Retirement: WWYD

2timer

Retirement: WWYD

2timer

Just the facts:

Age 53, single, grown (foster) kids,employed full time.  Finished chemo for stage II bc Jan. 30, 2014.

I have enough service time to retire (yes I work for the gov't) and due to changes in my retirement plans health insurance it's a good idea (financially speaking) to retire Dec. 1.  In a nutshell, if I retire this either this December or next December I'll get pretty much the same amount of take home pay.  So, I would really have to work 2 more years to see an increase in my retirement check, if that makes sense.  Actually, it makes sense to do this in a financial sense but money isn't everything.

I like my job and I like getting up in the morning and going somewhere.  I'm afraid if I retire then I'll be stuck at home doing nothing and obsessing about cancer.  On the other hand tommorrow isn't promised to anyone and I got a huge wakeup call to that fact last July.  Hate to get sick again and then just up and leave my job suddenly; but I would.  I'm torn, I don't have alot going on in my life and really don't have a plan so to speak as to what I would do with all the extra time.  I am having problems filing the free time that I have.  Any comments welcome.

placid44

2timer,

If I were financially able to retire, I would do so in a heartbeat! I would "work" part time researching, speaking, writing, blogging, and informally counseling the newly diagnosed about breast cancer. Maybe some compensation would come along with that, but it might be all/mostly volunteer. And traveling (inexpensive domestic locations).  I would basically start "exploring" and see what happens.

What have been your favorite experiences to date, professional and personal? What are you passionate about? Think about those and similar things you can do in "retirement."

RMlulu

2timer - retire!  I retired early 54 and have not looked back.  I did work for 6 months as my employer thought I was like so many...take the early retirement package and than consult forever...which was nice transition, but I   really wanted to reinvent myself...so I told them enough.  It was perfect time.  

I'm busy, volunteer, teach, exercise, and do all the things I had put on hold...we both are c survivors so grab life and enjoy.  

It's a major transition, but I think I'm happier with this rhythm and purpose at this point in my life. Funny how we all define ourselves...career, family, ...

Best Wishes as you discover another dimension of you!

Cindy 

ruthbru

I think a person 'knows' when they are ready. Go with your heart. Financially I could have retired at 55 (a year after I had finished active treatment), but I just didn't feel ready. A couple years later, even though I still loved my job, it just clicked that the time was right & I retired with no regrets and have been having lots of fun since (but keeping my finger it the pie; I was a teacher and still substitute every once and awhile....which I also find really fun). Maybe start developing some new hobbies, interests, checking out some of the volunteer projects you might be interested in getting involved with, maybe a part time job just to get out etc. etc. before you quit so that you have some things that you will look forward to. Definitely you just don't want to just sit home doing nothing!

exbrnxgrl

I'm with  Ruth on this one. Trust your intuition. If it doesn't feel completely right, just wait. I'm stage IV and 5 years older than you but I love my job and derive a great deal of fulfillment from it. I am more than happy to keep working and will retire when that inner voice speaks up. My children are grown, but live near by so I get to spend a lot of time with them (and my granddaughter). I have always traveled so I don't have much of a bucket list, and being single, I have plenty of time to pursue my interests. However, I just know that I'll "know". Wishing you the best with whatever you decide.

vlnrph

According to 2timer's profile, she had DCIS in 2007 then IDC showed up so she knows there are no guarantees! How fortunate to be able to have a choice (from a financial standpoint).

I returned to my 3 days a week job for 18 months after chemo and then quit in my mid-fifties.  I now have even more opportunity for travel, exercise and volunteer work which others have mentioned above. Also, I maintained a classical music hobby thru the years and have not had to curtail that despite lymphedema. 

So many factors to consider. It's good to have at least a vague plan in place. Whenever the decision is made, trust yourself and resist the impulse to second guess.

glennie19

My concern is:  health insurance after retirement when too young for Medicare??  Since you have a govt job,, if you retire, do you get to keep your health insurance?  For me, that would be a major factor. 

farmerlucy

I was lucky enough to "retire" early, though sometimes I miss the mental and creative aspect of my old position. My husband dropped out too, but is self employed. Health insurance is a big deal for us. We started paying $2000 a quarter about 7 years ago, and peaked at nearly $5000 a quarter before the ACA. The ACA made a huge difference for us, our cost dropped about $400 a month to a little over $1200 a month. I for one am relieved that we have access to quality insurance with no fear of pre-existing condition clauses.  The other thing to consider is how much you like to self motivate. I was a corporate CFO but now spend my days mowing, clearing brush and talking to animals. On the farm the political drama consists of who gets fed when. I love it  My coworkers are a lazy dog and a dumb ass. Really.

Golden01

As much as we know when it is time to retire, really work out the financial side before taking the leap, especially the insurance side until you turn sixty-five. I also work for a government agency, insurance for my husband and I would run $1600 a month. Another overlooked item some of my colleagues have learned the hard way is the tax implications. Many retirement contributions were put in "pre-tax" that means you pay taxes when they come out along with taxes on Social Security if your income is above certain levels. My sister is still working and didn't do enough research when she took early Social Security, not only does she forgo the about 8% increased a year that she would get if she waited, she has paid through the nose in taxes. I had a number of colleagues that took early retirement a few years before the 2008-2009 economic down turn, most are getting by on much less than they had planned or working in at least part-time jobs that would not have been their first choice (or any choice) 10 years ago. I think there are a lot of options for when we know it is time to go, part-time work where you are is one I've seen successful for some. Seasonal work is another. The ability to get insurance without the worries about pre-existing conditions has really changed the landscape and the choices for many, in a good way!

proudtospin

farmerlucy, wow on your co workers!

enjoy, I bailed my job in Oct, about 6 months before I was able to go on Medicare.  Paid cobra till May and now on Medicare.  Dang but my Part D medicare is in the donut whole but all is worth it.  I am 6 1/2 years clean (can you tell I count the months?) but love my time to myself, exercising, cooking as I was too tired before to do anything. Sewing again and enjoying short trips

redheeledwomen

Hi 2timer,

I agree with most of the previous post. Go with your gut, work out the tax and health care issues and enjoy your life.  I'm only 40 years old but plan to retire when I hit age 51.  One of the blessings from getting a bc diagnosis (if there are any) has been a lot of time off.  I've been off work since June 24th and plan to return on October 14th.   During this time I've been able to visit friends (and re-access friendships), make new connections, reflect on life and make some plans.  Planning is always key.  I've now come to realize that life is too short and unless you absolutely love your job, it might be time to walk away and start really enjoying yourself; exercising, traveling locally, building new relationships, volunteering, recuing animals, joining organizations, etc.  Its up to you!