Your YT video of the benefits of retirement is so similar to mine that I had to comment. It is uncanny how many of the things you talked about are exactly what I’ve been feeling and talking to my husband about for the past year or so. After over 35 years in healthcare, I retired 10/27/22 and I, too, am the happiest overall I’ve been in my adult life.
I retired last December 2023 and it has been a welcome change for me. I retired at 57 and the first thing I did was take off my watch. I love that my time is now my time. I do what I want, with who I want, when I want to. You just affirmed how blessed I really am. Thank you. Loved the Video.
Ronnie, YES!!! Been retired since Jan. 2022 and absolutely loving it! Your exuberance is exactly how I feel. I laughed out loud at how it took you about 15 minutes to adjust to retired life. Me too! Sunday evenings are so good now, no Monday morning anxiety. Oh I don’t miss objectives settings, endless boring meetings, team buildings, mandatory social events. It’s my life now! Simple and uncomplicated calm living! Great video as always!!
I know this feeling. Sunday afternoon = Monday Morning for me right now and I can't wait for that to stop ruining my weekends! My extended family are all retired and want to schedule get-togethers on Sunday evening, which I HATE because I just want to try and enjoy some final down-time before I have to go back to work. I am jealous!!
I’ve been retired for five years. I spent 41 years in law-enforcement working on the road. It was two years before the nightmares tapered off. I couldn’t agree with you more. And you talk about uncomfortable clothing. My duty belt weighed 20 pounds. Try carrying that for 40 years. Having said all that I do sometimes lose track of how wonderful my life is now. Thank you for reminding me.
I am also 2 years into retirement and love it. Retirement is underrated. Stress is reduced on all levels. Long line at the grocery store, no problem. I have the time.
Ha! What a perfect comment about the long lines at the grocy store! They used to stress me out, and I didn't realize until I read your comment that I'm over that too. Thanks for commenting.
Yeah the first years are always the best but the issue being is people without a compulsory reason to get up in the morning tend to do very little and consequently their health deteriorates very quickly
It was so refreshing to hear your positive reflection of retirement . I retired a month ago and was surprised at the negative comments . “ You will be bored out of your skull” , “ I give it 6 months and you will go back to work “, “ wish I could retire ( from people in their 30’s and 40’s) , “ It must be nice “ ( yeah I worked 42 years so it IS nice!)
Congrats on 2 years! I celebrated my 2 years of retirement yesterday! And today is my birthday! I’m 64. You hit the nail on the head. Retirement is great. I’m enjoying the freedom and no stress from working a corporate job I no longer enjoyed. My house is paid off, cars are paid off and I have plenty of money in the bank. I’m not a millionaire by a long shot, and I don’t need to be. I’m not even collecting SS yet. My wife has a pension and I just withdraw what I need from my accounts to enjoy life. I keep busy working around the house and traveling. Later this week, I’m hiking in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.
I love it. You sound like me - I'm retiring as soon as I'm eligible 5 1/2 months from now. I have coworkers who say they wouldn't know what to do with themselves if they weren't working, they'd get too bored, etc. I can't relate to that mentality at all - I feel like I've been training my whole life for retirement! It's the role i was born to play!
Retired 8 months ago at 62. I love my stress free life! Every morning when I'm walking my dog, I think of something that I hated doing at my job that isn't my problem any more. I can't seem to get the smile off my face!
Ha! What a perfect response! Even though it's been 2 years for me, I actually do the same thing from time-to-time, (I think of something that I hated about work, etc, and it fully reminds me how forunate I am right now). Thanks for commenting.
I'm a drawbridge operator. Zero stress, don't have to deal with co-workers but 5 minutes a day, and can go years without seeing my boss. But still can't wait to retire in 10 more years at age 55.
My husband retired on January 5th of this year at 58 1/2 and he loves it! I am enjoying it as well as he is much more pleasant to be around. The stress of work kept him in a bad mood most of the time. He also had a 2-1/2 hour round trip drive each day. It was draining him. He was so ready to be done and have his time back!
2-1/2 hour round trip each day? Holy cow! I can only imagine how much it was draining him. I'm the same way. I do not like traffic, driving in traffic, being stuck in traffic, or having to deal with angry road-ragers. Thanks for commenting.
Just ran across your channel. My gosh, what a superb description of all the terrible things that come with working (stress, evaluations, having to be around people you don't want to be around). You have said it well. I'm looking forward to have Ronnie-like retirement!
