Is the grass greener? Retirement, what does it really mean?

Retirement.........I've got too many customers demanding my service. We talk about it when we get angry at the working world. "Want to close the doors and walk away?" We'd love to boss but we have too much to do today. That seems to be the answer everytime. I guess when we're physically un-fit to do this job, we'll call it quits. Peace

 
One thing this thread clearly shows, is retirement is a personal choice. The comments here hopefully help some make a more informed decision. Do what is best for you and your family, I did and no regrets.

 
I am 53 and own a small fire protection company. 3 years ago I was planning on retiring in 57 years. Business was good and I enjoyed working. But I don't know what happened to employees. It was like a light switch. All of a suddon there is no one to hire and the ones that do work.....well don't work. So I had my last 3 employees that where with me since I started the company. They (father and sons) wanted to move to Wisonson. I told them I would keep the company open as long as they were here but give me enough notice of when they plan on leaving. Jan of this year, they gave thier 6 month notice and left in June. I still would like to work around 3 more years to get the kids through college. But the workforce has changed so much, it jsut is not fun anymore. I have been around 80% retired this year. I plan on being 95% retired in 2024 and 100% done after that. 

Now for retirement (at 80%), I thought I would be bored. Nope, there isn't enough time in the day, I have done more vacationing in the last year as I did in all the years of being a business owner. I don't know if I will run out of money before I die and I could be a walmart greeter when I am 75 but I am going to enjoy the time now, while I am younger and can still do dumb sh!t. 

I am 2nd generation San Diego. I love it here. I do a lot of stuff and have lots of friends. I couldn't imagine leaving here. It has everything I do. BUT I am getting tired of the traffic, the city is cramming people in dense housing and it is only going to get worse. It is expensive. But I love the city, I am a beach person. We are talking about moving. But where?? Sd is the best. Florida is really the only option as we both want to stay near the water. I would like to buy a small condo here and then a house somewhere else. But a effing condo is $800+. If just doesn't make since and I don't ever see prices going down too much.   

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I have to say, this thread really has me thinking.  I live in Vegas, in theory.  I work in the Ghey Area (Palo Alto), CA and maintain a place here.  The woman I'm seeing lives in LA.  I probably spend 80% of my nights in Palo Alto, and at least 10hrs a week either in an airport, on a plane, or going to/from the airport.  I'm 41, turning 42 in January.  I'm not at a place I can truly, truly retire... but I could probably take a big step back from the hustle, maybe take something in my general field but a more Jr. 100% remote role.  I have Starlink on the RV, and could even get a fully mobile Starlink setup for the Broverland setup.  Spending some *real* time at home and/or working from somewhere like Glamis or Moab for weeks at a time enjoying life while I'm still (relatively) young might be worth more than the $ of another 10-20yrs of pushing hard...

-TJ

 
tjZ06 said:
I have to say, this thread really has me thinking.  I live in Vegas, in theory.  I work in the Ghey Area (Palo Alto), CA and maintain a place here.  The woman I'm seeing lives in LA.  I probably spend 80% of my nights in Palo Alto, and at least 10hrs a week either in an airport, on a plane, or going to/from the airport.  I'm 41, turning 42 in January.  I'm not at a place I can truly, truly retire... but I could probably take a big step back from the hustle, maybe take something in my general field but a more Jr. 100% remote role.  I have Starlink on the RV, and could even get a fully mobile Starlink setup for the Broverland setup.  Spending some *real* time at home and/or working from somewhere like Glamis or Moab for weeks at a time enjoying life while I'm still (relatively) young might be worth more than the $ of another 10-20yrs of pushing hard...

-TJ
Click to expand...
Very good thought, enjoy life while you physically can, tomorrow is not always going to be there. 

 
If you're on this web-site regularly like most of us, you're a Duner. The Expense it takes to participate in our world is High. Factor in this obsession and, how can you retire? Unless you invented toilet paper, you'll need a job. Unless your Dad invented the machine that makes Cheetos, you'll need a job. Unless you're the heir to the throne, you'll need a job. OR...............find a less expensive (cheaper) hobbie. And if you are looking for that less expensive Hobby......It is not Golf! Peace 

 
ChEFF said:
If you're on this web-site regularly like most of us, you're a Duner. The Expense it takes to participate in our world is High. Factor in this obsession and, how can you retire? Unless you invented toilet paper, you'll need a job. Unless your Dad invented the machine that makes Cheetos, you'll need a job. Unless you're the heir to the throne, you'll need a job. OR...............find a less expensive (cheaper) hobbie. And if you are looking for that less expensive Hobby......It is not Golf! Peace 
Click to expand...
I was thinking about taking up building rockets with $100 bills. Savings will be huge. 

