Malcolm Merriweather Bicycle Traveller Tue May 19, 2009 8:11 AM
The only pie chart I care about now is the pie that Aunt Bee makes for me when I visit her. Part of retirement is freeing yourself from the need to do pie charts. In my working life I pie charted my time every day. Not for me anymore. It's not my cup of tea.
Re: Pie Chart
Ernest T. Bass rock chucker Tue May 19, 2009 11:57 AM
Long as you doesnt eat the pie meant for me.
Re: Pie Chart
Rafe Hollister Singer and Distiller Tue May 19, 2009 5:17 PM
Why retire when working is so much fun?
Re: Pie Chart
Aunt Bee Baker of Pies Wed May 20, 2009 9:36 AM
I'll make enough pies for all Ernest T.
My retirement schedule
Technician DOD Tue May 19, 2009 8:31 AM
I am not sure I will be able to retire anytime soon, especially since I just purchased a post -divorce home last year at age 52. But if I could retire I would take the schedule of a Bohemian somebody. Each morning I would write for at least 4 hours...then try to master the piano for a couple of hours. Then fish for a couple of hours. The evenings and nights would be for wine, women (my wife), and fun. All this would be mandatory each day unless I was taking a trip exploring the world. How's that for a retirement DREAM?
Book review
o2B XFED IRS Tue May 19, 2009 8:42 AM
Before you run out and buy the book he discusses, What color is your parachute in retirement, let me mention that I just read it and hated it. It was a boring read with little information in my opinion.
WHAT IS RETIREMENT LIFE LIKE?
RETIRED RETIRED BOP Tue May 19, 2009 8:53 AM
I have been retired for 4 years. And I work part-time.The Advice I give to future retirees is about 6 yrs out, start really honing your retirement game plan. Look, stop worrying, its never a good time to retire...NEVER!!! But you can make the transition so much smoother by having your bills paid off and either one of your big ticket items (car or home) paid off. If you do not want to retire directly where you are living or stationed, Then immediaitely upon retirement, get there!! Its not hard and only a simple formula needs to be followed. Retirees with good work history can always find a job. Heck, I turned down 4 or 5 offers!!!! So..Be optimistic and look forward to the day when you no longer must wake up at 5am!!!!!!!! HAPPY RETIREMENT PLANNING.
Re: WHAT IS RETIREMENT LIFE LIKE?
UL Manager ICE Tue May 19, 2009 10:37 AM
Great advice! Spot on.
Re: WHAT IS RETIREMENT LIFE LIKE?
Aviation Safety Inspector FAA Tue May 19, 2009 1:50 PM
I'm looking forward to day when I can sleep in until 5am
Retirement Plans
Supervisor DOD Tue May 19, 2009 9:28 AM
Retirement for me is a little less than 10 years away. I will keep volunteering with Friends of the Library and take on other community projects. I now take yoga and go the gym. I want to take Tai Che, budokon, hot boxing, and water aerobics. Oh, not at the same time but when I get tired or extremely good at one go on to another. I have got to keep the body flexible and in some sort of shape so I am able to enjoy my yearly cruise. And I will probably still wake up before dawn, but not by that extremely loud alarm clock - most likely by the birds outside my window, a much better way to be greeted by the day.
retirement
retired fed DHHS Tue May 19, 2009 9:29 AM
I retired in 2006. First, you cannot underestimate this emotional readjustment. It is huge. This is what worked for me: attend financial seminars. Plan to live within your means. Pay off your house, if possible. Buy a high end used car (not a new car - re: depreciation). Do not jump into another job or volunteer work. Give yourself several months to adjust. CSRS pensions are large enough to allow savings, travel, and dining out. You don't need a mountain of money. You will save a fortune by controlling spending, learning how to work on your vehicles and yard equipment, and learning how to work on your house and property. You can do this, it isn't rocket science. I joined a gym and go there every morning. Stay connected to friends and family. Your free time is a luxury and they will need your help. Don't move unless you first rent in the new area for awhile. Find purpose and meaning in your life. I write fiction and work with disabled vets. Good luck to all of you.
