How does it feel to be retired? - Page 3 - The Firearms Forum

sharpwords · 08-27-2011, 04:27 PM

After a long government career, I retired at the age of 56 (I'm now sixty). I stayed with the career because of the Golden Parachute but I never did like living in South Florida. I couldn't jump ship earlier, and leave the pension benefits behind.

I relocated to North rural Florida and I love it. I had always wanted to be a writer and I now have 11 books copyrighted and I'm published on Amazon E-Books. My best selling books are all about guns. I'm writing a series of gun guides under the pen name of Harold Charles.

My newest book is "Buying the Right Gun and How to Use It" (illustrated edition). I didn't mean for this to be a commercial but I have never been happier in my life. I'm going to keep writing and plan on taking my S/S at age 62. In my life and career, I've seen them come and some end up under a dirt blanket.

One of my biggest fears was that I would die on the job in Broward County before the big choo-choo ride. Thus far, I beat the game. If anyone is interested in my books, "shoot" me an e-mail. Thanks. Bob G.

As an aside, "I once had a girl friend that told me she wouldn't have a gun in the house. I replied, This is my house so hit the bricks".

Fast Forward · 08-27-2011, 04:59 PM

I tried to pull the Plug at 62,,,just could,nt afford to do it and live the way I wanted,,, the more leisure time I had the more Money I spent so after a year I went back in the Food Business ,,,the SS check makes up for the money I used to Make,,,I,ll probably keel over in the Kitchen some day,,

Woodnut · 08-27-2011, 08:10 PM

Well I was on the road all time working and not having any home life. I worked 84 hours a week (7 days a week 12 hours a day) did that for years, so at the age of 59 I retired, maybe I should say quit work. Then came home and did every thing I could around the house. I was here about 8 months, built a covered patio, added a room on the house, built a shop and then it hit me. I did not have anything to do. So I told my wife, I have got to go back to work. She told me not to go back on the road if I could help it. So I looked around Gulfport, looking for work as a welder, since I welded for a number of years early in my working career, and found nothing. Then one day I was in Slidell, LA and passed an ornamental iron shop that had some of the best New Orleans style iron I had ever seen. I knew it was hand made. So I went in and met with the owner. After a long conversation he told me that I was over qualified. Now I knew what that meant, he did not want to pay me for what I knew. I told him, "tell you what, you try me for 2 weeks and I will try you for 2 weeks and if we don't see eye to eye we will part ways and no hard feelings". He said that sounds like a plan to me. So started work for him the next Monday and the 2 weeks turned to almost 7 years. 3 months after I started he put me in charge of 14 employees and running the place for him. He did not want me to quit, so I had to promise him I would come in and help him with special projects.
Tomorrow I am to meet him at the Slidell Hospital to weld some 6" pipe that is in the boiler room. Sunday is the only day they can shut down the cooling system on the OR. So once we start in the morning we will have to finish.
But he does pay me very well, so guess it is worth it.
Said all that to say this. Retirement sucks if you do not have anything to do. I would go nuts if it weren't for my grip and art business. Think before you leap.

jwrauch · 08-27-2011, 08:52 PM

Forced into medical retirement this year at 63 from practicing dentistry by 2 brain surgeries. Doing fine now but mentally just not sharp enough to go back into practice. Probabably would have worked another 5 years but doing ok and have a lot more time to do the things I enjoy. I had practiced since 1974 and was getting pretty burned out so in a way this has been a blessing. JR

vytoland · 08-27-2011, 09:48 PM

after being "downsized" for the third time, i said, i dont need this any more. that was in 2002 and never looked back. when i was in the game i enjoyed a carrer as an accountant,, but the business world and society have changed and not for the better.

retirement has been great. my wife and i have several interests and we enjoy watching our grand daughter. i like gardening and observing small creatures of nature. target shooting, walking and living a healthy life.

berto64 · 08-27-2011, 11:19 PM

Retired due to disabilities in 99 at 49 yrs old. feels real crappy. I would much rather to be able to still be working and healthy.

