Hi, I'm hoping to retire in early 2010

[powerplay]

I will be eligible to retire at the end of 2009 and currently plan to stay until the first part of 2010. The retirement system I'm under is CSRS (I'm a fed) so the current stock market predicament is not a major consideration. It would be nice though for the TSP to return to some level of former glory as I do wonder about maxing out my contributions to it each year. Guess that just helps me to live on less than I make.

Retirement has been calling to me for a long time so it will be nice when it finally comes! The people I work with though tease me about coming back as a contractor after I retire which is not uncommon where I work.

I have been lurking around the forums and reading through some of the threads. This looks like a great place so I hope to jump into some of the discussions.

[crazy connie]

Welcome aboard powerplay! The waters fine. Read all around the forum, share more info and ask questions as needed.

[CuppaJoe]

Welcome, Powerplay, looking forward to seeing more of your posts.

[janetvj]

Hi Powerplay. I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts and concerns about retiring. I work for state government, and although coming back contractually is a possibility for me, too, there is a maximum amount I could earn or it could actually reduce the pension, dollar for dollar. Does a federal job have that type of limitation?

[Khan]

Welcome to the boards.

Many former feds (I am one) come back as contractors. I didn't even consider it.

[Moemg]

Welcome !

[powerplay]

Thanks for the welcome.

janetvj - Comig back as a contractor would not impact my retirement as a federal retiree. It sounds like you would need to do some careful planning first as a state retiree.

[knucklehead 61]

just wondering: if you retire & come back as a contractor, is that not retiring?!?
retiring to me would mean not working any more, or perhaps part time doing something enjoyable.
or mabey i forget that some lucky people actually enjoy their jobs & the people they work with.

[Hobo]

If "retirement has been calling you for years", then it is unlikely you will be disappointed and go back to work. Not knowing your current situation, I can't give you individual advise. But I suggest you mentally play out how you will see yourself spending your days. Some people can get more involved in hobbies; some people need something more challenging - like joining the Peace Corps! I think most people who go back to work never give any thought to an alternative lifestyle - all they have ever done is gone to work each day.

I highly recommend you spend some time traveling. This kind of forces you to see life from a different perspective. I see where Amtrak is offering good fares on 30-day travel passes where you can travel around the entire US. I've done that several times, and it is thrilling (to me). The train offers a much more panoramic way to travel. Driving is boring.

Don't let yourself fall into a rut. The world is filled with adventure - and this is the time you can finally experience it first hand.

Welcome.

[freebird5825]

Welcome to the board.
I am a former FERS employee who simply pulled the proverbial plug for a deferred retirement under MRA+10 rules. I was approached by several contractor site reps just before I exited. My answer was a polite "Thanks, but I'm history". I could easily seek a position right now, and would get definitely one. Nope nope nope!
After 26 yrs in the industry as both contractor (8 yrs) and fed (18+ yrs), it was time for a change. I can still be an Engineer with no paycheck, no deadlines, no politics, no silliness. That is sweet!
My advice is casually explore some contacts, tell them you are taking a 6 month to 1 year sabbatical, and then decide. My guess is you will never go back unless your line of work is interesting and you love/miss it.
A copy of Zelinski's "How to Retire Happy Wild and Free" might be in order while you are still w*rking.