplace!!! Huh? What is wrong with people?!?!? Audrey

07-18-2007, 06:35 AM	#12
RunningBum Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 760	As a telecommuter, when I work I'm bound to my house, working alone. I have a few phone calls a week, and IM and email people, but usually it's the same couple dozen or so people. When I retire, I'll be able to get out more during the day and meet more people. And I already have a couple of purposes in mind, like doing work for the local nature foundation and perhaps the volunteer fire department, which sound a lot more community oriented than keeping some software working.

07-18-2007, 07:31 AM	#15
Eagle43 Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,634	Seventy-seven (77) million baby boomers coming down the retirement road. Somebody's got to convince some of them to keep working longer. As for me and my house, we shall continue in ER with a watchful eye on our Index Funds, hoping for the best. __________________ Life lived for tomorrow will always be just a day away from being realized. Leo Buscaglia Disclaimer: My Posts are for my amusement only.

07-18-2007, 07:40 AM	#16
Mudd Dryer sheet aficionado Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 36	Did I read a different article? Granted I think what the Stone's said of making a huge mistake of retiring/lack of communtiy is a total croc, but the rest of the article was good. It states that you better have a plan if you're going to up and quit. Now to me that plan might be never working again, but if you have a passion about sculpting/wine making/writing children books, and you make some money doing it- That's o.k. in my book. Mudd

07-18-2007, 12:17 PM	#18
unclemick Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ... Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 5,249	Welllllll - for those of us with fairly sick and demented minds - it wasn't too many years back when I could put on a pot of coffee in the morning and sit on the back deck over Lake Ponchartrain and look across and watch the poor bastards bumper to bumper commuting into the city to 'work.' The shear joy of not working, never volunteering for nothing and doing absolutely nothing 'meaningful' (or any other crap like that) was overwhelming. Of course in 13 years of ER - you always get sucked (suckered??) into things. But that's yet another story which I would only admit to after torture and if my 5th amendment rights were violated. heh heh heh - doing absolutely nothing is great if you can sneak it in while doing nothing in particular! Last edited by unclemick; 07-18-2007 at 01:51 PM.

07-18-2007, 12:30 PM	#19
Life_is_Good Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 82	No Way! After 2 years of ER, I don't plan on working any more. I'm having too much fun doing whatever.... every day. I've taken up a few new hobbies and now have time for the simple pleasures... like reading books! Luckily, my wife and I get along so neither of us is going crazy with both of us hanging around (she ER'd 11 years ago).

07-18-2007, 12:34 PM	#20
playaman Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 163	Part of me can hardly wait to enjoy the freedom to be free; part of me, though, is apprehensive. I actually enjoy what I do, but I'm also tired of doing it .... Change is not always easy, and going from a structured to a non-structured environment is not an insignificant change. In any event, I have declined a contract renewal and the final FIRE date remains fixed -- July 31, 2008. In other words, one year and counting...!