Re: retirement
Accountant DOE, GS 14 Retired Department of Energy Tue May 19, 2009 2:02 PM
I retired 19 months ago.I found i had no emotional shock at All. i do what i did On my alternative day off. I planned my retirement financially and activity wise for 5 years. BUT i have a personality that is very independent and do not like being told what to do. I went to college and lived on my own since 17. i worked full time when i was in college and graduated in 4 years and worked 2 jobs until i was 40. So i was ready to leave at 53. I like change and do not fear it. Retirement is not for every one, but i was invented for retirement.
Want to make God laugh?
DOD DOD Tue May 19, 2009 9:31 AM
Tell him your plans...
Almost Time!
Division Director DHHS/FDA Tue May 19, 2009 10:05 AM
I'm eligible to retire within the next 6 months. Although these days it will be considered quite young to do so, I will. Am I anxious? You bet. Although I enjoy work, it's changed a lot in the past few years; I'm ready to go. But the primary reason for me is to spend more time with my husband. He has been retired for several years; obviously, he's a bit older than me, so I'm not spending the remaining good years we have, working. It's time to start enjoying the things we like to do together (and some apart-I'm no fool!). I don't want to feel like I have to plan every detail of what lies ahead...that's no fun! I want that flexibility to do what I want, when I want, as long as we can afford to do so and remain happy in life. Financially, we're good and not many people can say that right now; I feel extremely fortunate and lucky in that regard and that I have a loving spouse that WANTS to spend more time with me!
Re: Almost Time!
Specialist Federal Agency Tue May 19, 2009 11:19 AM
Spot on comments! I am retiring July 3rd and cannot wait to spend time with my husband and other family. While I have plans for my future, I am not making pie charts or daily plans to keep myself busy. Been doing that for way too many years now.
Most of my retired friends say they enjoy most being able to get up every morning and then decide what they want to do that day.
Yes, I have things around the house that need to be done, but these also will not dictate how I will spend my days. Just as while working, I'll put off these things if something more interesting comes up.
Happy Retirement!
thanks
GEO FED Tue May 19, 2009 10:13 AM
For those that comment on this article, thanks! You all provide better advice than the article. Keep writing!
If you can't fill in the pie chart, you'll never retire cause you don't have a life outside work. Get one!
T- 7months, 12 days and counting
What Will (Your) Retirement Life Be Like?
Management Analyst CNI Tue May 19, 2009 10:38 AM
I will retire effective 1 Jan 2010 and believe me, not a day too soon. I'm ready and have been planning for my retirement so time. Since the establishment of CNIC, I've seen more fraud, waste and abuse since 2003 than I have in my entire government career. It's becoming impossible to work for the military because they all want to be in charge. It's all about me, me, me.
Our government needs to go back to the real DoD days of doing business. If not, your children don't need to worry about getting a job with the government. It's going to consist of only retired military who aren't qualified. However, their vet preference got them the job. So very sad, but so very true. Do a survey and check it out.
Re: What Will (Your) Retirement Life Be Like?
Frustrated Fed United States Marshals Service Tue Jun 2, 2009 9:08 PM
The United States Marshals Service is like that also. Administrators are former agents who haven't a clue how to run an office but use bullying techniques on subordinates that they used when breaking down criminals. It has to be one of the most unprofessional agencies. After 30 years, I questioned wrongdoing in the office....fraud, mismanagement of funds, hiring family and lying on applications. Overtime was paid to administrators who didn't even show up to work a 40-week. Admin staff paid to work as "security guards" on weekend activities. When I questioned, I was labeled "whistleblower" and my federal career suddenly came to an end. These monsters ruined my retirement planning and tried hard to keep me from receiving anything. There are evil folks in this agency who don't want to work for a living....just play their deceptive games. What a waste of taxpayer dollars!
Re: What Will (Your) Retirement Life Be Like?