I'm so glad I ran across your video! My experience with retirement is almost word for word exactly like yours! I'm now 81 years old and I retired at 63. 18 wonderful years I've had so far with many more to come. I've never understood the bellyaching I've heard from contemporaries regarding boredom, isolation and loneliness, etc. Before I retired, I had a plan. I had a house that was paid for, I was debt free and had maintained my health. I kept my finances focused on the future. I really have no worries or concerns. When you were describing the stresses that come with years in the workplace you really struck a chord with me. Until I retired, I truly didn't realize how much stress I was under in the workplace (I was a manager) until it was no longer there!! Thank you for articulating so clearly what I have been feeling since retirement.
U make me so excited. I'm retiring at 64. A teacher. Still have mortgage. Didn't invest...couldnt..but life moves on. I love my front porch, bees, flowers. Yes.❤
Stress is the big one. A lot of people underestimate the amount of stress that they have from working. Even if you love your job, you are under stress. You will be surprised once you retire.
Great video. I am 58 and will be retiring in 2 years. People tell me I should wait because I’m leaving money on the table. I would rather leave money on the table rather than time. Money can always be replaced but you can never replace time. The past couple of years I’ve been taking my vacations in longer increments and not traveling just staying home. I find myself enjoying it more and realizing that I can enjoy being retired.
Two years ...how much better off will you be? $1.2m portfolio versus $1M? Whatever, you can't calculate 30 years of retirement down to that degree. If you're ready, just go. You can always pick up a part time gig that you enjoy, if you think you need it.
Retired almost 2 years. I have yet to be bored or feel that I need a sense of purpose. I actually look forward to weekdays as I can get some shopping done or go out to lunch with my wife without any crowds.
New subscriber. I am age 58 and retired earlier this year. My health is good, but my “retirement prime directive” (using Star Trek lingo) is to maintain my health (physical and otherwise). Beyond that, I just do whatever I want.
I've never identified with my job and I don't consider people I happen to work with as friends. I don't think of them as enemies, just not people in my actual life. When i walk from my career in 8 months, at 58, i will not look back. It's been a grind. Gave me what i needed and i've had some good experiences, but there's so much more of life i want to experience. I've simply had my fill. Also, like everyone else, I know that working longer would be better financially, but it would be a huge mistake from every other perspective. So i'll walk next year as planned.
Just turned 65 and retiring at the end of 2024 after full time work/career of 43+ years. Every point you made is spot on and the reason why I am looking forward to retirement. Enjoy!
Absolutely! I’m happy to hear your message. How could anyone say that working is better than having the day to your self. Hundreds of these type out there. It’s rare to hear someone say the absolute obvious…that retirement is the best part of life.
You’re most welcome! Keep on shining your bright light…too many people out there drank the lemonade and have confused working with freedom. I know some of them and wonder what happened to their circuit board to believe that just being free again isn’t more preferable to having to be somewhere at some specific time to complete some specific task. I don’t like to judge but I just don’t think they’re well. Enjoy Ronnie and congratulations!!!!!!!!🎉🎊🎈
Ronnie, great video! Everything you mentioned is exactly what I have experienced as well. I retired two years ago at 57 and am experiencing the same as you, I call it, "being content" with life. Awesome video, take care!
It will be a year for me as retired 1st of November. No stress. That's the most important. No rush, not big expectations. Easy and simple. All the best to you ser.
Dear Ronnie, thank you very much for taking the time to share your retirement experience. I’m very happy for you and your wife. I retired one year ago this month at the age of 61, and like you, it was the best decision I ever made. It was the culmination of a lot of planning that started decades ago, but really ramped up the past five years because I really wanted to make it happen. And even though due to an accident that my wife suffered a couple years ago at our home and needing to be her caretaker every day, I still feel this overwhelming relief of not having to go to work and like you said not knowing what waits for you the next morning at work was a huge stressor. I worked in corporate IT for almost 40 years and it just got more stressful. I had a couple of very large clients and I never knew when I was gonna get called in the middle of the night for a system down priority one issue. I swear those incidents took five years off my life each time. And being able to be available to my wife 24 x 7 and not having my job breathing down my neck is something that I just can’t explain how much relief that gives me. I love just being able to sit and watch those wonderful TH-cam videos of the fall colors in New England and just sitting here with a good cup of coffee and relaxing with no more of the responsibilities that used to own me every day at work. Thanks again and I look forward to more of your videos. 😊 Jim from Indiana
Quite a story you have there. Thanks for sharing. I'm sure others will be inspired or encouraged when they read what you've written. And yes, retirement is simply awesome.
