Getting through that last year or so

[Jcny18]

Thank you. Really, I was just having a particularly bad day and needed some perspective. Much appreciated.

[ivinsfan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jcny18 Well Beer-man, raspberries to you. I know I am blessed, but to be fair, being a government worker also means a lower salary, no incentives, etc. I have been on both sides of the fence as I said. I had 30 years in private sector. I would have appreciated more helpful advice, but if that's all you've got, so be it.

Now to be fair, you said in your first post that you probably sounded a bit whiny..after all you yourself said they were golden handcuffs..Helpful advice is either keep working for the HI or quit working and pay for your own.

[Jcny18]

Nice to know I have company. We'll make it!

[Jcny18]

Well yes, I did say that I might be sounding whiny....

[Offgrid Organic Farmer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jcny18 I have about 500 days to go. ... Advice from those who came before? How did you stay motivated during those last months? I'm not quite close enough to see light at the end....

My Sister-in-law went through dozens of corporate buy-outs and re-orgs. I had no idea of how many until after she died, and we had to deal with all the different pension plans that she had her toes in.

At 60, she was under a lot of pressure to stay in the game, as younger people were trying to push her aside.

We kept trying to talk her into retiring and each year we would look at potential homes for her. But she had cold feet about retiring. Eventually she came down with pneumonia and died from it. She never saw a single day of retirement.

Going through her estate, she had twice more than what she needed to retire. Financially she could have retired, but instead she worked right up to her death.

[Jcny18]

Thank you Offgrid Organic Farmer. That's a good thing to remember. I'm sorry for her and you.

[Beer-man]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jcny18 Well Beer-man, raspberries to you. I know I am blessed, but to be fair, being a government worker also means a lower salary, no incentives, etc. I have been on both sides of the fence as I said. I had 30 years in private sector. I would have appreciated more helpful advice, but if that's all you've got, so be it.

Go volunteer at a soup kitchen or with fatherless teens so you can see how trivial your “first world baby boomer” problems really are. Perspective

[Bir48die]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beer-man Go volunteer at a soup kitchen or with fatherless teens so you can see how trivial your “first world baby boomer” problems really are. Perspective

So just to be fair, you are half the age of most people here. There could be another forum for you to participate in if you don't like issues dealing with retirement.

[ugeauxgirl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beer-man Go volunteer at a soup kitchen or with fatherless teens so you can see how trivial your “first world baby boomer” problems really are. Perspective

Wow, what an insensitive reply. I don't think the poster is being trivial. I have seen several similar threads and I'm in this situation myself. If you can't relate, or can't be polite, perhaps you could just not post anything at all on the topic. Wow, that sounded like something my mother used to say....

[Calico]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beer-man Go volunteer at a soup kitchen or with fatherless teens so you can see how trivial your “first world baby boomer” problems really are. Perspective

I don't know what forums you are used to participating in, but one of the hallmarks of this forum is that members and posters respect each other and don't denigrate each other. Your post reflects a complete lack of respect and a large dose of rudeness.

[JAGOTI]

My advice is to use negative visualization to get through it.

Here is an example.

Close your eyes. Now.....Imagine you just found out you only have 3 months to live. Let it sink in. Imagine it very strongly. Who would you call? What would you do? How would you feel?

Now open your eyes......

......and count your blessings.

This exercise always helps me keep things in perspective!

[MichaelB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beer-man Go volunteer at a soup kitchen or with fatherless teens so you can see how trivial your “first world baby boomer” problems really are. Perspective

If other people’s challenges seem trivial to you, instead of snark you could show some empathy and share a positive example of how to surpass them.

[Beer-man]

My advice stands as is, it’s unfortunate so many took offense to it...and reinforces the underlying theme that I was trying to convey.

[MichaelB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beer-man My advice stands as is, it’s unfortunate so many took offense to it...and reinforces the underlying theme that I was trying to convey.

It’s possible the reaction was not about your message but the way you expressed it. Many of us have experienced the challenges the OP is facing, and even if we don’t have advice to share we can show some understanding, and camaraderie.

[MRG]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beer-man My advice stands as is, it’s unfortunate so many took offense to it...and reinforces the underlying theme that I was trying to convey.

Not really. You don't know what anyone here has done in their lives. Be it volunteering or being homeless! I'll shut up now.

[Jcny18]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beer-man Go volunteer at a soup kitchen or with fatherless teens so you can see how trivial your “first world baby boomer” problems really are. Perspective

You are assuming a lot. How do you know I don't?

[Jcny18]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelB If other people’s challenges seem trivial to you, instead of snark you could show some empathy and share a positive example of how to surpass them.

Yes, I know my blessings, particularly around the free retirement medical, but some days are just hard. Other's gave me positive advice and helped me re-gain perspective and sense of humor, which was what I needed.

I'm not sure if Beer-man is much younger, but there are some things that time will cure.

[Jcny18]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAGOTI My advice is to use negative visualization to get through it. Here is an example. Close your eyes. Now.....Imagine you just found out you only have 3 months to live. Let it sink in. Imagine it very strongly. Who would you call? What would you do? How would you feel? Now open your eyes...... ......and count your blessings. This exercise always helps me keep things in perspective!

Much appreciated. Was having a tough day, and perspective and support is what I needed!

[MichaelB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jcny18 Yes, I know my blessings, particularly around the free retirement medical, but some days are just hard. Other's gave me positive advice and helped me re-gain perspective and sense of humor, which was what I needed. I'm not sure if Beer-man is much younger, but there are some things that time will cure.

Glad to see you found the quote button.

Many members here have been in your shoes and faced similar challenges. Let’s skip the negativity, I’m sure others here can share what worked for them.

[Jcny18]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelB Glad to see you found the quote button. Many members here have been in your shoes and faced similar challenges. Let’s skip the negativity, I’m sure others here can share what worked for them.

Yes, someone was kind enough to PM me about the Quote button LOL. I couldn't figure out why I couldn't see who I was responding to.