Civilian Marine USMC Wed Jul 8, 2009 9:34 AM
You hit that one right one! I see this everyday and working for the government is no longer what it used to be. I can't wait to retire in 2010 with 35+ and look forward to the day I no longer have to compete with the retired military that are not qualified to fill these positions that civilians have been working toward for years.
Great Advice
NTEU Union Rep IRS Tue May 19, 2009 10:51 AM
This is a valuable thought provoking article which provides great advice to those who are in or nearing retirement. I used the volunteer website you provided and have already found some interesting opportunities to fill the work, lunch, travel portion of my soon-to-be retirement days. Thanks for providing valuable insight into what lies ahead and for challenging us to think be for we take the leap to retirement life.
It's nice to see that some can afford to retire!
Paralegal Specialist USPS Tue May 19, 2009 10:51 AM
I'm retirement eligible, but cannot afford to do so and probably will never be able to, unless TSP wildly rebounds. I'll fantasize about you happy retirees while my poor co-workers are changing my Depends, waiting for me to die on the job. Good luck and Enjoy!
Can't wait to retire
Doesnt really matter Dept. of the Treasury Tue May 19, 2009 12:34 PM
I can not wiat to retire in January, 2010. I had plan to retire on 12/31/2010. I am going to retire no matter what. I am tire for one thing of the disparate, dispasionate treatment among employees and it appears to me that the goal is to rid the agency of certain employees. I don't have a problem with that, especially those who are not doing the job they are getting paid to do, just sitting in their cubicles like zombies, and those who don't have a clue what professionalism means, and those individuals (managers) who enjoy getting rid of people who they do not like, so yes I am ready to go. I am not trying to pay off my mortgage. I have payed all of those credit cards, etc within the past five years. So as long as my pension covers my mortgage, to hell with the job. In regards to government waste and abuse, I am prepare
to give my comments, but only after I leave. Cause, whistleblowing is also broken. Retaliation continues to be alive and well and employees are afraid.
Re: Can't wait to retire
Frustrated Fed United States Marshals Service Tue Jun 2, 2009 9:17 PM
You are absolutely right. Retaliation is alive and well in the United States Marshals Service also...even if you have outstanding performance ratings. Suddenly, you can become a poor performer overnight and there is nothing you can do about it. Lawyers are no help and no employee assistance programs are worth a darn. If you aren't part of the "family" of con artists, you can be disposed of easily. Even with 30 years of exemplary service, a case can be built with little or no effort on management's part. It is a fallacy when someone says federal employees can't be fired. They should move to the Marshals Service and question the fraud that is going on there.
2 more years this month
Former Staffing Specialist, Now Union Steward DOD Tue May 19, 2009 9:52 PM
I saw the vol retire application of one of my former co-workers today. She was always sure that she would work for 5 more years but is fed up with NSPS and is going out day one. I'm not in NSPS but may need to work there again if necessary. I want to pay off all my debts too but my husband charges too much and then wants to pay off the entire $50K balance or so from his TSP. He's done this at least 5 times since 1990 with me and my TSP account is only $20K when it was over $55K at one time. At least I'm CSRS and that's a comfort. But even a GS-12/Step 9 salary is not enough high-3. I'm still waiting to see what happens to NSPS in Nov 2009 and then I may make a move back up for a last look at the top before I go for good.
Retirement
Retired DOD USAF Wed May 20, 2009 12:18 AM
I am in my 10th year of CRS retirement. I was GS 14 and got 60% or so of my top 3 average. We planned well. Basically we live ok and are happy. I love not traveling for the USG--it was always second or third class. The commute will never be missed either. We kept busy with our small farm and light travel. My fear now is Obama will ruin out health care. Also the insane spending will eventually result in run away inflation. In that case I am sure hey will suspend or modify the COLA.
I am sorry for the FERS retirees. That system is not a decent deal for the Federal Retiree. There should be a floor that would allow a decent retirement when the stock markets tank. As it is now fols will hang on and there will be little opportunity for new blood.
