Is it better to be younger or older and closer to retirement?

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by superdog

You speak the truth. Absolutely. Broham

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

After I was assaulted and sustained the traumatic brain injury, I initially struggled with the loss of my medical career, income and even my self image. I saw a very smart psychologist for a while to deal with the issues. One day as we talked, he said, "Mark, you can CHOOSE to thrive in this new situation." I took this to heart, and it turns out he was very right.

So glad to hear you were able to find that happy place. So many comments about money and no doubt that helps, but little mention about finding that place where one can feel at peace.

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

At 69 and retired, life has never been better.

Whatever one's age, it's better to be healthy and satisfied with one's circumstances.

These!

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by cop414

Interesting thread. I was able to retire at the relatively young age of 51. I’m loving life right now even with my minor aches and pains. In my line of work though the cynicism meter was far into the red after several decades and that has come down just a bit which is nice. Holly will be retiring in the next couple of years also at a relatively young age so that’s when the real fun begins.
So I guess my answer would be both? Retired at a younger age with enough money and health to really enjoy the next several decades. We always keep in mind though that this situation can change in an instant making us mindful to really enjoy our great situation. We had that wake up call several years ago when Holly had open heart surgery.
Grandkids now, financially stable and still healthy, that’s the ticket.

Unfortunately it seems the last couple of years I’m feeling more reason to have more cynicism all the time. I know it would be better if I could back off. I just know there’s good out there too. I just wish I could find it more often.

[77T]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Unfortunately it seems the last couple of years I’m feeling more reason to have more cynicism all the time. I know it would be better if I could back off. I just know there’s good out there too. I just wish I could find it more often.

I think one key to get over the breaking point is to pass on the negative news.

Then the good doesn’t need to be sought out. It is what you’ll see in the natural balance of life.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[superdog]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Unfortunately it seems the last couple of years I’m feeling more reason to have more cynicism all the time. I know it would be better if I could back off. I just know there’s good out there too. I just wish I could find it more often.

I’m having similar challenges.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by superdog

I’m having similar challenges.

Just within the last week two girls started work and instead of just showing up, they actualy work. I mean instead of just breathing they actually do their share, carry their weight, actually participate.

I was so happy, this gives me hope.

It certainly would be nice if it were not so few and so far between.


I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

This is only one aspect we’re my frustrations lie, but it’s a little window of light.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by 77T

I think one key to get over the breaking point is to pass on the negative news.

Then the good doesn’t need to be sought out. It is what you’ll see in the natural balance of life.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I did that for awhile, but it’s not just the news.

The frustration exists where I work as well.

[Old Geezer]

I’m heading into retirement in March at age 56. My wife and I have prepared ourselves for retirement and are looking forward to spending time with each other, family and friends.
With life expectancy estimates these days and god willing we will have many good years ahead of us.
Ok, with that context back to the question.....were in good a place but I’d still rather be younger with many more years ahead of us to enjoy life.

[jatco]

Originally Posted by dddrees

So glad to hear you were able to find that happy place. So many comments about money and no doubt that helps, but little mention about finding that place where one can feel at peace.



These!

..Are the things we hope for.

[brandrea]

I love this stage of life and wouldn’t trade it for my younger days. Not even close.

51, and secure in who I am, what I believe in, and comfortable in this stage of life. There are challenges at any stage young or old, but I wouldn’t want to turn back the clock ... except maybe for my aching feet

[vipereaper30]

What I'd give to go back lol...

I have mostly great memories, few regrets, and value my experiences but I'd take younger in a heartbeat.

[JasoninDenver]

I “retired” at 51 from a 25 year career as a lawyer. I HATED every second of it, but it gave me the freedom to be my own boss and live a great lifestyle in a small mountain town while I was young and physically able to enjoy a hardcore outdoor lifestyle.

