I tried to retire and failed

[Brons2]

I'm even leaving my current employer, having a big retirement party and everything.

But then something came up before I even hit my last day. It was too good to pass up. Great pay and amazing benefits. I decided in the end I would enjoy my eventual final retirement more if I took this opportunity and saved this money.

When do you decide it's really time to hang it up? I'm in pretty good health overall, but I don't want to be like my dad. He worked until the cusp of his 70th birthday and had a couple of good years retired, but now it's pretty much terrible, he poops himself all the time and his brain is going to mush. He shuffles around the house and I've gone over and gotten him off the floor about 8-10 times now.

I'm thinking 63 might be a good time for me. I've also gone back to lifting weights and doing more cardio, trying to build strength and maintain it for as long as I can. We bought a Tonal, which I love, and I'm giving my bicycles more attention, trying to get a 15-20 mile ride in a few times a week. I've cut about 20 lbs the last 3 months. Trying to get under 300 by the end of the summer, which would be the first time since probably 2016 or 2017. For reference, I maintained 240-250 for about 20 years after college in the 90s, so I still have a ways to go. I think my all time low was high 220s in 2008, when I was doing centuries on my bicycle practically every weekend.

 

[AZjeff]

You didn't say how old you are now? When you'd rather be doing something besides working and the money doesn't matter it's time. Don't wait too long.

 

[Passport1]

I punched out at 63.5. When you are still healthy you can still enjoy life. More money can't buy you more time. Very individual circumstances but better to err on the side of youthful insouciance not finances. We will all be involuntarily retired someday.

Twain said; 'It is good to obey the rules when you are young, so you'll have the strength to break them when you're old.'

 

[Pew]

I'm not retired, but we have quite a few employees who did retire but ended up staying "as-needed" for a few months to a few years depending on how they felt about retirement/were in the mindset to fully retire. It doesn't sound like you're mentally ready yet so I'd say try out the new gig to see if you like it and retire 2.0 when your mind lets you know.

 

[fdcg27]

When to hang it up depends upon your health and your finances as well as your family history.
Try to retire with enough money to fund a nice lifestyle but also with enough healthy years remaining for you to enjoy your newfound freedom.
I retired about six months before I turned 69. This worked well for me and my wife had retired four years earlier.
We have taken a few big trips since and we enjoy the freedom to do as we please, although doing as you please also requires that you have the funds to do so.
Working a few more years while stacking funds makes a lot of sense.

 

[GON]

At 90 years old, Amegy Bank founder Walter Johnson still comes to work every single day at the Houston bank he started.

Yes, 90-year-old Walter Johnson still comes to work every day at Amegy Bank in Houston, stating he will only retire when "they bring the casket".

Background and History

• Founding: Started Amegy Bank in 1990 with $10 million in capital after selling Allied Bank.
• Growth: Built the institution into one of the region's largest banks before selling it to Zions Bancorporation for $1.7 billion in 2005.
• Recognition: Honored by the City of Houston with an official "Walter Johnson Day" on his 90th birthday in February 2026.

Daily Routine

• Presence: Shows up regularly at the Houston headquarters to mentor young bankers and aid in business development.
• Motivation: Cites his deep love for the business and long-time friendships with coworkers as his primary reasons for keeping active.

Information courtesy of The Business Journals.

 

[AZjeff]

The fact that Walter Johnson comes to work EVERY SINGLE DAY at 90 years old tells me he has nothing else in his life he values besides work. No thanks.

@GON will you retire? You have a job now that takes you away from home for long periods of time. You don't tire of that?

 

[SC Maintenance]

Congratulations and good for you. I applaud those that want to keep working, and also those that wish to move on early. March to your own drum, don't let someone else write your script.

Good luck at your next endeavor.

 

[GON]

The fact that Walter Johnson comes to work EVERY SINGLE DAY at 90 years old tells me he has nothing else in his life he values besides work. No thanks.

@GON will you retire?

In August 2026 I will turn 62.

The tentative plan is I will retire from my current organization on 31AUG2026 after 32+ years. I will complete the third (and final) part of a resident professional development course in San Diego on 03SEP2026 and fly out of San Diego that evening. On 4SEP2026 will be my first day at my new employer.

 

[walterjay]

In August 2026 I will turn 62.

The tentative plan is I will retire from my current organization on 31AUG2026 after 32+ years. I will complete the third part of a resident professional development course in San Diego on 03SEP2026 and fly out of San Diego that evening. On 4SEP2026 will be my first day at my new employer.

Will you still be having to travel a lot for long periods with your new job?

 

[GON]

Will you still be having to travel a lot for long periods with your new job?

As far as I know- I will not be traveling.... hopefully not.......

 

[GON]

The fact that Walter Johnson comes to work EVERY SINGLE DAY at 90 years old tells me he has nothing else in his life he values besides work. No thanks.

@GON will you retire? You have a job now that takes you away from home for long periods of time. You don't tire of that?

@AZjeff , the government might require you to return to work---- to pay for things for people younger than you than are not working.

 

[DCDG]

You'll know when it's time either mentally, physically or both. If you can afford to do it now go enjoy your life, you may feel like a million bucks unfortunately the Man upstairs holds the deposit.

 

[Cujet]

I had a nice retirement thread here on BITOG. Lots of great advice and discussion.

Retired at 60 1/2, I waited too long. Health started failing pretty hard, and by the time I retired, things were not going well. Now that I am coming up on 63, it has become clear that I spent WAY TOO MUCH TIME AT WORK, despite having an awesome career. I missed out on so much, did not earn more than my peers who worked normal hours and were not required to live in multiple locations AND pay for their own travel. Decades without vacation, weekends off or any real free time, as paperwork was done the few hours I was home.

Retirement has been wonderful.

 

[andrew_j]

I had a nice retirement thread here on BITOG. Lots of great advice and discussion.

Retired at 60 1/2, I waited too long. Health started failing pretty hard, and by the time I retired, things were not going well. Now that I am coming up on 63, it has become clear that I spent WAY TOO MUCH TIME AT WORK, despite having an awesome career. I missed out on so much, did not earn more than my peers who worked normal hours and were not required to live in multiple locations AND pay for their own travel. Decades without vacation, weekends off or any real free time, as paperwork was done the few hours I was home.

Retirement has been wonderful.

I am hoping to do earlier end of retirement, worried health will get my favorite activities like skiing and hiking.

 

[Cujet]

I am hoping to do earlier end of retirement, worried health will get my favorite activities like skiing and hiking.

The stats are sobering. Those that can afford to retire, should. Always remember, men live shorter and less healthy lives than women. When we look at data just for men, it is kind of sad.

 

[MadAmos]

I am 66 retired at 64 had 2 TIA strokes this Jan... definitely wish I had retired at 62

 

[Aichiguy]

I retired last fall, sort of. I still work one day a week for my previous employer, one day a week picking up lab samples, and have a flip car in my garage. A guy needs to stay busy and sharp.

 

[Dave Hess]

At my job you can retire, collect your pension and work part time 1000 hours per year.

Once I retire I’m 100% done.

 

[JTK]

At my job you can retire, collect your pension and work part time 1000 hours per year.

Once I retire I’m 100% done.

Used to be that way with my employer too. Now they won't let you collect your pension and come back even as a contractor. I have ~40ish months to go until I'm 59.5. I'll make a determination then.