Re: Retirement
Retired DOT DOT Retired Wed May 20, 2009 10:07 AM
Your fear isn't that Obama will "ruin" your health care, because he's fighting for health care reform, your fear is that he made succeed.
Retirement Life
Retired DSS Special Agent DOD Wed May 20, 2009 7:38 AM
I retired in June 2003 and haven't looked back. There was no adjustment to retirement for me. I was ready as I had worked nearly 43 years (34 for the US Govt).
I was a house husband until my wife retired two years after I did. My wife retired in June 2005 from a state university (she was a College Dean). She still teaches part-time as she likes it. Most of her classes are online classes which she does from our home office/hotel room/cruise ship. If she has a computer, she can teach. We reside in a state which does not tax our retirement income. Since her retirement, we have hit the road/seas (cruises). We have made two trips (each two weeks long) so far to Alaska; cruise around the British Isles (visited England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales); Mexcio, Belize, Honduras; numerous Caribbean Islands; the US Southwest. We planned for this and retired to travel. We are going to Italy this October. I HAVE NOT missed working. My job/work was not my identity.
Re: Retirement Life
Paralegal Specialist USPS Wed May 20, 2009 10:29 AM
Hear, hear; you are living alot of people's fantasy life. Enjoy!
go for it!
realty spec gsa Wed May 20, 2009 9:26 AM
I keep wondering why people think they have to have it all planned out. Ok, I do agree on planning the finances, and having some idea of what to do other than not working. But c'mon folks! Reach back into your memory: When you started school, changed grades, moved up to middle or junior high, up to high school, on to college/work, got married, had kids, bought your house, etc.. iI you're honest, most of these life changes were both exciting and scary. If you had a choice, later on, you'd mostly go ahead and do it again.
So don't worry so much about the fear of what happens after retirement. Plan on the new life being a bit different than you expected. There's an excellent chance that it will be even better than you hoped.
Count me: 3 years, 7 months, and odd days til liftoff!
Retirement isn't for everyone
Aviation Safety Inspector FAA Thu May 21, 2009 9:27 AM
I retired from a major airline in 1994 at the age of 59. During a two year period I painted the entire inside of my home then did the outside, retiled the hot tub, raised 23 tomato plants and enough to supply the entire block. My wife and I traveled a great deal abroad and to date been on 15 cruise trips. We own two time shares in Hawaii and one on the main land. I returned to work in 1997 and currently have 16 years of federal service and love my job. With five weeks vacation and a decent salary I feel productive and look forward for my next travel adventure. I am 74 years old and have no plans to retire. My philosophy is, love what you do and follow your dreams.
What Will (Your) Retirement Life Be Like?
Technical Advisor IRS Thu Jun 4, 2009 9:28 AM
I appreciate your information. I hope to be retiring next year and I will be playing lots of golf at first. Remember this is not a cheap activity.
I have heard of to many people who wait to retire and then either get sick or die. I want to enjoy my time while I feel good and can get about.
Retirement--the best job I've ever had!!
Retired Special Agent HHS/OIG/OI Fri Jun 19, 2009 11:13 AM
I retired from the federal govt. at the age of 54; I was in federal law enforcement so with 32 years of service I got a great pension under CSRS --74% of my average high three years.
This is more than enough to live on and even gives me extra to put in a monthly savings account.
As for filling time during the day, retirement is like a cruise--you can do as much as you want or as little as you want.
I work part-time driving cars for Enterprise 2-3 days per week. The other days, I do yard work, bicycle, play in a senior softball league in the summer and ski in the winter. I also do volunteer work for the Knights of Columbus. This is in between my travel of 3-4 times per year.
So when people ask me what retirement is like I tell them it's the best job I've ever had!!!!
I found the article very informative. I really liked hitting the website on the book, where it took me to Amazon. I bought the book. Thanks I will be recommending your website to a few more retirees. I am 63 and will be retiring Jan. 1, 2010. I also liked the website to look for volunteer work.
