[gap2415]

Flip a coin to decide whether you want to retire or not. The second it is up in the air, you will know the answer.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by gap2415

Flip a coin to decide whether you want to retire or not. The second it is up in the air, you will know the answer.

So true. I use the coin flip a lot to get in touch with my "real" feelings.

[blueash]

Seems there is a second person who is involved in making your decision... What does your spouse want? Your post hints that she/he would like you to be retired. How strongly does SHE/HE feel about your going back to work. I would think full time means moving out of TV except maybe on weekends and school breaks.

If you are 60/40 want to work, and spouse is 80/20 don't work, how do you work that out and will one of you resent giving in to the other. Talk about it with the most important person involved, and that's not us.

[cappyjon431]

Thanks for all of your input. After reading all of your suggestions and discussing it with my wife over the weekend, I am going back to teaching. While full time, it is only three days a week (teach four classes on Tuesday and Thursday, office hours on Wednesday) so I have long, four day weekends all semester. Coupled with summers off, two weeks at Christmas, spring break and all the other holidays, I owe it to myself to give it a try.

[Northerner52]

I moved here with a FT career and love what I do. Does limit activities though

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by cappyjon431

Thanks for all of your input. After reading all of your suggestions and discussing it with my wife over the weekend, I am going back to teaching. While full time, it is only three days a week (teach four classes on Tuesday and Thursday, office hours on Wednesday) so I have long, four day weekends all semester. Coupled with summers off, two weeks at Christmas, spring break and all the other holidays, I owe it to myself to give it a try.

I think you have made the right decision, especially as it is only three days a week ..... ride that gravy train until you KNOW you don't want to work any more, and you will know when the time is right.

I LOVED working, but hated the commute to get to work, so when my other half was offered the golden handshake we jumped at the chance. He has never regretted it, I have.

[vintageogauge]

I retired at 56 and spent several years touring the country in a motorhome and spending winters down here. Two years ago I got bored and decided to open up a retail store, ended up working 70 hours a week for 2 years, it was a good store, had a lot of fun but waited too long to open it, I cannot work like that any more at 71. As noted go with your heart and you can't go wrong.

[The Chipster]

I am 66 and moved to The Village of Dunedin 1 year ago. Still working from a home office and loving it. Yes, I see everyone heading to activities every day, but my professional life is more stimulating than hitting various types of balls around everyone day. But that is just me . . .

[justjim]

I retired at 58 and never regretted a day. I absolutely knew it was time after working over 40 years and the last 20 basically doing the same thing---sometimes with a "different twist" but overall basically the same. I did enjoy my work and, not to brag, I was good at it. My wife retired at the same time and that was important. I could have retired a couple years earlier but she was in education and needed the time to receive a decent pension. We have so enjoyed our retirement years together. We have done "things" that we only dreamed of doing prior to retirement.

OP, I see you have already made your decision. It's a very personal thing and only you and your wife can decide what is best. It's not permanent----keep that in mind. I have observed a number of Villagers who still work. As others mentioned, some because they want to and others for the money or insurance. Good luck to you and your wife and I hope you enjoy your lifestyle while you work and when you retire.

[Jack9696]

Originally Posted by The Chipster

I am 66 and moved to The Village of Dunedin 1 year ago. Still working from a home office and loving it. Yes, I see everyone heading to activities every day, but my professional life is more stimulating than hitting various types of balls around everyone day. But that is just me . . .

Great to have a job that is still stimulating. Best of all worlds.

[IndianaJones]

I am here, 62, & working full-time at UF - yes, I drive there every day. I love it! I have great insurance, make a decent salary, & love the work.

[Fredster]

OP you've made a decision just give it a go, and see if it works for you.
You can always re-assess and change course if necessary!

I liked working myself, but I recall hearing somewhere,
that no one was ever heard saying on their death bed,
that they wished they put in more hours working!

[Northerner52]

I work full time. Requested a relocation here 7 years ago. Been here 3 years now and love it.