Should I work part time ?-- meaningful activiites?

16 years ago

I am nearing 66 and am working full time (technical professional). I have the option to work part time (50%)as long as I am mentally and physically capable.

How long should I "plan" to work "part time". The money will be nice but not necessary.

Will I be sacrificing truely "meaningful activiites" by complicating retirement with work? Travel has been extensive with current job so travel is not a priority.

Thanks

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Comments (6)

Jonesy
16 years ago
If you don't need the money, I think it depends on if you want to work or not. I am enjoying being idle, no responsibility to anyone but myself. It is a first time for me.
ashlander
16 years ago
Kayaker:
I have been pondering your question, wondering how best to answer. I think, as jonesy said, whether you work or not, is up to you. I think the definition of a meaningful life is very subjective.
DH and I are retired schoolteachers. I absolutely loved my job and colleagues and felt "life was good and meaningful."

Yet, a year ago, we both retired and moved to another state to a town we love which just happens to be where our two
children and grandchildren live. At that time our youngest granddaughter was 6 months old and we babysat her when our daughter went back to work. Life is good and meaningful...but in a different way than before.
We are thankful we can be involved in our children and grandchildren's lives. (Previously, we only saw them four times a year and missed all their birthdays and other special celebrations.)
Both DH and I do not have paying jobs, but we may substitute teach later...if time permits!
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sharlee
16 years ago
Same age...my work has gradually decreased being self-employed working w/seniors. Point is, this has prepared me for the decision of retirement. I didn't plan on retiring this soon, but as some clients have gone into assisted-living it does make one think about what is important in life.

I still need to work some for the income & to be fulfilled. As time has gone by I, also, have been spending more time this summer helping a single son with his home & picking up my grandsons to also assist him. THIS togetherness has been most meaningful...how does it get better than that?

If I had been working full time I would have missed out on this opportunity. Simple life, yes, but I love it!

Sharlee
Jonesy
16 years ago
Sharlee, I envy you your situation about enjoying your family. My son's both live out of state and the Not Togetherness has been wonderful. Ahhh.............
jannie
16 years ago
How about volunterr work? After I quit my job, i applied to two cat rescue organizations. Both "approved " me to work with theor cats. It is great being around animals, petting them, and seeing the joy when one finds a "furrever" home.
bejay9_10
16 years ago
I took partial Social Security benefit at age 62, but kept on working according to the benefit rules on limits of yearly income.

In recent years, my company initiated at-home computer-oriented jobs (professional medical transcriptionist) and this lasted several years, which allowed me to work at my own time without traveling to and from the office. I enjoyed it very much as it was less restricting than an office type job.

Unfortunately, as time went on my hearing declined and this year (I'm 85), I had to say OK - time to quit. Can no longer be accurate enough for this demanding type work.

I wasn't too sure how I'd manage retirement, but I've kept mentally active through the computer programs (especially these "how-to" forums) and have been able to garden, preserve foods, bake breads, make vinegars, etc., all of which have helped keep me mentally alert and interested in life.

I say "go for it."

Bejay

Should I work part time ?-- meaningful activiites?

Comments (6)

Jonesy

ashlander

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