At this time as I am working I get my full SS but when I retire I will get about half or somewhat. Why can"t we get the full amount when we retire, I know it came into law in 1983. I woked 22years in the private sector and now 33 years with the Gov. I earned my SS like everyone up to 1983 so why not have washinton make a change for all of us.
Almost Time
IT Specialist OCIO Fri Aug 7, 2009 10:00 AM
I have stayed around a few years longer than I expected; but I am looking forward to retirement January 1, 2010. Am CSRS and will have a pretty good pension, not too much in TSP though but that's OK; my lifestyle will not change that much. I used that pie chart and I listed all kinds of things--working on my thesis, writing that novel I always to write, working in my garden and yard, home projects, volunteering, going to a lot more scrabble tournaments (scrabble is my passion), traveling to see my sisters and other states--I got about 15 more states to visit and I will have traveled to all of the 50 states; morning devotion and exercise, doing things for my grands. After nearly 35 years, I pray that I just be in good health to enjoy my retirement. I may do substitute teaching in public schools. I wish a happy retirement to all of you who are planning to retire.
What retirement is like
Retired csrs rural development Sun Oct 11, 2009 4:01 PM
i have worked since I "retired" early in 12-07. This has basically been out of need due to family issues for my kids in college. I hope to be able to work less in the next 2 years and enjoy what i had planned- to volunteer more for the Red Cross and Aging Office. Working is not bad as now I only commute 12 miles one way and not 50, so there are trade-offs to leaving early.
Pie Chart
Bicycle Traveller
Tue May 19, 2009 8:11 AM
The only pie chart I care about now is the pie that Aunt Bee makes for me when I visit her. Part of retirement is freeing yourself from the need to do pie charts. In my working life I pie charted my time every day. Not for me anymore. It's not my cup of tea.
Re: Pie Chart
rock chucker
Tue May 19, 2009 11:57 AM
Re: Pie Chart
Singer and Distiller
Tue May 19, 2009 5:17 PM
Re: Pie Chart
Baker of Pies
Wed May 20, 2009 9:36 AM
My retirement schedule
DOD
Tue May 19, 2009 8:31 AM
I am not sure I will be able to retire anytime soon, especially since I just purchased a post -divorce home last year at age 52. But if I could retire I would take the schedule of a Bohemian somebody. Each morning I would write for at least 4 hours...then try to master the piano for a couple of hours. Then fish for a couple of hours. The evenings and nights would be for wine, women (my wife), and fun. All this would be mandatory each day unless I was taking a trip exploring the world. How's that for a retirement DREAM?
Book review
IRS
Tue May 19, 2009 8:42 AM
Before you run out and buy the book he discusses, What color is your parachute in retirement, let me mention that I just read it and hated it. It was a boring read with little information in my opinion.
WHAT IS RETIREMENT LIFE LIKE?
RETIRED BOP
Tue May 19, 2009 8:53 AM
I have been retired for 4 years. And I work part-time.The Advice I give to future retirees is about 6 yrs out, start really honing your retirement game plan. Look, stop worrying, its never a good time to retire...NEVER!!! But you can make the transition so much smoother by having your bills paid off and either one of your big ticket items (car or home) paid off. If you do not want to retire directly where you are living or stationed, Then immediaitely upon retirement, get there!! Its not hard and only a simple formula needs to be followed. Retirees with good work history can always find a job. Heck, I turned down 4 or 5 offers!!!! So..Be optimistic and look forward to the day when you no longer must wake up at 5am!!!!!!!! HAPPY RETIREMENT PLANNING.
Re: WHAT IS RETIREMENT LIFE LIKE?
ICE
Tue May 19, 2009 10:37 AM
Re: WHAT IS RETIREMENT LIFE LIKE?