I retired May 2nd this year at the age of 55. I agreed with everything you said. I didn't think my job was very stressful but within two weeks of retiring the lack of stress was a tangible feeling. I have lost about 15 pounds in 5 months without trying and I attribute that to the lack of stress. I live a simple life, I have a public library half a mile from my house and I and walk there every week for several new books. I planned to retire at 55 since before I was 20, and it is even better than I dreamed of for 35 years.
GE Nuclear alum here...also 2 years into retirement. It appears we shared a similar life. I am in coastal NC. Similar to what others have experienced, I have found it challenging to replace my career identity with my retirement identity. As you have described, the old "me" is gradually fading away, and the new "me" is forming.
I retired at 56. The best was my first vacation after retirement. We went on a 28 day cruise. Upon returning there was no stress about returning to work. I even told my partner if we get bumped at the airport, no problem.
My credo is: I do what I want, when I want, for as long as I want, then I stop and have a beer. 2.5 years and and I feel just the same, I tell people that retirement is the best gig ever. We’re also very active, help out family a lot, and generally do what pleases us.
I’ve also been retired for 2 years. You are so right about the stress level dropping off. It was a vice grip that never let go. So happy to be out of that. Also about time being your own. It’s the best. It really is a life changer but in a good way.
Good video and congrats on 2 yrs! Everyone is different. Work forces people to forego personal development just to keep some corporate product team going. Some just struggle making friends generally. Especially those who are single, widowed, or divorced. To solve that I believe there needs to be more awareness of what kinds of activities new single retirees can do without feeling overwhelmed.
Fully retired 2 years ago, after 20 yrs in the Army and 21 years in the civilian world at the age of 59! And I love it, I keep busy and control my own schedule in life!
@hogroamer260 unfortunately for me I am paying off things and getting home projects done while employed full-time. Plus want my vested money from employer so have to stay to not leave that money on the table. 12k to be exact. Trust me, I'd be done today if I didn't.
@@kimfayj53 Sure, I stayed long enough to pick up six weeks vacation and most of my pension, having the same perspective. You can also argue how much that $12k bumps up your hourly salary for the year. I'm saying perspective changes and although $12k is not nothing, it's trading more of your dwindling time for dollars that will likely be inconsequential in your multi- decade retirement. It's a personal choice, I wish you well.
All I want is for my schedule to be my own. So much wasted time at pointless meetings on beautiful days when all I really need is a simple walk in a park.
I am so happy for you to feel free from the work hazards, the freaking anxiety. I still in the working and about to retire. I just can’t wait to get out of all these policies and co- workers. Enjoy your new life.
I retired on 6/1/24 at 67 1/2, so retired for just 4 1/2 months. I was a project engineer planning was a big part of my job. Today I still plan but I do not mind if the plan changes. For example I just fixed the top of my chimney (new crown) and expected it would take 2 days. Day1 to remove the old crown and day 2 to install a new crown, Well I used a small jack hammer to remove the old crown and in the process loosed the top row of bricks. So I spend day 2 repairing the bricks and day 3 replacing the crown. Not a big deal because I was retired and I had 5 days of good weather, So for me a good thing about being retired is not having to get projects around the house completed in a 2 day weekend.
I retire in 12 months. Can't stop thinking about it!!!!! I am going to be so happy and appreciative. Just need to pass this year and get closer so I can begin to feel the glow. I agree with all your points. I like my own company and have so many interests to occupy me. Looking forward to making my health a priority (walking). Can't wait to ditch the Sunday dread. I want a simple life and to watch the seasons change. Just hanging in there. When I'm under a year Togo I can say: this is the last Christmas I'll work. This is the last Spring.
I have a year and 2 months to go and work at a hospital. I have begun the "last holidays to work" mantra.But when June comes at the 6 month mark I will be clicking my heels!
@Mr.T98765 who you telling! And if u are at a place u don't enjoy working at it makes it feel longer. I too am an impatient one and I am trying not to think abt it. But it's ruff!🤯
I will retire in 8 Months when I turn 64 & my wife qualifies for her pension also at that time & will retire as well. What I hate about the working life is that you are tired on the weekday evenings so chores get funneled into the weekend which becomes booked up fast. I am looking forward to grocery shopping on a Tuesday morning when it's quiet at the store. The other thing is commuting in the winter weather & wondering if I am going to make it to work or not, when retired I can look out the window & see that 6 inches of new fallen snow & say nope I aint going out in that!
