[fintstone]

Originally Posted by ted

It's a strange debate when employed people defend working when they have never experienced retirement.
If your concept is your work, your life satisfaction and identity is your work then you may not adapt easily to retirement.

Some like structure and in retirement there is less structure.
I'm retired and plan stuff every week but also everyday I resolve unexpected minor issues that can be given immediate attention.

I had 30 consecutive years of Navy and Federal service.
My issue is that my career as an ATC required work habits that are rare to see in the contractors I deal with now, be it in car hobby or house improvements.
I guess that's what I miss most about work was the teamwork.

Retiring in Spring or beginning of the year is better for tax purposes.

Agreed. Thank you for your service. They had to kick me out of the military when I turned 60 and hit the max age (42 years for pay with 26 active). The last 14 years was in the drilling Reserve, and I worked as a Fed as well. It was never just a paycheck.

Like you, it is difficult to work with those who are not "all in" on whatever the task might be. The "mission" was a way of life. We often moved mountains to "make it happen".

My short experience with retirement is pretty good so far, but I am pretty sure I will miss making big decisions or "saving the world" every day. Even more, the young folks that I led/mentored. But, of course, we all need to bring on some younger folks (succession planning) into our positions and ease their transition as we all eventually leave.

It will take a while to catch up on tasks around the house and do some things I put off...but eventually will get those done. Maybe will have to find something new to do then.