Another New Guy

[Txtriathelete]

Hi, been lurking a while and decided to join and post.

About me (we, us): 52 Y/O retired (2103) military (Army) medical administrator. Worked for a small software and service company for a few years after Army, very part time the last year. Got bored and went out and found a new job this year to keep myself entertained. So far its been a good choice although I can't say I'm "early retired" anymore. Wife is mostly retired, we have 2 kids 12 and 14 that occupy most of her time. I had always envisioned retirement as golf and travel, stuff "old" people do. Having kids around definitely changes that dynamic. Would be interested to hear from anyone with youngish kids still in the house.

 

[2017ish]

Welcome to the forum!

Your family situation is about the opposite of ours--we had our kids young (first 2 while DW was in residency), so are empty nesters as we get ready to sale into the sunset this year. You should get some responses from those in (or who were in) similar circumstances with family; they definitely are represented here.

Dunno about "old people" stuff. Can do without the golf (haven't tried it yet), but travel is our focus--always did it, but greatly increased time away from home base is on our near horizon.

 

[evilanne]

Welcome Txtriathelete!

When did you retire? What exactly is "mostly retired"? I always thought raising children/teenagers was a full time job! My son is out of the house but not out of the pocketbook yet.

 

[marko]

Wife is mostly retired, we have 2 kids 12 and 14 that occupy most of her time..

Two kids 12 and 14? Does she know about your view on her being 'retired'?

 

[RE2Boys]

I had always envisioned retirement as golf and travel, stuff "old" people do. Having kids around definitely changes that dynamic. Would be interested to hear from anyone with youngish kids still in the house.

With kids, not even close to what many folks considered "retired". I never called myself retired until a few months ago when I realized that DW and I can begin a "retired" lifestyle later this year.

I retired from my career engineering/management job at 50 years old, over 17 years ago. My one and three year old sons were underfoot at my going away breakfast. I was offered an early retirement as a result of re-organization/downsizing. Not a typical retirement but have so enjoyed being with my sons through out their childhood. I was the soccer dad (with minivan) available to give rides, cub and boy scout leader, soccer coach, be home as they came home from school.

Our time and activities have very much been in support of the boys activities. Initially I did some consulting and we camped/traveled with the boys until school age. The school, travel & school soccer, and Scouts have pretty much dictated our schedule for the last 12 year and we have been active participants in supporting these activities. I've most commonly served as treasurer of multiple organizations over the years (currently down to only one!)

For the last 15 years, to keep intellectually sharp, set a working example, and fill in the "dog days of winter", I've prepared income tax returns for three months each year. Five years for a nation-wide storefront firm, last 10 with a local CPA firm. Always referred to myself as "semi-retired" as I was collecting a pension but still had W2 income.

Only now, with the younger one graduating HS in three days (my wife is the organizer of the all-night after grad party) can we now start thinking of living a "retired" life. Both boys will be in college in the Fall and don't need us to be as readily available.

It has been a priceless ride these past 17 years, a role that I'll very much miss in the coming years, but it is time for the boys to move on from home and my wife and I re-defining who we are and what we do in the future.

Other than the Troop's Scoutmaster (he's only a few years younger than me), I almost never interface with adults my age, I'm always the oldest adult involved typically by a good 20 years. Except for my body reminding me that I'm a Medicare card holder, I don't think of myself as old or retired. And I'll never consider myself old enough to play golf. If my knees would let me, I'd love to go for a five mile trail run this afternoon but will settle for either a hike through the woods or a 15 mile bike ride. A week ago did a overnight backpack with the Scouts, hope to get more backpacks in this fall as I won't need to work around the HS soccer game schedule anymore.

Welcome aboard to the ER community and enjoy every minute with your kids you can, they will be soon gone from your everyday life, just now said goodby to my younger one as he heads out the door to his summer job.

 

[Txtriathelete]

What a great story, sounds like you got the golden ticket alright. Congrats and best wishes for the next phase.

 

[Out of Steam]

For the last 15 years, to keep intellectually sharp, set a working example, and fill in the "dog days of winter", I've prepared income tax returns for three months each year. Five years for a nation-wide storefront firm, last 10 with a local CPA firm. Always referred to myself as "semi-retired" as I was collecting a pension but still had W2 income.

Like your story and this idea of preparing taxes. Being an engineer it seems to make sense, and I like the idea of seasonal work. How was working for one of the storefront tax firms, at least as a place to start?

 

[Out of Steam]

Hi, been lurking a while and decided to join and post.

About me (we, us): 52 Y/O retired (2103) military (Army) medical administrator. Worked for a small software and service company for a few years after Army, very part time the last year. Got bored and went out and found a new job this year to keep myself entertained.

Welcome! I'm about five years older, but am losing the desire to retire totally as my retirement date gets closer.

 

[brucethebroker]

Welcome. Lots to learn here...........

 

[RE2Boys]

Like your story and this idea of preparing taxes. Being an engineer it seems to make sense, and I like the idea of seasonal work. How was working for one of the storefront tax firms, at least as a place to start?

It was a good training ground working for a storefront firm, at least to gain some experience to offer. But you needed to be part salesman as the way to make decent money was to build up a returning client base, which I was not able to accomplish. The compensation was based on commissions with an hourly floor. Don't know if it still that way. My second year I did Internet only support, learned a lot in short time but hurt building a client base. Then year 4 & 5 was in a different state so had to start over. Much prefer the CPA support role, pay is much better.

Will probably continue as long as they will keep me or DW and I decide to spend the first three months of the year elsewhere.