Thank you! I needed this push. Just turned 60 and I want to be done by 61 but haven’t really started the process yet. I got a taste of what being retired would be during the lockdown when I was lucky enough to still be employed but was able to work remotely and at a much slower pace. I used to be a workaholic but that shut down allowed me to breathe and decompress in a way I hadn’t in over 30 yrs! Once the lockdown lifted I was a changed person!
All very good and valid points Ronnie ! But don’t forget one major contributing factor of your enjoyment. The ability to share and enjoy your retirement with your wife. Many people in our age group like myself (64) already lost their partner and feel somewhat overwhelmed and scared of trying new things without our companion. Perhaps you can also do videos to address this rather large group. Its a sad reality but one of us usually has to go first.
All good stuff Ronnie. I'm 8 months away, but I've been a professor since 1988 and have enjoyed all of my "in class" teaching time. Academics though has changed in the US, and we are seeing much higher tuition rates, much more standardization and vocation oriented programs, much more intrusive administrations and reliance on online courses (students do not learn nearly as much, and they tell me so,) and much less emphasis on learning about the world and ideas outside of vocations. I think this is a major problem, and it is reflected in a misinformed electorate. So, I know it's time for me to move on and no longer worry about my influence on society, small as it may have been. I already live abroad as I teach our military, so I will be moving from Asia to Europe and am really looking forward to experiencing all the things you have described. Thanks for the positive heads up.
What a great video! Many people are afraid they won't know what to do with themselves in retirement. But that is all a mindset. Simply start out with getting out of the house for a few hours a day. It doesn't have to be 8-9 hours like work. But make sure you do something instead of nothing. Believe me; You do have things that interest you that you can do even if it is as simple as a long walk. Thanks Ronnie.
Good comments there, Ronnie: just watching your video brought me some relaxation, peace, and quiet. Nice flowers beside you. (I am 76 and still farming full time, but not in good health).
41 here and already can’t wait. Haven’t been truly free since summers as a kid. In the heavy grind right now 3 young kids and both me and my wife working full time. Hoping to exit stage left around 55 if possible
Getting ready to retire in about 9 months. I really loved and appreciated this video. It’s a little scary thinking about retirement with less money coming in, but I should be OK. Thanks for this!
I'm 60 years old and I've been retired for 10 years. I honestly thought that I would start a new business but being in California that's pretty much impossible and or stupid. I find that I'm pretty busy learning stuff and taking care of Life. I highly recommend it
Congratulations on your successful retirement. I’m 5 years away from fully retiring from the workforce. I’ll have worked a full time job for 42 years. My wife and I will retire together at age 62. Fortunately for us, we planned well for ourselves and have been fortunate to have careers that allowed us to prepare well for our next stage in life. I’m looking forward to retirement and plan to take full advantage of my free time. However, there are many out there who aren’t as fortunate or prepared as you or I. For these people, the thought of retiring and leaving a job (and the income it brings) can be terrifyingly overwhelming, stressful and frustrating. I feel for them.
Retired about 2 years ago, it's an adjustment but I don't miss hours of traffic jams ,irritated customers, phone calls daily,nights,weekends from my dispatch for down ups systems. I'm starting to enjoy life's blessings more..turn off my phone most of the time..sometimes the battery goes dead,no problems.no more air travel.
Hi Ronnie, I'm writing to say how much I enjoyed your podcast. Our situations are almost identical. I worked my entire career for global manufacturing companies (3 of them) and was stuck on the middle management rat wheel. I'm just ending year one in retirement but I found everything you said to be true. I'm proud of my career, but retirement is the greatest gig I've ever had and it's not even close. I thank God for my life every day in hopes that it can have one more day in retirement. Thanks for sharing your story. I'll tune in again when I get some down time.
Could not agree with you more. I have been retired since 2011 and have loved every single day of my retirement. Never bored, always have something to do or look forward to. I love to travel so do that as frequently as I can. I also love my home in the North GA Mountains and the wildlife I see on my multiple trail cameras. Admittedly, it also helps to be financially secure.