FAA
Tue May 19, 2009 1:50 PM
Retirement Plans
DOD
Tue May 19, 2009 9:28 AM
Retirement for me is a little less than 10 years away. I will keep volunteering with Friends of the Library and take on other community projects. I now take yoga and go the gym. I want to take Tai Che, budokon, hot boxing, and water aerobics. Oh, not at the same time but when I get tired or extremely good at one go on to another. I have got to keep the body flexible and in some sort of shape so I am able to enjoy my yearly cruise. And I will probably still wake up before dawn, but not by that extremely loud alarm clock - most likely by the birds outside my window, a much better way to be greeted by the day.
retirement
DHHS
Tue May 19, 2009 9:29 AM
I retired in 2006. First, you cannot underestimate this emotional readjustment. It is huge. This is what worked for me: attend financial seminars. Plan to live within your means. Pay off your house, if possible. Buy a high end used car (not a new car - re: depreciation). Do not jump into another job or volunteer work. Give yourself several months to adjust. CSRS pensions are large enough to allow savings, travel, and dining out. You don't need a mountain of money. You will save a fortune by controlling spending, learning how to work on your vehicles and yard equipment, and learning how to work on your house and property. You can do this, it isn't rocket science. I joined a gym and go there every morning. Stay connected to friends and family. Your free time is a luxury and they will need your help. Don't move unless you first rent in the new area for awhile. Find purpose and meaning in your life. I write fiction and work with disabled vets. Good luck to all of you.
Re: retirement
Department of Energy
Tue May 19, 2009 2:02 PM
Want to make God laugh?
DOD
Tue May 19, 2009 9:31 AM
Tell him your plans...
Almost Time!
DHHS/FDA
Tue May 19, 2009 10:05 AM
I'm eligible to retire within the next 6 months. Although these days it will be considered quite young to do so, I will. Am I anxious? You bet. Although I enjoy work, it's changed a lot in the past few years; I'm ready to go. But the primary reason for me is to spend more time with my husband. He has been retired for several years; obviously, he's a bit older than me, so I'm not spending the remaining good years we have, working. It's time to start enjoying the things we like to do together (and some apart-I'm no fool!). I don't want to feel like I have to plan every detail of what lies ahead...that's no fun! I want that flexibility to do what I want, when I want, as long as we can afford to do so and remain happy in life. Financially, we're good and not many people can say that right now; I feel extremely fortunate and lucky in that regard and that I have a loving spouse that WANTS to spend more time with me!
Re: Almost Time!
Federal Agency
Tue May 19, 2009 11:19 AM
Most of my retired friends say they enjoy most being able to get up every morning and then decide what they want to do that day.
Yes, I have things around the house that need to be done, but these also will not dictate how I will spend my days. Just as while working, I'll put off these things if something more interesting comes up.
Happy Retirement!
thanks
FED
Tue May 19, 2009 10:13 AM
For those that comment on this article, thanks! You all provide better advice than the article. Keep writing!
If you can't fill in the pie chart, you'll never retire cause you don't have a life outside work. Get one!
T- 7months, 12 days and counting
What Will (Your) Retirement Life Be Like?
CNI
Tue May 19, 2009 10:38 AM
I will retire effective 1 Jan 2010 and believe me, not a day too soon. I'm ready and have been planning for my retirement so time. Since the establishment of CNIC, I've seen more fraud, waste and abuse since 2003 than I have in my entire government career. It's becoming impossible to work for the military because they all want to be in charge. It's all about me, me, me.
Our government needs to go back to the real DoD days of doing business. If not, your children don't need to worry about getting a job with the government. It's going to consist of only retired military who aren't qualified. However, their vet preference got them the job. So very sad, but so very true. Do a survey and check it out.
Re: What Will (Your) Retirement Life Be Like?
United States Marshals Service
Tue Jun 2, 2009 9:08 PM
Re: What Will (Your) Retirement Life Be Like?
USMC
Wed Jul 8, 2009 9:34 AM
Great Advice
IRS
Tue May 19, 2009 10:51 AM
This is a valuable thought provoking article which provides great advice to those who are in or nearing retirement. I used the volunteer website you provided and have already found some interesting opportunities to fill the work, lunch, travel portion of my soon-to-be retirement days. Thanks for providing valuable insight into what lies ahead and for challenging us to think be for we take the leap to retirement life.