 
ChEFF said:
If you're on this web-site regularly like most of us, you're a Duner. The Expense it takes to participate in our world is High. Factor in this obsession and, how can you retire? Unless you invented toilet paper, you'll need a job. Unless your Dad invented the machine that makes Cheetos, you'll need a job. Unless you're the heir to the throne, you'll need a job. OR...............find a less expensive (cheaper) hobbie. And if you are looking for that less expensive Hobby......It is not Golf! Peace 
Click to expand...
Funny, I started back to the dunes and the hobby after retiring. BTW I invented nothing but did work hard towards a finish line.

 
  • Like
Reactions: FOG
richard h said:
Funny, I started back to the dunes and the hobby after retiring. BTW I invented nothing but did work hard towards a finish line.
Click to expand...


I didn't invent anything either. Peace

 
One thing I forgot to mention, if you think you need "X" amount of money to retire, you'd be wise to increase that significantly.   You may live longer, don't forget unexpected expenses, upkeep, inflation,  etc...  Medical is a big one most overlook.  Regardless of what the government says or you think you know about Medicare,  you will be paying more than you think.

I've never understood the "save a million for retirement..."  I have WAY over that and I'm not rich by any means.  

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mac said:
One thing I forgot to mention, if you think you need "X" amount of money to retire, you'd be wise to increase that significantly.   You may live longer, don't forget unexpected expenses, upkeep, inflation,  etc...  Medical is a big one most overlook.  Regardless of what the government says or you think you know about Medicare,  you will be paying more than you think.

I've never understood the "save a million for retirement..."  I have WAY over that and I'm not rich by any means.  
Click to expand...
Maximizing passive income alleviates a lot of this.  Pensions, home rentals, or other things that give you an income without touching the nest egg help a lot.  Parents bought houses, Dad manages them, but has used property management companies as well if it makes sense.  Still work, still not fully retired, but they're also not looking at a dwindling nest egg and it doesn't take up much time for them.  Dad spent a similar amount on rentals homes and with SS (BIG MONEY! LOL) and AF money is making more than he did as a software engineer.  

That being said, its not without stress, and you have to be an arsehole sometimes when people start abusing things.  Not for everyone.

 
Mac said:
One thing I forgot to mention, if you think you need "X" amount of money to retire, you'd be wise to increase that significantly.   You may live longer, don't forget unexpected expenses, upkeep, inflation,  etc...  Medical is a big one most overlook.  Regardless of what the government says or you think you know about Medicare,  you will be paying more than you think.

I've never understood the "save a million for retirement..."  I have WAY over that and I'm not rich by any means.  
Click to expand...
Yes, and if you do it correctly that million will remain and even grow larger even as you draw off it for living. 

 
For you retired fellas, who still has a mortgage on your primary residance?

My very short term go is to pay off the house.  Actual "retirement" is a long way off...

 
Kraut_n_Rice said:
For you retired fellas, who still has a mortgage on your primary residance?

My very short term go is to pay off the house.  Actual "retirement" is a long way off...
Click to expand...
That was my plan as well, before I got 2.5% interest on my home loan.  I am making more money right now is short term bonds/treasurys.  I have rethought everything at this point.

FYI, I wish a million was enough to retire......haha

 
How much are you all planning to "leave" ... our planner  has us mapped out to 90 yrs old.. and we'll have a chunk still.. are you planning for a big chunk or is it spend my money time???? 

 
Realbadlarry said:
How much are you all planning to "leave" ... our planner  has us mapped out to 90 yrs old.. and we'll have a chunk still.. are you planning for a big chunk or is it spend my money time???? 
Click to expand...
I guess that depends on whether you inherited money or not.  If you earned it all vs getting from Family, you probably have a different view of the situation????

 
retirement used to be the time to slow things down, and live a simple / low expense life.  Enjoy your garden... maybe take a cruise once in a while.

I guess if I do it that way, retirement is a possibility.... but to my own demise, I think about one or two 1K+ HP Buggies, stacker, tag axle etc ..... money to fuel, and maintain all that.......not to mention all the other projects, activities and trips when we're not at the dunes. needless to say I will not be retiring any time soon. 

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top