Some of you may recall I was getting close to this point and the new company that took over has treated us pretty badly; not at all what they had told us early on. From talking to the fellas still there, things continue to look questionable and the job is going to end for them in April anyway. I thought of remaining on as some kind of consultant or possibly for relief work if it were required. I haven't made an official announcement, though given the odd circumstances, it probably won't matter for a while. I didn't think this would affect me psychologically as much it has, but losing the working identity and not being part of the "team" anymore is a bit of a challenge.

I turned 63 in October, so I'm close to traditional retirement age and I'm fairly comfortable with my financial situation. I guess I'll take it day to day for a while until I finally submit my official resignation.

Keep a routine.

You are you and unique.

You're more than a part in a machine.

Identity as you. That's important.

If things had gone different for me, I would have retired long before I had to punch out, and would have been greater time spent.

Looking back, if anyone is able to walk out the door, do it sooner than later.

The life you live, may be your own...

Thanks for the fine philosophical advice, monkey!

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
I thought of remaining on as some kind of consultant or possibly for relief work if it were required.

I thought the same as I neared retirement. Even discussed it with my boss. (He was the one that raised the possibility.)

But, by the time I actually retired, I decided I was done with it. Wanted nothing more to do with the job or my employer. As I'd promised: I gave them a year of free remote consultation. Figured I was bound to have missed some things in training my replacement and documentation.

When they called me in a panic after more than a year had passed I told them "I can fix it, but it's been well over the year to which I agreed with <boss>, so this is going to be chargeable--including travel time. It won't be cheap." They decided they could work it out on their own

I figured that's what would happen. I also correctly figured they'd never call on me again.

I've answered a couple trivial questions for them lately, mostly out of friendship with the guys that asked and professional courtesy towards the Admin that replaced me, but that's it.

One day at a time Carl. Just turned 63 here too. You'll have more time for youtube vids..

Brother, I’ve been working since I was 13. Little jobs in the summer, mowing lawns and paper routes were what I could do. Now all these years later I’m facing the same thing you are. I’m not exactly comfortable with the idea. I think I’ll just change gears and continue working but in a different capacity. Best hopes for your future.

Losing a working identity has killed a lot of people over the years.

Don't let it get to you.

I retired last August. My original plan was to go another year, but similar to your situation things changed due to a merger.
It just wasn't the same, and I decided I didn't need the stress any longer.

I did take a month off before resuming working two days a week in my same job; so I guess I'm really semi-retired.
The extra money is nice and I don't have the stress or have to put in extra hours like before.

I like being able to still use my skills, and I have plenty of time off.
Working a little has eased the transition for me.

Advice from the retiring friend whose job I'm in right now.

When you realize happy hour now starts at 4, then 3, then 2 after a couple beers at lunch, you might need to restructure your afternoons.

I’d say congratulations, but I know how much adjustment such a life change can demand of us, and it’s particularly true if we were making a significant contribution and weren’t just a mindless cog in the machinery. Although it’s almost a cliché, the advice to find something else to do is important because it is true. With your talent for and interest in art and music you have an advantage over many people if you pursue them. All the best.

In NW IN? Next time you get a heavy Lake effect snow, just fill up your coffee cup, look out the window and enjoy your new life.

quote:

I didn't think this would affect me psychologically as much it has, but losing the working identity and not being part of the "team" anymore is a bit of a challenge.

Waaay back when I was a youngster ~ I was in upper management with a small company ~ worked there 8 years and I loved the job and the company but the size and structure limited me financially and mentally.
I was emotionally attached to the job/people/company ~ I made a decision not to let the emotion happen and treat a job as a business.
I left and my income doubled as middle management at a large company.
However, things went financially bad for the company (it was a public company that bought a bad prominent larger Crazy AV company in NYC) and seven years later they were gone.
Again, I felt loyalty, and love for the company and job - I got emotionally attached and regretted not working there anymore.
So I understand the sentiment of lost identity and lack of a team as I started my own business but I do miss the team atmosphere.
Good Luck in your endeavors.

The best deal I got at my retirement was 2 years as a consultant but my job was to stay home and not go to work for anyone else.

I've met at least three people who did what I'm about to tell you. That's how I learned about it.

If the job is going to end in April, don't resign and wait to get the severance package. Otherwise, you're leaving money on the table.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
the advice to find something else to do is important because it is true.

