MasterBlaster
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2005
- Messages
- 4,391
Many of the posts here sort of miss the point. The posts downplay the issue of retirement unhappiness that evidently around 25 percent of the retiree population undergoes. Some of the posts suggest if you only do X or Y or Z (like me) then you find Nirvana. See I am so happy, you just need to be more like me, and then you will come around.
As an ER, at least you have the option to go back to work if that so suits you. But when you are nearing or above retirement age you just may get to the point where nobody wants to hire you. Or that the place where you once worked and that once defined you has now moved on and the option to go back just doesn't exist anymore.
If hanging around the coffee shop or stacking books at the library seems kind of pointless or seems like a tremendous under-utilization of your talents. If the interactions with others in a similar situation seem kind of pointless then your own sense of self-worth can be undermined.
It may not be as easy for some to transition to retirement as for others.
As for me, I'll admit it, I don't have an enormous social circle or really want to have such. I have a few hobbies but can't help but wonder if they will really take up the time when I pull the plug.
I can say that I am (mostly) happy now. I do wonder though about how I'll cope with not working when I retire and have some concerns about my continued contentedness. I can say though that lately I no longer dislike working, now that I could hang it up if I so choose. My attitude towards working has really changed. I'd also have to agree with the volunteer thing... If I am going to work at something I may as well get paid for it.
So for now, for me, I think I'll just keep working. I'll re-evaluate the whole situation in a year or two.
As an ER, at least you have the option to go back to work if that so suits you. But when you are nearing or above retirement age you just may get to the point where nobody wants to hire you. Or that the place where you once worked and that once defined you has now moved on and the option to go back just doesn't exist anymore.
If hanging around the coffee shop or stacking books at the library seems kind of pointless or seems like a tremendous under-utilization of your talents. If the interactions with others in a similar situation seem kind of pointless then your own sense of self-worth can be undermined.
It may not be as easy for some to transition to retirement as for others.
As for me, I'll admit it, I don't have an enormous social circle or really want to have such. I have a few hobbies but can't help but wonder if they will really take up the time when I pull the plug.
I can say that I am (mostly) happy now. I do wonder though about how I'll cope with not working when I retire and have some concerns about my continued contentedness. I can say though that lately I no longer dislike working, now that I could hang it up if I so choose. My attitude towards working has really changed. I'd also have to agree with the volunteer thing... If I am going to work at something I may as well get paid for it.
So for now, for me, I think I'll just keep working. I'll re-evaluate the whole situation in a year or two.