10 Reasons You Shouldn't Retire

I retired earlier this year (March 2010) at age 61. So far , so good. The article is right about why not to retire, but there are benefits to retirement. I think you have to work at retirement, not give in to doing nothing all day. So I have now spend time bird watching, photographing birds, riding long distance on my bicycle (up to 100 miles a day), contracting out home improvements, designing electronics for photography or motorcycle use, and visiting fellow retired friends. So it is just as much work, and just as rewarding as a real job. I am also working part time for fun, doing the same thing as when I was working full time. Also volunteering where I used to work once a week to keep up with friends and solve the problems they can't.

If I was faced with a dilemma like Jim of LA, I would try to get a different position in the same company. I have found that even in the same company, a different section often has a radically better (or possibly worse) management. Go for the section where you like the work if possible.

John M in LA of CA 6:05PM August 13, 2010

All valid points NOT to retire. Personally, sometimes I think columnists write these things we've all thought of before, at the behest of the government. The Dems don't WANT anyone to retire in the traditional sense, because that limits their power - - by reducing the government's income. Long ago, my father told me that if we don't kill Social Security, my grandchildren will be enslaved to it. Well, NOW THEY ARE. I can't retire, even if I'm financially able to. there's too much risk.

Sally of MI 11:29AM July 05, 2010

such a good discussion here, I am 54, hate the company I work for but they have the best 401k, health insurance, pto of any company in town. I would to say goodbye to them but the other companies offer so much less regarding benefits. How much longer should I put up with their bs to have a better retirement? Already I drink too much at night to numb the pain of facing their blah-blah every day. Yet going to a company that has 0 company 401 k company match seems like shooting myself in the foot, any comments?

Jim of LA 12:11AM June 28, 2010

It is a sad commentary when one's work life actually takes the place of a real life. And worse that your health would depend on it geez that makes me crazy!

Retirement is not for sissy's get a plan, make the living adjustments and learn to penny pinch.

There is no reason other than medical benifits that I would want to continue working. I can continue my relationships with the people I work with after I retire. To orbit around a job is crazy and thankless. Again the ONLY gain is medical coverage. Keep the commute, the stress, the 'managers' young enough to be my grandkids, keep the 'clock', office gossip and

I have two yrs to get a plan and retire at 64. Plan so far? Live in another country most of the yr. why? The weather, the people, the medical is excellant and a fraction of what it is here. I can live a comfortable life in another country. Imagin walking to an open market to buy fresh food, having a housekeeper/cook and nice 'casita' for about $1,100 a month. This means keeping my 401K nest egg nicely stashed what is left that is. Sad that I can not afford to retire in the country my parents thought was the best for us when they came and became US citizens. Social Security does not cut it unless you really like cat food and look forward to ending up in a nursing home where the workers are paid 7.50 an hour good luck with that.

The greatest country in the world does not take care of it's young & old what is that about??? I worked most of my adult life, I graduated college, I bought a home, I paid taxes, but lost the cushy part of my 401K like alot of folks.

'Love it or leave' was a big phrase in the 60's. I choose to leave it. Bye bye can't afford you!

George of TX 3:19PM June 20, 2010