I am very lucky now to be a stay at home dad and volunteer with a local agency that helps people start their own businesses. Eventually, I will look to do this on a for profit basis as weel once the kids suck a little less time.

However, my previous overly active lifestyle has resulted in some nagging injuries that are starting to have an impact. It made me very happy that I front end loaded my outdoor goals. Now I still enjoy them, but a little less vigorously.

As far as the general intolerance for the bullshit, I get it. I shake my head when I see people not even willing to put the slightest effort into making their lives better. I just remind myself that life is a great big bell curve. Most people struggle to get by. Many are the screw-ups that make me want to go postal. Very few truely excel and take charge of their own lives. Those are the people I choose to associate with. I let the others pound sand.

[droptopman]

Very content at 51. No real regrets, made many mistakes in my 20's but made me who I am. Only part of the young thing I want is my body. I am very healthy but have chronic arthritis and back issues so pain is a daily routine. Some days it feels like survival...

I focus on being grateful and giving back as much as possible. Life is awesome and very stable at this point of time. Happiest on the golf course with my wife and a good cigar.

I do relate to some of the discussion about how things have changed and where we are headed. I avoid the news/media except for phone apps that notify me of major stories. Just get frustrated when I watch the news. Too much propaganda and agenda pushing for me.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Very content at 51. No real regrets, made many mistakes in my 20's but made me who I am. Only part of the young thing I want is my body. I am very healthy but have chronic arthritis and back issues so pain is a daily routine. Some days it feels like survival...

I focus on being grateful and giving back as much as possible. Life is awesome and very stable at this point of time. Happiest on the golf course with my wife and a good cigar.

I do relate to some of the discussion about how things have changed and where we are headed. I avoid the news/media except for phone apps that notify me of major stories. Just get frustrated when I watch the news. Too much propaganda and agenda pushing for me.

Skipping news is something I'm struggling with. I want to see these things for myself so I can make up my own mind. I've skipped it at times and I have to say I've felt better for it. My curiosity keeps me coming back.


Anyway, If I came across a great deal on a quality cigar like that Cuban Cigar I enjoyed in Germany decades ago I would be sorely tempted. I stopped smoking years ago, but still I would be tempted.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

I “retired” at 51 from a 25 year career as a lawyer. I HATED every second of it, but it gave me the freedom to be my own boss and live a great lifestyle in a small mountain town while I was young and physically able to enjoy a hardcore outdoor lifestyle.

I am very lucky now to be a stay at home dad and volunteer with a local agency that helps people start their own businesses. Eventually, I will look to do this on a for profit basis as weel once the kids suck a little less time.

However, my previous overly active lifestyle has resulted in some nagging injuries that are starting to have an impact. It made me very happy that I front end loaded my outdoor goals. Now I still enjoy them, but a little less vigorously.

As far as the general intolerance for the bullshit, I get it. I shake my head when I see people not even willing to put the slightest effort into making their lives better. I just remind myself that life is a great big bell curve. Most people struggle to get by. Many are the screw-ups that make me want to go postal. Very few truely excel and take charge of their own lives. Those are the people I choose to associate with. I let the others pound sand.

I just hate that my physical issues are making it difficult to be me. I limp still because of my knee issues and I always walk fast. It's just not me.

My intolerance surfaces worse when people have decided they can do whatever they want with little regard for others. I could care less if others wish or not wish to do something which will impact only them. Like you said, the less I have too deal with them in the first place the better.

[ratty]

I tried retirement once, couldn't wait to get another job!! I hadn't realised just how bad daytime television is.

I wish I was younger than I am now (56) but I wish I was younger with my current knowledge. My attitudes haven't changed much over the years, which with hindsight have not helped me much in life, but I wish I'd known then what I know now. That a song title isn't it?

[sparky]

I'm happy where I am-a great family, a few watches, a Porsche in the garage, and sleeping in EVERY day. Also if you go back and change anything, you might change everything and it might not be another path with a Rolex forum in it.

