10 Reasons You Shouldn't Retire

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I am 68 ,I did try to retire once and it was a big mistake .I do enjoy my own small business .I am active in spite of my diabetes ,but I see also that my friends and relatives who surrendered to full retirement enjoy even more health problems than I do

mosen korayem 8:21AM April 25, 2010

I am 67 and a Registered Nurse. I worked part time last fall for about 2 months. I decided to attend real estate school. I passed the state exam and am now in training. I want to work when I want to work, but it seem like fun. I have a desire to be a top producer for the next three years. Then I will work when I want. I'm physically and mentally healthy.
Why should I retire? Its stops social interaction, limits you income, and you have your watch your diet.
I've written a book, and am hoping that it sells well. I exercise regularly walking my dogs and riding my bike. Also, I enjoy many other hobbies.
Attitude is what is so great if one has a positive attitude, all accomplishments can be made and adjustment can be fun.

maggie of TX 10:31AM April 24, 2010

I was unemployed, unintentionally, for just one year. The first month or so was great. I dove into my hobbies, spent quality time with my wife and family, stayed up late and woke later everyday. Sound good? The remaining 11 months were spent trying to kill enough time to get through the day. Getting back to work was great! I'll never retire unless forced to by health. If no one will hire me then I'll start my own business or go to work for a charity or something else productive.

Baddaddio in L.A. of CA 1:34PM April 21, 2010

70 wow, I work for the state prison and we can only bring on workers that have worked other prisons that have shut down. In other words only hire from within. You can present yourself as a hardship case and other prisons have to take you in. So you do have options. Check with your personal dept, and do not let them shrug you off. You do have rights. Good Luck
Judy

judy James of CA 1:49PM March 21, 2010

I am the Health Information Manager at a minimum prison hospital. The state legislature has chosen to close our facility. Though I am 70 I am really not ready to retire. There are no other state positions available. I am NOT happy and would like to work 3 days a week just to get me out of the house. What will I do with all that spare time? I can only sew, crochet and embroider so much and then what> All my friends will be working full time. Any suggestions????? I am divorced and don't wish to date or meet men so that's out! I used to sing in Sweet Adelines up north but the group here is having problems so that's out! Heeeeeeeeeeeeelp!!!!!!!

Carol Gacioch of NC 1:36PM March 16, 2010

Delay, delay, delay. Considering the fact that Social Security might not be around when I'm ready to retire, as soon as I can, I will. And I'm only 40. This is one of the reasons I carry little or no debt,and my children will be expected to help pay for their own education expenses. My husband and I both have good, solid state and city jobs (knock wood) and we plan to get out of the rat race and travel and enjoy it as soon as we possibly can. I'm not going to delay my life in anticipation of a couple hundred bucks that I might not live to collect (they're counting on that folks, trust me) If you love your job, more power to you, but I have a ton of hobbies and interests that I'd rather be doing, that will still afford interaction and brain activity.

sharon of NY 3:32PM March 11, 2010

once you retire, you can return to the workforce on your terms, work can be fun, instead of having someone controlling you through your needed check. It is a great feeling to know if things just too bad at a place you can just leave.
The time you have can never be replaced by putting off retiring. If you have hobbies and grandchildren you will have plenty to do and find meaning. Seeing your grandchildren grown and being with them is great.
Who in there right mind wants to be chasing the almight dollar for the rest of the time you have left.

leonard hanko of NM 10:23PM March 10, 2010

Dear AK,
My grandfather was still foreman of a mens clothing factory when he was 86. Your experience is not everyone's....and some of us really would like the benefit of good health that comes from working...see item #1.

HS of MD 10:11AM March 08, 2010

I think how we view may retirement before we actually retire is not dissimilar to how we thought being an adult would be when we were adolescents e.g. "Oh, grownups are so square" etc. and since the vast majority of pundits, financial writers et al are still in the work force, I think it is inherently difficult to accurately surmise how another situation may/will be; analogous to how we picture college or marriage and how it may differ somewhat from reality when experienced.
That being said; RETIREMENT IS GREAT !!! Think about it, during our work lives, when our vacations were winding down, did we ever say: "Gee, I wish I had one more day/week". Of course we did. I was in education as a teacher and later as a principal for 34 years. I am fortunate to have worked in the field and think I did a good job; however, I also felt that it is only right to pass the baton to others. Staying on can be selfish. At some juncture, you want to leave, hopefully, when others still want you to stay. Isn't Michael Jordan's return(s) an example of this phenomena.
I have encountered several individuals over the years for whom there is no life beyond work. I think that is a sad situation. Have we no interests other than those for which we are compensated? Take care of your parents; don't lament being part of the "sandwich generation" if that occurs. Volunteer. Travel and get great fares midweek. We are all sojourners here. Grandparents and young grandchildren are at a wonderful juncture in the journey of life; being able to enjoy the day without the yoke of responsibility and obligation. There is a reason old the German phrase "We are too soon old and too late smart" came to be.
Carpe Diem!

Ron of IL 1:25PM February 09, 2010

Well, nice try folks. If you can retire you better do it while you can. If you are still a little young put the retirement in an IRA until you are old enough not to pay the taxes. If you wait you could be left in the cold like so many of us who put in 25 plus years only to have to company change it's policy, delete it's retirement benefits or go bankrupt. Don't let you many years of hard work go to waste.
You can always take your retirement and then go to another job or start another career. Maybe part-time is something you can do without all the stress or obligation.
Believe me, unless your pension/retirement is secured by a union.... you're not secure. Benefits can and are changed every year by companies as their needs change.
The only loyalty they have to you is to pay you a days wages for a days work. Please don't get sucked into the "corporate we care" singsong they all play. When push comes to shove.... it's you that will pay.
The only loyalty you owe is to yourself and your family you worked so hard for.

Karen of FL 10:45AM February 09, 2010