Getting old ain't fer sissies!

fuzebox40 · 08-28-2011, 01:39 AM

I was gainfully employed when I started reading this thread.
If memory serves me, I retired somewhere during page 2.
Now somewhere deep into page 3, I can see my health deteriorating rapidly.
And ummmm.....I'm sorry what was the question?

ampaterry · 08-28-2011, 05:29 AM

Well, it is almost three years later than when I posted at the start of this thread.
I am still LOVING retirement, still VERY active, and have a daily work-out routine which I am in the sevent month of without missing a day.
And to my other activity, I have added bread baking. And Kung Fu.

terminator · 08-28-2011, 11:31 AM

Hope I can do it one day!!!!!

texasred777 · 08-28-2011, 11:33 AM

I retired at age 62 in 2004. My wife and I had paid everything that we owed. Only the monthly bills coming in were to be paid. During the next few months we re-roofed the house, re-covered the livingroom, hall, and den floors, and added a small room onto the back of the house. I had an old Fairmont Ford that was looking so ratty I wouldn't drive it anymore. It needed paint, upholstery, and engine repairs. I bought an old Jeep Cherokee that was nice inside and out. BUT, after a few months, it needed an engine overhaul. My son and I did a major overhaul on it. That was about the last thing I remember doing before getting bored. Fifteen months after retiring, I went to work as a 'greeter' at a local Walmart. It was something to get me out of the house, get rid of the boredom, and a little 'spending money'. I worked a full 40 hr. week for several months; although I had agreed to work only 3 days a week. After the first of the year, I finally went to 3 days a week. Then May 31, 2006, my wife passed away. I went back to work for a few weeks but wasn't satisfied. We had lived at our home for over 23 years and the accumulated 'stuff' was unreal. It took until March, 2007, to get rid of the 'stuff', furniture, vehicles, etc. Bought an old motor home, did some work on it, and moved to Idaho to be near my daughter, son-in-law, grandson, and son. I've enjoyed retirement. No regrets; in fact it gave me a lot of extra time to spend with my wife before she passed. After I got settled here in Idaho, I checked with the local Walmart about a greeter's job. Before they called and asked if I was still interested, I realized that I did NOT want to work anymore. I wanted to do what I wanted, go where I wanted, and do it when I wanted. I went back to Texas last September and spent about 6 weeks just visiting the 'kinfolk' and friends. No reason to hurry, took my time going, staying, and coming back home. It's really wonderful.

JohnHenry · 08-28-2011, 03:38 PM

If I had known that retirement was going to be this much fun I would have done it when I was 30 !
'course I couldn't afford to retire when I was 30 .... can't afford it now, either, but it's still fun.

dad2thebone · 08-28-2011, 04:07 PM

It's the heat fuze! I was sent packing for my injury and that was in 06. I miss working some days yet others not at all. They told me no work ever so i had to face it and move on with life. I cant do some things i loved because of surgery i had and now im finding new things to do and i get more time with my wife which is the greatest of all my new hobbies.

Clipper · 08-29-2011, 08:21 AM

From all the posts to this thread, it is obvious that the main theme is to stay occupied! Too many retirees quit, put their feet up and pass on. Self worth is a large part of retirement, and if you don't have it, so long!

I was a pilot with PanAm for years, and when the Atlantic routes sold to Delta, I went with the sale and managed to retire from PanAm. Subsequently, I retired from Delta in 1997 due to the age 60 rule then in effect by the FAA. I plugged along, started drawing Social Security and filled the time working at one fun thing or another. These days, I enjoy spending time with the kids as a substitute teacher in the middle and high schools in the area. If I don't like the treatment I get at a certain school, I DON'T GO BACK.

The wife and I travel a bit, I still have travel benefits on Delta, and we visit our kids spread from Virginia to Texas. Main idea: Stay busy!

obxned · 08-30-2011, 12:19 PM

I'm 66 and have been 'retired' for 4 years. I now work 32 hrs a week and watch various grandkids a day or two each week while their parents are at work. This is a perfect set up for me!!

chuckusaret · 09-02-2011, 01:12 PM

After working for 54 years retirement sucks: I retired from the military in 1977 and returned to college, 1978 I was recruited by a large aerospace company in Florida and retired in 1994. I set on my duff for two years and the boredom got to me and went to work for the Fl. Dept of Transportation and retired for the third time in 2008. Would I go back to work if able to? Yes........