[jatco]

Originally Posted by sparky

I'm happy where I am-a great family, a few watches, a Porsche in the garage, and sleeping in EVERY day. Also if you go back and change anything, you might change everything and it might not be another path with a Rolex forum in it.

I too, am very happy where I am, with my Better half, with just a few time pieces that mean something to me. No Porsche in the garage, no garage.. and not sleeping in Every day, but what I have, and who I have that with, is better now than I would've imagined...back in my 'youth'.
Can't get much better than this....! and

[123Blueface]

Today was quite emotional for me.
After 36 years with one company, I officially “hit the button” and will be retired as of my last day on 11/30, at 59 1/2.
A new chapter in my life will soon begin, with lots of planned travel.
Wouldn’t change where I am for the world.

[Laszlo]

I truly want to work until my last breath. Any more than 3-days not working I get anxious and don’t feel good. Not sure how retirement feels but the thought of it is dreadful.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by jatco

I too, am very happy where I am, with my Better half, with just a few time pieces that mean something to me. No Porsche in the garage, no garage.. and not sleeping in Every day, but what I have, and who I have that with, is better now than I would've imagined...back in my 'youth'.
Can't get much better than this....! and

Peaceful, Thomas. Love it.

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by 123Blueface

Today was quite emotional for me.
After 36 years with one company, I officially “hit the button” and will be retired as of my last day on 11/30, at 59 1/2.
A new chapter in my life will soon begin, with lots of planned travel.
Wouldn’t change where I am for the world.

Congratulations ! Best wishes for a long, healthy and happy retirement.
March 2019, I hit the button.

[chieftd]

I retired from my first job in the military at 45 after 27.5 years service. At 59 I'm now 14 years into the second career. I had considered retiring at 62, but just recently got selected for a new job and the wife and I are moving to New Zealand for an overseas assignment. I figured I can give the job a few more years to live an exciting time in New Zealand. Once this assignment is over the plan is to retire for good and enjoy more free time with the family. The wife and I want to do a few bucket list trips and then just enjoy the remaining years relaxing and doing whatever comes along. Best wishes to all in your retirements. Aloha, Tim

[twitch54]

the key is to have always 'enjoyed the moment' ........

[jatco]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Peaceful, Thomas. Love it.

Thanks Las.....as we sit in YYZ airport waiting for our cnx to Milan...

[subtona]

I am thoroughly enjoying the fruits of my labor and retirement is now an option.
I am grateful to be born into a time that had such opportunity available, in today’s world i do not think the young people will have the same opportunity and if so, perhaps far fewer.

All said there is no substituting youth but we have each had the same number of moments available to us, if we were lucky enough to grow old.

I guess going back with old man knowledge and starting over would present a much more appealing set of options.

[Gaijin]

I grew up in a magical time, With great parents and sisters and lots of awesome friends. Traveled a lot as my Dad was in the military. We always played outside. No video games, smart phones or internet and our fun was where our bicycles and our imagination could take us. We never thought about race and who was what color. We were all just pals.


Sadly now America is not the place I grew up. Seems so divided.

People everywhere in every country walking around with their phone in their face. Interpersonal communication is no longer needed. Just a snappy retort from the safety of your phone.


I've left there and may never return.

Back on topic, I'm older, never been married, no kids and as I enter my golden years I have never ever been happier, I think I'm going to retire for good in April. I have no plans and I don't care.

To the younger guys life is good and just continues to get better, I am happy to be ageing. Gracefully. Its fun.

[HogwldFLTR]

I've been trapped a couple of times by economic disaster which have helped to forestall my retirement. I'm at the right age but have chosen to keep working. Likely could retire but I'm not trusting enough to do it. As far as younger or older; I'll side with younger.

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

Congratulations ! Best wishes for a long, healthy and happy retirement.
March 2019, I hit the button.

Thanks.
It’s amazing how fast that will come for you as well.