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Message started by Ruttly on 07/26/23 at 11:53:16

Title: Retirement
Post by Ruttly on 07/26/23 at 11:53:16

I’m days away from that day and can’t sleep as nervous as a horr in church. Thought it would be different. Monumental mound of paperwork. Healthcare , roll overs , etc.  Crap I had to hire someone to help me . So all you professional retirees chime in , let’s hear all about it.  Yeah it’s time to hear from the Savage Support Group. Thanks up front !

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Dave on 07/26/23 at 12:37:07

I retired 1 year, 1 month ago.........so I guess that officially I am not "newly retired".  I am however still in adjustment, as last Sunday night I still had excitement that I didn't have to go to work the next morning!

I do enjoy spending my time working on and fixing my own problems...instead of everyone else's problems.  I enjoy not having to go to City Council, Planning Commission, Code Enforcement Board and Board of Adjustment meetings for 3 cities (I was the City Engineer for 2 cities and a county, and the City Engineer/Zoning Administrator/Building Inspector for 1 city).

I have not been bored and I am always able to find something to do.  I get to do the maintenance on my house, yard and vehicles when the weather allows and the work is convenient.  If it is 92 degrees - I don't need to work in the yard and can work in the house or garage (like today and the next 3 days).  If it is a good day for riding my motorcycle - I can do that at will and ride during the week when there is less traffic (avoiding downtown and rush hour traffic).

My wife and I just got back from a 2 week trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan......we never took a trip that long in the entire 29 years we have been married!  It was unhurried and we could take our time getting to and from the things we wanted to do and see.

I have been getting chores done that I just could not get to while I was working.  I have been able to clean out some junk and get some unused stuff sold.

So I can definitely say that I am enjoying retirement and recommend it for those folks who have the ambition and drive to keep doing things and enjoying life.  Retire as early as you can afford to - use your good health years wisely and don't wait until you are too old and unhealthy to enjoy having a weekend that lasts all week/month/year!  


Title: Re: Retirement
Post by verslagen1 on 07/26/23 at 14:26:23

Hi, I'm verslagen1.  And I've been officially retired for 7 months and 26 days as far as social security is concerned.  I've been practicing work for over 40 years, still getting used to this retirement thing.

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by TheSneeze on 07/26/23 at 15:55:31

I retired early at 60 (five years ago).  I, too, felt the pressure of unfinished paperwork, reports, and such leading up to "that day".  Since I announced my retirement date to my boss 7 months in advance I realized that everything could not be finished or completed before I left.  I had to accept that fact and walk away on schedule.  When I got home that afternoon, I had a hard time believing that I no longer had a job. But, plans were already in motion, and we were relocating out of state to a new house in only three weeks.  My new job was packing and planning the logistics of such a move (we lived in that home for 22 years!).  My world didn't start to slow down for several months, but finally coming to grips with the fact that I don't report to anyone anymore was quite liberating.

Side note:  I have more unfinished projects now than I have had in my entire working life.  :o

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by ohiomoto on 07/26/23 at 16:05:53


746770716E6365676C33020 wrote:
...  I've been practicing work for over 40 years, still getting used to this retirement thing.
----------

LOL

I'm trying to practice retirement as much as possible to prepare for it!  

I pee  5-6 times a night, start my day early, and eat dinner earlier.   Just the other day my wife and I were wondering if  "The Early Bird Special" was still a thing.

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by MMRanch on 07/26/23 at 19:10:41

Congratulations Ruttly

Yeee-Haaa for ya !   :)

I retired 17 years ago and have already "Forgot" how to work !   Well , until the hay needs cut and bailed or the Bush-hogging needs done or the fences need repaired ... some times I wonder if I'm really retired ?  

But now

I don't have to get permission to take a 3 day ride ... well ... the wife has to approve all 3 day rides ... ?   :-?    For the longer rides the Cows have to approve them too.   ::)

Sometimes , its just hard to win !   :) :)

I still don't want to get another job that is every day , this "Starting when I want every day is just to good !  ;)
............

The wife and I took a 200 mile bike ride today out on the 55mph roads , and stopped in some neat little shops along the way ... Retirement life is good !  











Title: Re: Retirement
Post by zipidachimp on 07/26/23 at 23:12:46

Retired at 66, 2010, but took pension cash at 65, never touched it. When I walked out, had a full year of cash in my savings account. Nice! My wife died later that same year, so not all good. Started buying bikes soon after.
I lose track of Stat Holidays, as everyday is the same.
Cheers!  8-)

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by LANCER on 07/27/23 at 06:49:13

I had a forced retirement, Medical.  I was in my late 40’s then and the whole process just felt like something was torqued out of place.  I felt relief that that part was complete, but there was also the “what do I do now ?” wanderings.  There were also guilt feelings that I was unable to hold a full time job, like I had just quit and walked off.  It took a good while to get it all settled in my mind and heart and was able to be at ease with myself on this.  
It’s tiring to wrestle with yourself.
Thankfully God is sovereign.  Everything has its time and place, He knows where I’ve been, where I am now, and where I’m going.  Trusting Him sure makes for a smoother ride on what is often a bumpy road.


Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Eegore on 07/27/23 at 09:41:31

 When you say "rollovers" do you mean things like IRA's or 401K?

 I'm not retired so to speak but I also do not have an full-time employer anymore as I am self-employed.  I really can't offer any retirement experience due to that.

 One thing I have seen over the years is humans that retire, and don't do anything, die.  Even if the work itself was sedentary desk-work, a sedentary lifestyle after an active work-life - kills you.  The body experiences marginal losses of intellectual stimulation, scheduled activity like waking up to go to work on time, and physical activity reduction that compounds into things like massive coronary failure.

 From a health perspective, create a new schedule to follow and have a hobby that isn't watching YouTube all day.

 

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by MMRanch on 07/28/23 at 06:17:00

Ruttly

Thinking on Lancers reply , YES.

1.  Do at least one good deed daily !   Very important for you mind.

2.  Do at least one chore for Jehovah every day , even more important for your soul.

3.  Join some place like "Planet Fitness"($10/month) and take a bike ride there every day that its not raining.   For your self !  

Welcome , to everyday is Saturday World !    ;D



 

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Ruttly on 07/29/23 at 11:35:55

Having some issues , Thank You for all that replied ! I’ll reply as soon as I get my head right.

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by youzguyz on 08/01/23 at 05:31:10

I will be retiring soon, after almost 43 years with this company.
Last day of work is 09/01/2023
I still have the odds n ends benefits (Legal, life insurance, etc )through September, so I will be working on my wills and such during that time.

Get rid of stuff in office.
Change over internet.
Empty storage space.

401k has been rolled over.   (except for the little snippet from my last pay checks)  Financial guy says I can make enough from investments so I can maintain life style.

Social Security is coming in.

Medicare is engaged.

I will still be in my office chair every morning.. because Duncan (the cat) needs to be combed.. and he expects it at that time.

So... are all my ducks lined up????
I don't know..  I think some are missing and one of them is a pigeon.
The CFO is scared that I will be bored.
I'm just .. curious.   What will it feel like?
The only vacation days I have taken in the past years were when the Savages invaded the Texas Hill Country.

Ruttly...  I wish us both the best!!!!  :D

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by LANCER on 08/01/23 at 09:08:01

Youzguys, so when you are retired does this mean that we no longer plan for a weeks ride in the “Hills” but should instead plan for a month long ride ? ?

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Ruttly on 08/01/23 at 10:32:05

Wow , that makes me feel loved. An overwhelming response from SS’s heavy hitters , Thank you all. While not a lot of things stress me out , but having to move my tools has always stressed me out. I am giving most away to coworkers and both of my son in laws , still leaving me enough tools to work two jobs and build bikes too. I’m sure it will all find a home for them all. It’s my first project is the tool thing. Getting thru all the paperwork and red tape crap is getting easier but what a challenging process for me , not a polished skill by far. While having my taxes done he gave me a card for a retirement/investment specialist. Thinking I only needed this guy for a IRA roll over , boy was I wrong. Needless to say I hired him , he is guiding me thru the pensions , health care and S.S. and my questionable decision making skills. Beware , most pensions you are permanently stuck with your decisions. Going to see him today , my keep me going in the right direction team  is Gene retirement specialist, John tax specialist and Grant handles the family trust , all within about a 3 block area not far away. So no worries I’m in skilled hands. I am nowhere near done with this reply but I gotta go get some stuff done.
  We all take pride in different things , I’m hella proud of the in the depth & numbers of the replies. Thank You !

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Dave on 08/01/23 at 18:07:10

Funny - but I have been retired now for 13 months......and last Sunday night I thought:  "I don't have to go to work tomorrow - COOL!".

I spend every day working on stuff for me! :)

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Ruttly on 08/02/23 at 00:38:26

So of course the company doesn’t throw you a party , so my coworkers dug deep and put on a bbq steaks , corn all the fixins what a meal about 40-45 mechanics attended , the other 60 or so are on days didn’t attend. Got the grand tour of crane 21 too at sunset some fantastic views at 200 ft up as  San Francisco and Oakland light up as the sun goes down a very special day indeed. What a send off , what a great place to finish my career and a great group guys. Retired out as Waterfront Royalty.
Santa Claus signing off !    8-)

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by youzguyz on 08/02/23 at 05:42:07


4C414E4345521217200 wrote:
Youzguys, so when you are retired does this mean that we no longer plan for a weeks ride in the “Hills” but should instead plan for a month long ride ? ?