08-27-2011, 04:27 PM	#51
sharpwords Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 3	Re: How does it feel to be retired? After a long government career, I retired at the age of 56 (I'm now sixty). I stayed with the career because of the Golden Parachute but I never did like living in South Florida. I couldn't jump ship earlier, and leave the pension benefits behind. I relocated to North rural Florida and I love it. I had always wanted to be a writer and I now have 11 books copyrighted and I'm published on Amazon E-Books. My best selling books are all about guns. I'm writing a series of gun guides under the pen name of Harold Charles. My newest book is "Buying the Right Gun and How to Use It" (illustrated edition). I didn't mean for this to be a commercial but I have never been happier in my life. I'm going to keep writing and plan on taking my S/S at age 62. In my life and career, I've seen them come and some end up under a dirt blanket. One of my biggest fears was that I would die on the job in Broward County before the big choo-choo ride. Thus far, I beat the game. If anyone is interested in my books, "shoot" me an e-mail. Thanks. Bob G. As an aside, "I once had a girl friend that told me she wouldn't have a gun in the house. I replied, This is my house so hit the bricks".

08-27-2011, 04:59 PM	#52
Fast Forward Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Chaska Minn Posts: 529	Re: How does it feel to be retired? I tried to pull the Plug at 62,,,just could,nt afford to do it and live the way I wanted,,, the more leisure time I had the more Money I spent so after a year I went back in the Food Business ,,,the SS check makes up for the money I used to Make,,,I,ll probably keel over in the Kitchen some day,,

08-27-2011, 08:10 PM	#53
Woodnut Forum Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Diamondhead, MS Contributor Posts: 2,171	Re: How does it feel to be retired? Well I was on the road all time working and not having any home life. I worked 84 hours a week (7 days a week 12 hours a day) did that for years, so at the age of 59 I retired, maybe I should say quit work. Then came home and did every thing I could around the house. I was here about 8 months, built a covered patio, added a room on the house, built a shop and then it hit me. I did not have anything to do. So I told my wife, I have got to go back to work. She told me not to go back on the road if I could help it. So I looked around Gulfport, looking for work as a welder, since I welded for a number of years early in my working career, and found nothing. Then one day I was in Slidell, LA and passed an ornamental iron shop that had some of the best New Orleans style iron I had ever seen. I knew it was hand made. So I went in and met with the owner. After a long conversation he told me that I was over qualified. Now I knew what that meant, he did not want to pay me for what I knew. I told him, "tell you what, you try me for 2 weeks and I will try you for 2 weeks and if we don't see eye to eye we will part ways and no hard feelings". He said that sounds like a plan to me. So started work for him the next Monday and the 2 weeks turned to almost 7 years. 3 months after I started he put me in charge of 14 employees and running the place for him. He did not want me to quit, so I had to promise him I would come in and help him with special projects. Tomorrow I am to meet him at the Slidell Hospital to weld some 6" pipe that is in the boiler room. Sunday is the only day they can shut down the cooling system on the OR. So once we start in the morning we will have to finish. But he does pay me very well, so guess it is worth it. Said all that to say this. Retirement sucks if you do not have anything to do. I would go nuts if it weren't for my grip and art business. Think before you leap. __________________ Carl Never doubt the beauty of wood. Carl’s Album www.cwgrips.com Web site Updated 01/01/2013 NRA Life Member

08-27-2011, 08:52 PM	#54
jwrauch V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Flyover territory , USA Posts: 202	Re: How does it feel to be retired? Forced into medical retirement this year at 63 from practicing dentistry by 2 brain surgeries. Doing fine now but mentally just not sharp enough to go back into practice. Probabably would have worked another 5 years but doing ok and have a lot more time to do the things I enjoy. I had practiced since 1974 and was getting pretty burned out so in a way this has been a blessing. JR

08-27-2011, 11:19 PM	#56
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,385	Re: How does it feel to be retired? Retired due to disabilities in 99 at 49 yrs old. feels real crappy. I would much rather to be able to still be working and healthy. Getting old ain't fer sissies! __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.

08-28-2011, 01:39 AM	#57
fuzebox40 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Apple Valley, Ca. Contributor Posts: 1,485	Re: How does it feel to be retired? I was gainfully employed when I started reading this thread. If memory serves me, I retired somewhere during page 2. Now somewhere deep into page 3, I can see my health deteriorating rapidly. And ummmm.....I'm sorry what was the question?

08-28-2011, 05:29 AM	#58
ampaterry TFF Admin Staff Chaplain Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: West Tennessee Contributor Posts: 6,277	Re: How does it feel to be retired? Well, it is almost three years later than when I posted at the start of this thread. I am still LOVING retirement, still VERY active, and have a daily work-out routine which I am in the sevent month of without missing a day. And to my other activity, I have added bread baking. And Kung Fu. __________________ A woman who demands further gun control legislation is like a chicken who roots for Colonel Sanders. Larry Elder

08-28-2011, 11:31 AM	#59
terminator V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 130	Re: How does it feel to be retired? Hope I can do it one day!!!!!