Good point. Mom taught, "retire TO something, not FROM something."

I retired in March of 2021 at age 65. One of my better choices.

I had over 40 years in IT, the last 20 as an IT Architect focused on Infrastructure. I was well regarded in the company and had a great team. I was considering retirement when my boss, who I held in high regard, took a promotion elsewhere in the company. He called me before it was announced to tell me he put me in for his position. I could not in good conscience take a position only to retire shortly thereafter so I thanked him for his faith in me and politely declined then set my retirement date. The company offered to keep me on as a consultant but I wanted a clean break.

So, what is my advice? Do something. Anything that interests you. Don't get consumed by the Internet and the news of the world.

I walk 5 miles a day (I always hated running, walking is my thing). I lift weights 6 days a week (alternate leg and upper body days). I am on the Board of Directors for my sportsman's club, there is always something that needs to be fixed, upgraded or built. I shoot skeet, competing at a club level. I am endeavoring to learn disc golf. My wife, also retired, and I traveled to Utah and North Carolina last year. She and I have "adventure Wednesday". We pick a hike, museum, park, waterfall or something of interest and go there. We are fortunate to be in good health and live in an area with great opportunities for recreation and adventure.

Do I miss working? Not in the least. The company I worked for was going seriously woke, I don't want to deal with that. Do I miss the people? Yes, I stay in contact with those I value.

One of the benefits of retirement happened earlier this week. We had about a foot of snow. That usually meant I would need to clear the driveway and get to work. Not now, I waited until the next day and warmer weather to clear the driveway and walks.

Welcome to retirement. It takes adjusting and accepting the fact that you have time to do anything you want. I am still in that process but it's going pretty well.

I think the advice provided by others is good. At age 67 my management made it clear that they wanted me to retire (24 years with the company), so I did, with a generous package of benefits. With my agreement, I was immediately hired by a consulting firm to work part time in the same office doing the same work for a special project, a condition that lasted for almost 2 more years. After I left, I occasionally got a question from my former coworkers about something, and only once was called in for paid assistance with a problem--all other inquiries were over the phone and solved in a few minutes--no charge.

I see my former coworkers once a month--we have lunch together. I remain interested in what is happening at my former employer, but haven't had any requests for information for some time. I am proud that the software I wrote and modified is still running successfully (some of it 40 years old), but the company is slowly phasing some of it out in favor of new off-the-shelf stuff (a process that is very difficult, given how cross-connected the software is).

I delayed beginning Social Security until I was no longer employed, to simplify the tax situation.

If you enjoy your work and the team membership, can you find a way to stay in touch with the team? Our monthly luncheon has been very helpful for me, and it's attended by those still on the job and others that have since retired.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you find your identity and enjoy your retirement.

flashguy

I'm in a somewhat similar situation.

I'm almost 64 and a half years old. I've been mostly a hardware computer/atm tech for 37 years.

I was kind of a specialist for my company as I was one of a hand full of techs that repaired check sorters and I was the only tech that repaired the sorters for my company in Louisiana/Mississippi for the past 6 years. I haven't had a vacation in that time.

They sorters will be going away soon but that's not the main reason I may be retiring. My body is kind of worn out from doing heavy equipment installations and general wear and tear. I've got multiple health issues, none of which are life threatening. I may be undergoing surgery for a couple of hernias in a few weeks.

I got a new manager back in September. She wanted to increase my hours during the same time we were trying to recover from Hurricane IDA. It wasn't even until this week we finally got the new roof and fence installed.

I had overstressed myself. I didn't think my body could take any more and went on short term disability before Thanksgiving.

Even if my health improves and I can work normal or less hours I don't know that I can return to work, at least for this company. I may just retire.

The stress was overwhelming back then and the psychological effects of possibly retiring, being someone of some value, then everything coming to a complete stop and now trying to figure what to do with the rest of my life is with me everyday.

It pretty much is taking it day by day. First things first.

I know if this is it and I do retire I'll adapt. I'm confident you will too.

One of my coworkers and friend who retired some time ago told me one of the things he enjoys most is Sunday evenings knowing he doesn't have to go in to work on Monday mornings.

Best of luck to you 6guns. If you decide to find another job it’ll probably be better than your current job. That’s been my experience.

Just think, you'll have more time for guitar playing and other things. After I had been retired for a while I wondered how I ever had time to go to work.

I've been retired now for almost 18 years. I don't miss the job at all!