Lancer,

Y'all are welcome to come on down and ride with me anytime.   :D

The problem now is my endurance.  I can't do ALL day rides EVERY DAY.  Just wears me out.  :-[

And, I still need to be home at night most nights.  Family health things.


Title: Re: Retirement
Post by youzguyz on 08/02/23 at 05:49:33


684F4E4E56433A0 wrote:
So of course the company doesn’t throw you a party , so my coworkers dug deep and put on a bbq steaks , corn all the fixins what a meal about 40-45 mechanics attended , the other 60 or so are on days didn’t attend. Got the grand tour of crane 21 too at sunset some fantastic views at 200 ft up as  San Francisco and Oakland light up as the sun goes down a very special day indeed. What a send off , what a great place to finish my career and a great group guys. Retired out as Waterfront Royalty.
Santa Claus signing off !    8-)


Wow.. that's nice!!!

I don't expect anything from my co-workers, and less from my company.

I work remotely and haven't even seen anyone from the company in YEARS.  The last time is when an install was being done in San Antonio and I had lunch with one of the trainers.



Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Ruttly on 08/02/23 at 11:38:07

On the waterfront someone inevitably hangs a handle on you. The first few didn’t really stick old man , grandpa , pappy and then one day two longshoremen were having some fun messin with me and there it was , one of them said “you look like Santa Claus”. It spread across all the terminals , where ever I went the handle followed. Mostly dock bosses have nicknames and of course the most colorful personalities too. Working the waterfront isn’t for everyone , it just happened that I was a perfect fit , I always felt lucky & privileged to have a job there and still hella proud  I had that opportunity. Years ago me and another apprentice turned out almost at the same time. He became day foreman and I was night foreman at a truck dealership. He had moved on after some years and one day I got the call. I remember telling my wife “ I have to try even if I fail I have to try”. Usually someone brings you in , most don’t get in , like I said I was lucky and privileged and while my buddy knew I had the skills to make it , what he didn’t know is if I could fit in and handle the weather. On the waterfront you working in the elements , good or bad. I think I completely exceeded his expectations. We wound up working on different terminals and I will always
be thankful for his gracious offer to work with him ! He’s still in the same place while I have moved several times , I have worked 3 of the 4 terminals and held my own in every shop. Challenges and victories , feeds a good journeyman mechanic , we survive on both !

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by springman on 08/03/23 at 14:52:34

Congratulations Ruttly and Youzguyz. I'll be 66 before the end of the year and though the idea of retirement appeals to me it also scares me mightily. I am starting to look at the financial aspects of it so I can hopefully ease into retirement in the not too distant future (yeah, vague on purpose). I have noticed from vacation time that I love having one or 2 days doing nothing but come around the 3rd, 4th or 5th day I am looking forward to the idea of going back to work. I do enjoy doing thing around the house but here in Houston the summer time is not the time for doing things outside. I wish all of you guys the very best and I am sure some day I will be posting my adventure of slipping into retirement.

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by LANCER on 08/03/23 at 15:10:15

You could have a part time self-supporting hobby of searching out old or damaged bikes, fix them so they are road worthy, sell them and make some money.   That gives you something to do with your excess time that is productive and profitable.   Besides that, you provide another person with needed inexpensive transportation.  It’s a win win.  
Zoom Zoom  [ch128526][ch127949][ch65039]

That’s what I do with the parts I sell.
Tinkering with the bikes and providing parts is a type of therapy for me.

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Dave on 08/03/23 at 15:46:37

I retired from my full time job at the end of 2017.  For the next 4.5 years I worked 8-4 on Mon/Tues and 8-12 on Wednesday.....20 hours a week.  it was a great gig!

That allowed me to have enough income that I didn't need to dip into my savings and got me health insurance until I could obtain Medicare.

Working part time was great way to prepare for the upcoming full time retirement - and so was having weekends that started Wednesday at noon!  I could travel easily on weekends that lasted 4.5 days!

In addition to the potential for a part time job - you could also become involved in community groups that need volunteers.  One retired friend began working for the Park Service and really enjoys it.

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by springman on 08/04/23 at 12:37:20

Thanks for the advice Lancer and Dave. I do not believe I am good enough at mechanic-ing to rescue bikes, though the thought is appealing. I have considered volunteering once retired, just really do not know where yet. I guess we'll just have to wait to see where life takes me.

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Ruttly on 08/05/23 at 19:59:58

The stress is subsiding , still coping with change of lifestyle , may take awhile. Still have to get my tool box out of work. Sort them all get me a nice set of tools , give the rest to son in laws. Then a trip to the mountains to sleep and eat berries in the woods. Squeeze a ride in every chance I get.
Let’s just say I’m adjusting ! I’ll be just fine.