08-28-2011, 11:33 AM	#60
texasred777 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: I live about 40 miles from Boise, Idaho. Posts: 36	Re: How does it feel to be retired? I retired at age 62 in 2004. My wife and I had paid everything that we owed. Only the monthly bills coming in were to be paid. During the next few months we re-roofed the house, re-covered the livingroom, hall, and den floors, and added a small room onto the back of the house. I had an old Fairmont Ford that was looking so ratty I wouldn't drive it anymore. It needed paint, upholstery, and engine repairs. I bought an old Jeep Cherokee that was nice inside and out. BUT, after a few months, it needed an engine overhaul. My son and I did a major overhaul on it. That was about the last thing I remember doing before getting bored. Fifteen months after retiring, I went to work as a 'greeter' at a local Walmart. It was something to get me out of the house, get rid of the boredom, and a little 'spending money'. I worked a full 40 hr. week for several months; although I had agreed to work only 3 days a week. After the first of the year, I finally went to 3 days a week. Then May 31, 2006, my wife passed away. I went back to work for a few weeks but wasn't satisfied. We had lived at our home for over 23 years and the accumulated 'stuff' was unreal. It took until March, 2007, to get rid of the 'stuff', furniture, vehicles, etc. Bought an old motor home, did some work on it, and moved to Idaho to be near my daughter, son-in-law, grandson, and son. I've enjoyed retirement. No regrets; in fact it gave me a lot of extra time to spend with my wife before she passed. After I got settled here in Idaho, I checked with the local Walmart about a greeter's job. Before they called and asked if I was still interested, I realized that I did NOT want to work anymore. I wanted to do what I wanted, go where I wanted, and do it when I wanted. I went back to Texas last September and spent about 6 weeks just visiting the 'kinfolk' and friends. No reason to hurry, took my time going, staying, and coming back home. It's really wonderful.

08-28-2011, 03:38 PM	#61
JohnHenry Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Livingston county, Michigan Posts: 1,215	Re: How does it feel to be retired? If I had known that retirement was going to be this much fun I would have done it when I was 30 ! 'course I couldn't afford to retire when I was 30 .... can't afford it now, either, but it's still fun. __________________ Freedom .... Is Never Free ! We need Term Limits .... Send the "Professional Politicians" home .

08-28-2011, 04:07 PM	#62
dad2thebone Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 1,357	Re: How does it feel to be retired? It's the heat fuze! I was sent packing for my injury and that was in 06. I miss working some days yet others not at all. They told me no work ever so i had to face it and move on with life. I cant do some things i loved because of surgery i had and now im finding new things to do and i get more time with my wife which is the greatest of all my new hobbies.

08-29-2011, 08:21 AM	#63
Clipper V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Amarillo, TX Posts: 381	Re: How does it feel to be retired? From all the posts to this thread, it is obvious that the main theme is to stay occupied! Too many retirees quit, put their feet up and pass on. Self worth is a large part of retirement, and if you don't have it, so long! I was a pilot with PanAm for years, and when the Atlantic routes sold to Delta, I went with the sale and managed to retire from PanAm. Subsequently, I retired from Delta in 1997 due to the age 60 rule then in effect by the FAA. I plugged along, started drawing Social Security and filled the time working at one fun thing or another. These days, I enjoy spending time with the kids as a substitute teacher in the middle and high schools in the area. If I don't like the treatment I get at a certain school, I DON'T GO BACK. The wife and I travel a bit, I still have travel benefits on Delta, and we visit our kids spread from Virginia to Texas. Main idea: Stay busy!

08-30-2011, 12:19 PM	#64
obxned Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,342	Re: How does it feel to be retired? I'm 66 and have been 'retired' for 4 years. I now work 32 hrs a week and watch various grandkids a day or two each week while their parents are at work. This is a perfect set up for me!! __________________ Proud member of a North Carolina Committee of Safety "If we loose Freedom here, there's no place to escape to. This is the Last Stand on Earth!" Ronald Reagan

09-02-2011, 01:12 PM	#65
chuckusaret V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Palm Beach County Florida Posts: 66	Re: How does it feel to be retired? After working for 54 years retirement sucks: I retired from the military in 1977 and returned to college, 1978 I was recruited by a large aerospace company in Florida and retired in 1994. I set on my duff for two years and the boredom got to me and went to work for the Fl. Dept of Transportation and retired for the third time in 2008. Would I go back to work if able to? Yes........