It's nice to see that some can afford to retire!
USPS
Tue May 19, 2009 10:51 AM
I'm retirement eligible, but cannot afford to do so and probably will never be able to, unless TSP wildly rebounds. I'll fantasize about you happy retirees while my poor co-workers are changing my Depends, waiting for me to die on the job. Good luck and Enjoy!
Can't wait to retire
Dept. of the Treasury
Tue May 19, 2009 12:34 PM
I can not wiat to retire in January, 2010. I had plan to retire on 12/31/2010. I am going to retire no matter what. I am tire for one thing of the disparate, dispasionate treatment among employees and it appears to me that the goal is to rid the agency of certain employees. I don't have a problem with that, especially those who are not doing the job they are getting paid to do, just sitting in their cubicles like zombies, and those who don't have a clue what professionalism means, and those individuals (managers) who enjoy getting rid of people who they do not like, so yes I am ready to go. I am not trying to pay off my mortgage. I have payed all of those credit cards, etc within the past five years. So as long as my pension covers my mortgage, to hell with the job. In regards to government waste and abuse, I am prepare
to give my comments, but only after I leave. Cause, whistleblowing is also broken. Retaliation continues to be alive and well and employees are afraid.
Re: Can't wait to retire
United States Marshals Service
Tue Jun 2, 2009 9:17 PM
2 more years this month
DOD
Tue May 19, 2009 9:52 PM
I saw the vol retire application of one of my former co-workers today. She was always sure that she would work for 5 more years but is fed up with NSPS and is going out day one. I'm not in NSPS but may need to work there again if necessary. I want to pay off all my debts too but my husband charges too much and then wants to pay off the entire $50K balance or so from his TSP. He's done this at least 5 times since 1990 with me and my TSP account is only $20K when it was over $55K at one time. At least I'm CSRS and that's a comfort. But even a GS-12/Step 9 salary is not enough high-3. I'm still waiting to see what happens to NSPS in Nov 2009 and then I may make a move back up for a last look at the top before I go for good.
Retirement
USAF
Wed May 20, 2009 12:18 AM
I am in my 10th year of CRS retirement. I was GS 14 and got 60% or so of my top 3 average. We planned well. Basically we live ok and are happy. I love not traveling for the USG--it was always second or third class. The commute will never be missed either. We kept busy with our small farm and light travel. My fear now is Obama will ruin out health care. Also the insane spending will eventually result in run away inflation. In that case I am sure hey will suspend or modify the COLA.
I am sorry for the FERS retirees. That system is not a decent deal for the Federal Retiree. There should be a floor that would allow a decent retirement when the stock markets tank. As it is now fols will hang on and there will be little opportunity for new blood.
Re: Retirement
DOT Retired
Wed May 20, 2009 10:07 AM
Retirement Life
DOD
Wed May 20, 2009 7:38 AM
I retired in June 2003 and haven't looked back. There was no adjustment to retirement for me. I was ready as I had worked nearly 43 years (34 for the US Govt).
I was a house husband until my wife retired two years after I did. My wife retired in June 2005 from a state university (she was a College Dean). She still teaches part-time as she likes it. Most of her classes are online classes which she does from our home office/hotel room/cruise ship. If she has a computer, she can teach. We reside in a state which does not tax our retirement income. Since her retirement, we have hit the road/seas (cruises). We have made two trips (each two weeks long) so far to Alaska; cruise around the British Isles (visited England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales); Mexcio, Belize, Honduras; numerous Caribbean Islands; the US Southwest. We planned for this and retired to travel. We are going to Italy this October. I HAVE NOT missed working. My job/work was not my identity.
Re: Retirement Life
USPS
Wed May 20, 2009 10:29 AM
go for it!
gsa
Wed May 20, 2009 9:26 AM
I keep wondering why people think they have to have it all planned out. Ok, I do agree on planning the finances, and having some idea of what to do other than not working. But c'mon folks! Reach back into your memory: When you started school, changed grades, moved up to middle or junior high, up to high school, on to college/work, got married, had kids, bought your house, etc.. iI you're honest, most of these life changes were both exciting and scary. If you had a choice, later on, you'd mostly go ahead and do it again.