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by MMRanch on 08/05/23 at 22:04:16

Ruttly and Youzguyz Congratulations to both of ya'll .  :)

I retired 17 years ago and have loved every day of it !!  :) :)

Part time job being keeping the cows happy works nicely.  

Once a week I help out with the local "Trail Life " group (It's what Boy Scouts used to be) .

I'm also happy with my decision to start going to Planet Fitness a few times a week. It gets me out of the house and into a bike ride to get there and I feel better too !  ;)

There are so many things a person could get wrapped-up in that could take up too much of your free time , so be careful what ya get into .  ;D


Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Ruttly on 08/05/23 at 22:29:00

Come Monday another pile of forms and a bunch of phone calls too. Get it all done early in the week. Then ride !

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Ruttly on 08/05/23 at 22:32:40

I really miss the cattle ranch across the street. Gonna move next to a ranch or orchards , I don’t belong in town anymore.

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Ruttly on 08/11/23 at 21:32:18

Thanks all of you for the overwhelming response. I am adjusting , as well as my wife & dog. Need to ride more !  8-)

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by youzguyz on 08/13/23 at 03:14:47

I have 3 weeks of work left before retirement day.

All paperwork has been looked at by lawyer and deemed acceptable.
401k has been rolled out to IRA and will be generating income.
I have Legal Advice benefit through September, so I need to do will, deeds on death, powers of attorney, living wills, etc, etc during that time.
House network and internet need reworked.  I will be dropping cable and going with Google Fiber.

And.. all this EQUIPMENT.. geezzzz.   Most going to recycling place.  Lots just dumping.   Antiques..  
I am keeping the IBM luggable. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Portable_Personal_Computer

I don't know what I will be doing to keep busy.  Do more with the PGR.
Get rid of stuff we don't need or use.  Spoil grandson.  Be the definitive example of a Grumpy Old Biker.

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Ruttly on 09/30/23 at 08:56:02

Congrats out for Youzguyz , you will adjust. I’m 2 months in and still adjusting. I didn’t believe it till the checks started coming in. Some bumps in the road healthcare,Social security and never ending forms. By Thanksgiving the storm of forms should have passed and everything should be smoothed out. Another guy retired and I went to the dinner Thursday night and another in 2 weeks , I’ll go to that. Last night I cut the umbilical cord , I took my toolbox home. The boss and the crew still think I’m coming back , they put traffic cones where my toolbox stayed , saving my spot ! While I do miss my buddies and the action that goes on at the port , I do not miss working in the cold & rain & wind at night on overtime sometimes 7 days a week for weeks on end , what’s not to love ?
     Last night after I unloaded my toolbox by myself and rolled it in. All sweaty it began to sprinkle , very welcome rush of cool air felt so good , all quiet 12:30 am. Just about ready to close the garage , at that second a car parked across the street blew up and burnt to the ground. Never a dull moment !

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by zevenenergie on 09/30/23 at 15:03:13


1F38393921344D0 wrote:
Congrats out for Youzguyz , you will adjust. I’m 2 months in and still adjusting. I didn’t believe it till the checks started coming in. Some bumps in the road healthcare,Social security and never ending forms. By Thanksgiving the storm of forms should have passed and everything should be smoothed out. Another guy retired and I went to the dinner Thursday night and another in 2 weeks , I’ll go to that. Last night I cut the umbilical cord , I took my toolbox home. The boss and the crew still think I’m coming back , they put traffic cones where my toolbox stayed , saving my spot ! While I do miss my buddies and the action that goes on at the port , I do not miss working in the cold & rain & wind at night on overtime sometimes 7 days a week for weeks on end , what’s not to love ?
     Last night after I unloaded my toolbox by myself and rolled it in. All sweaty it began to sprinkle , very welcome rush of cool air felt so good , all quiet 12:30 am. Just about ready to close the garage , at that second a car parked across the street blew up and burnt to the ground. Never a dull moment !



"It,s nice to see you're getting there.

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by TheSneeze on 10/03/23 at 21:53:53

Going on 5-1/2 years retired now.  The dust has finally settled, financially.  The shock of not having to go to work fades very quickly.  Have a plan, stay active, and have fun!!

Title: Re: Retirement
Post by Ruttly on 10/03/23 at 23:14:28

I am adjusting. I figure the first year will be chaos. I am adjusting. Me and my buddy both agree I have to build that BSA 250 so I have been collecting misc items , a box , newest addition low bend flat track bars 34 1/2” wide chrome of course. I’m so busy , I have to ride more it’s a cooler time of year. Staying busy not a problem. Got my 55 F100 running today first time it has run in 17 to 20 years , installed electronic ignition & I rebuilt the distributor too! Stabbed distributor first shot , started right up. Get it a new battery tomorrow , see if I can remember how to use a timing light , good practice for the BSAs and the SR500. Big fun , I know I’m sick.

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