It's official. As of today, I am retired

[thumper05flstsc]

Whether I want to be or not. Due to a longer than expected recovery from a surgical procedure, my employer has informed me that as of today, my employment with them is being terminated.

I sold my rig last week because I finally accepted the fact that I will probably never have enough bend in my right knee again to be able to ride it.

On the bright side, a couple days after selling my GU I bought a new Indian Springfield. Although I don't feel confident enough with my knee to actually ride it yet, I did sit on it and am confident I will be able to ride it before long. I will be putting a floorboard relocation kit and a different seat on as they will both give me a bit more room.

I have been looking forward to retirement for several years now but would rather it would have come at a time of my choosing. As the old saying goes, "it is what it is" and I plan on making the best I can of it for now. I think that once I am healed up and my doc give the OK I will more likely than not see if I can find something. I really don't see me being able to do what I was doing however. Seem to recall reading somewhere that Wal-Mart has started using greeters again though.

[Muzzleflash]

Thumper, I retired in 2010 at age 52 and don't regret it one bit. Money's tight, but when isn't it. Hack that Springfield and ride on!

[Lee Pape]

I have been out of the workplace for two years now. Started out as my job being downsized, but before I could take a lower paying job at the company I worked at I needed to get a pacemaker. Well the pacemaker then eliminated me from working as a tool and die maker, so I was able to go on Social Security Disability. At 57 and not working was about 13 years sooner then I thought I would quit working.

I had almost two years home alone before my wife retired Jan 1 this year. Now we are still trying out how to share the house.

[wooden nickel]

I retired at 63 because my job in plastics manufacturing was giving me lung problems and recurrent pneumonia.
After 3 1/2 years home, I am still quite happy with retirement and enjoying the company of my wife of 46 years. We don't have a lot of money but we don't spend much on entertainment or eating out so we can take at least one trip or cruise every year.
Like everyone else, I don't know how much time I have left so I am determined to enjoy it now.
Ride when and if you can and do anything else you can to enjoy your retirement.

[DanKearney]

Life is what happens while we're busy making plans. . .

Your good attitude will make it easier. Enjoy while you can.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[DaveO]

I'm happy for you Mark! I'm pretty sure nobody passes on wishing they had spent more time at work....just sayin'!
I'm praying your knee gets right enough for you to enjoy your new Indian real soon! it's beautiful!

[chaos2]

Me too, as of last March. At first I wasn't sure if I was unemployed or retired, after scoping out the job market I decided retired would be more enjoyable.

[Revtech100]

I retired a year ago at 61 in August. My wife had a baby in June, now one year old. So I get to be mr mom and that is awesome by itself. Retirement was the Best decision ever. You won't regret it. The funny thing is yes my income is cut, but I don't spend near as much and don't feel the squeeze. Just enjoy. And congrats on the retirement.

[stagewex]

Hey, good for you Mark. I've got a few years to go as my youngest is starting college in August (Arizona State in Tempe). But really looking forward to it.

Funny, I just within the last hour finally got around to opening the little container that you sent the Me-Pi tool to me in. Very nice.
I'm planning on watching the Gobium instructional video and trying it out later today.

Be well,

mike wex/stagewex

[URAL CT]

Good luck on your new situation (retired). Enjoy and I was retired in 09, lost interest at work when my wife of 40 hrs passed away in 07. Company noticed it & treated me nice. Gave me options but I was glad I took retirement.
In 2009, I sold everything & the important "stuffs" I stored. Took off on the Ural for 5 yrs traveling this greatest land in the world...sea to shining sea. Had a ball even though I was homeless. Camped out most of the time stayed at hotels & family and friends other times. Met a lot of people & Ural people. Best time I had other than being with my wife & best friend for 45 years, she was my childhood sweetheart before we got married. I still do some traveling, 71 now & not quite as spunky as I was several yrs back but I take whatever the good Lord gives me.
Enjoy life, Thump, to the fullest...ya only get one shot at it. Do what you want to do most, there is always a way. Again, best of luck to you!

[MartyL]

Much health,happiness, and luck in your new phase of your life. Enjoy.

[sagerat]

As an ex-pat Arizonan (can't believe I'll have been gone 30 years this September, but I will get back), all I can say is enjoy your retirement as you've earned it. I'm 57 and all seven of my retired riding buddies, including one who retired about six months ago and another who goes out next month, have all enjoyed their new job doing whatever they want to for seven days a week. Two did very well financially, the others are at varying levels of financial comfort, and one's poor as a church mouse, but they are all equally happy.

Good health to you and hope you find your way back to sidecars and Urals in particular. Not to mention there area always Jeep Wranglers to scratch that off-road itch. In any event, ENJOY!

I hope to join your ranks in another four to five years.

[Oldtimer]

I retired at 63. That was 17 years ago and I'm still trying to figure how to get everything done in those short 24 hour days.

[Wildhorse Cafe]

I plan to keep running 'til I drop I guess (64) they will have to pry my job out of my cold dead fingers, but it sound like you hit the jack pot congratulations.

[outrider]

All good stuff posted ^^^.
I retire 12-31-2016 and looking forward to it. Been practicing for it for the last 10 years.