So don't worry so much about the fear of what happens after retirement. Plan on the new life being a bit different than you expected. There's an excellent chance that it will be even better than you hoped.
Count me: 3 years, 7 months, and odd days til liftoff!
Retirement isn't for everyone
FAA
Thu May 21, 2009 9:27 AM
I retired from a major airline in 1994 at the age of 59. During a two year period I painted the entire inside of my home then did the outside, retiled the hot tub, raised 23 tomato plants and enough to supply the entire block. My wife and I traveled a great deal abroad and to date been on 15 cruise trips. We own two time shares in Hawaii and one on the main land. I returned to work in 1997 and currently have 16 years of federal service and love my job. With five weeks vacation and a decent salary I feel productive and look forward for my next travel adventure. I am 74 years old and have no plans to retire. My philosophy is, love what you do and follow your dreams.
What Will (Your) Retirement Life Be Like?
IRS
Thu Jun 4, 2009 9:28 AM
I appreciate your information. I hope to be retiring next year and I will be playing lots of golf at first. Remember this is not a cheap activity.
I have heard of to many people who wait to retire and then either get sick or die. I want to enjoy my time while I feel good and can get about.
Retirement--the best job I've ever had!!
HHS/OIG/OI
Fri Jun 19, 2009 11:13 AM
I retired from the federal govt. at the age of 54; I was in federal law enforcement so with 32 years of service I got a great pension under CSRS --74% of my average high three years.
This is more than enough to live on and even gives me extra to put in a monthly savings account.
As for filling time during the day, retirement is like a cruise--you can do as much as you want or as little as you want.
I work part-time driving cars for Enterprise 2-3 days per week. The other days, I do yard work, bicycle, play in a senior softball league in the summer and ski in the winter. I also do volunteer work for the Knights of Columbus. This is in between my travel of 3-4 times per year.
So when people ask me what retirement is like I tell them it's the best job I've ever had!!!!
Positive
Customs and Border Protection
Mon Jul 13, 2009 7:06 PM
I found the article very informative. I really liked hitting the website on the book, where it took me to Amazon. I bought the book. Thanks I will be recommending your website to a few more retirees. I am 63 and will be retiring Jan. 1, 2010. I also liked the website to look for volunteer work.
Thanks for your info and all your work.
full SS
usda / nfc
Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:44 AM
At this time as I am working I get my full SS but when I retire I will get about half or somewhat. Why can"t we get the full amount when we retire, I know it came into law in 1983. I woked 22years in the private sector and now 33 years with the Gov. I earned my SS like everyone up to 1983 so why not have washinton make a change for all of us.
Almost Time
OCIO
Fri Aug 7, 2009 10:00 AM
I have stayed around a few years longer than I expected; but I am looking forward to retirement January 1, 2010. Am CSRS and will have a pretty good pension, not too much in TSP though but that's OK; my lifestyle will not change that much. I used that pie chart and I listed all kinds of things--working on my thesis, writing that novel I always to write, working in my garden and yard, home projects, volunteering, going to a lot more scrabble tournaments (scrabble is my passion), traveling to see my sisters and other states--I got about 15 more states to visit and I will have traveled to all of the 50 states; morning devotion and exercise, doing things for my grands. After nearly 35 years, I pray that I just be in good health to enjoy my retirement. I may do substitute teaching in public schools. I wish a happy retirement to all of you who are planning to retire.
What retirement is like
rural development
Sun Oct 11, 2009 4:01 PM
i have worked since I "retired" early in 12-07. This has basically been out of need due to family issues for my kids in college. I hope to be able to work less in the next 2 years and enjoy what i had planned- to volunteer more for the Red Cross and Aging Office. Working is not bad as now I only commute 12 miles one way and not 50, so there are trade-offs to leaving early.