Is Shapiro correct? Is retirement a ridiculous institution?

You are nowhere near elite. I'm talking about the billionaires and the CEOs that fund scumbags like Trump.

 

I retired the first time at age 55 but went to work for a friend that grew his dad's business very rapidly and outgrew his ops talent. Helped him for a few years, then retired for good last year, still in my 50's.

My boss knew my egress date but still tried to hold on to me (he only worked a couple of days a week with me on board) and joked I was too young to retire. My response was that I wanted to retire when I had the physical health to do the things I love.

 

Do you really want to work until the day you die? 1) Hopefully you don’t mean you want to die young and miss out on some of the golden year pleasures (I’m loving the new grandkid thing). 2) Maybe I can change your mind. Come on over one evening to watch the purple martins in the back yard soar about and swoop down to feed their babies in the gourds, or tinker on some of the antique boat motors in the garage, or teach an underprivileged child how to cast a bait at a charity event. Your heart will grow and you will like it. As a military brat I probably understand your mindset, but my dad really enjoyed his retirement…especially golfing - including regularly with “the brass” as a retired SSGT.

 

I guess what I mean is, I want to be productive until the day I die. It won’t and can’t be what I’m doing now. But after I can’t fly or do military things anymore, my hope is that my mind is still sharp enough to teach.

 

Hey Uftaipan.
Retiring from the military certainly gave me so many options. While the pay is cool, what really gave me options was the healthcare. I severely undervalued that aspect.
Good luck.

 

That sounds better. I fully expect you to transition your duty-discipline-service genes at least partially to local community service when that day comes. Find a Kiwanis/Rotary/Optimist/Etc. Club to spend some time with and report back to me for further duty after you do!

 

Man, don’t you know it. I retired before Medicare age and even then gap coverage won’t be cheap. Thanks to my dad’s military service he and mom had/have coverage for life. That’s a big deal. One reason why I intend to do occasional paying projects in retirement is to allow me to pay for insurance and not give up the rest of my lifestyle.

edit: Now I need to get out in the yard to sift some of my compost pile to prep a larger garden plot for planting in about a week. Gonna be sore tomorrow but gonna enjoy excellent sweet corn in a couple months. Ahhh, the joys of retirement.

 

Of all people who have lived on the earth about 8% are still alive. I’m in the Top 8%.

Of all the people alive today only 5% live in the USA. I acknowledge that there are other wonderful countries someone may want to live in; but, at least I can move if I want. So, Top 5% of Top 8% = Top 0.4%

Out of the 330+ million in the USA only about 22 million live in Florida. Top 7% of Top 0.4% = Top 0.0028%

I’m happily married with a beautiful woman who is smart, sexy and loves me. Top 20% (?); so, now I’m in the Top 20% of .0028% or the Top .00056%

I have 3 healthy children – one about to have a grandchild, another about to be married and a 3rd I will see in 2 weeks – all of whom love me and ….for the most part…like me too! Plus, I have a great step-son and we have a wonderful relationship. Say 1 out of 5 have this? So, again, Top 20% gives me 20% of .00056% = 0.000112%

I’m in good health.

I enjoy good friends.

I do not lack for food nor shelter.

I enjoy my work and relationships with clients

I’m a Florida Gator!

I could go on.


You say I’m not “elite.” I disagree. Of all the people in the world who have ever lived I’m a one in a few billion shot. And, likely so are many of the folks who post here. Lottery? Hah! I hit that with two great parents whom moved from Mexico when I was young. It’s all about perspective – I am grateful for what I have and with whom I share it. Some folks see what is lacking in their lives ( private yacht, control over politicians ) and lament their ill-fortune. I am elite.

 

do military things? Are you still in the military? Or consultant or something?

 

Yes, I’m still in. I’m at the 25-year mark in May, and I’d say I have about three years until (my wife makes me) retire.

 

Thank you for your service!

 

As always, please give my best to your missus. Good to see you back on here.

 

I didn’t realize you were still in. Wow 25 years.
Some of us read a couple of op-eds and become big-mouth know-it-all’s. This is a good reminder THFSG has some actual SME’s on topics.

thank you for your active service