I retire in 10 weeks at 60. I know I will feel exactly like you do. After a year or two I might work a part time job at a tackle shop just for fun or maybe at a marina. Can’t wait to do a lot of fishing. I’m restoring a boat now as well. No more 13 hour days as a warehouse manager. All the best! Jim from Georgia
Very convincing. It all rings true. I've been putting it off thinking walking away from the money is too risky. IRA's can tank I'm 73 etc. You make it sound like a damn good idea. Thanks.
Noreen, I'm impressed you heard the Chickadees. My yard is loaded with song birds, humming birds, and a host of native & migratroy birds. My favorites are Eastern Bluebird & Carolin Wren. My wife has about 10-15 feeders out. It's fantastic early in the morning. Thanks for commenting.
I enjoy your content Ronnie. Its encouraging to us not retired yet. I would suggest having more outdoor talks like this. Most of the popular guys in your genre are doing this now with great results.
Ronnie - More importantly, tell me about your guitars!! I hope to retire in the coming months. I have a guitar collection. Let’s talk guitars…! Steve R
I have four acoustic guitars: Taylor, Martian D28, and 2 Alvarez's (1 steel string & 1 nylon). I also have a 5-string bass guitar. I used to have a Fender Telecaster but I gave it to my son. My wife plays keyboard (and sings) & my two sons play guitar.
People who don’t enjoy retirement, typically are not financially ready to retire. Most people struggle financially and don’t truly prepare for retirement.
The thing that concerns me about retirement especially as a man is that I’ll lose that hardened edge that working in a potentially harsh environment brings. Being constantly comfortable isn’t good
I hear you. To combat that myself, I workout 4-5 days a week. It's physically & mentally challenging and demanding to push myself, stay disciplined, and own the weights like a boss. I also do some serious hiking (or rucking w/a weighted backpack). I feel accomplished when I get it done. Thanks for commenting.
Retirment has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Here's 8 reasons why. Hope you enjoy.
Your YT video of the benefits of retirement is so similar to mine that I had to comment. It is uncanny how many of the things you talked about are exactly what I’ve been feeling and talking to my husband about for the past year or so. After over 35 years in healthcare, I retired 10/27/22 and I, too, am the happiest overall I’ve been in my adult life.
“retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of an open highway”.
Bravo. That stuck.
I retired last December 2023 and it has been a welcome change for me. I retired at 57 and the first thing I did was take off my watch. I love that my time is now my time. I do what I want, with who I want, when I want to. You just affirmed how blessed I really am. Thank you. Loved the Video.
Ronnie, YES!!! Been retired since Jan. 2022 and absolutely loving it! Your exuberance is exactly how I feel. I laughed out loud at how it took you about 15 minutes to adjust to retired life. Me too! Sunday evenings are so good now, no Monday morning anxiety. Oh I don’t miss objectives settings, endless boring meetings, team buildings, mandatory social events. It’s my life now! Simple and uncomplicated calm living! Great video as always!!
I know this feeling. Sunday afternoon = Monday Morning for me right now and I can't wait for that to stop ruining my weekends! My extended family are all retired and want to schedule get-togethers on Sunday evening, which I HATE because I just want to try and enjoy some final down-time before I have to go back to work. I am jealous!!
Thank you for sharing Ronnie. Five more days until retirement.. This is my final Sunday evening thinking about Monday. Yay!!!
I can just about imagine the huge smile on your face this week. Enjoy it!
God bless you bro!
I’ve been retired for five years. I spent 41 years in law-enforcement working on the road. It was two years before the nightmares tapered off. I couldn’t agree with you more. And you talk about uncomfortable clothing. My duty belt weighed 20 pounds. Try carrying that for 40 years. Having said all that I do sometimes lose track of how wonderful my life is now. Thank you for reminding me.
Thank you Larry.
God bless you and thank you for your service!
I am also 2 years into retirement and love it. Retirement is underrated. Stress is reduced on all levels. Long line at the grocery store, no problem. I have the time.
Ha! What a perfect comment about the long lines at the grocy store! They used to stress me out, and I didn't realize until I read your comment that I'm over that too. Thanks for commenting.
Yeah the first years are always the best but the issue being is people without a compulsory reason to get up in the morning tend to do very little and consequently their health deteriorates very quickly
It was so refreshing to hear your positive reflection of retirement . I retired a month ago and was surprised at the negative comments . “ You will be bored out of your skull” , “ I give it 6 months and you will go back to work “, “ wish I could retire ( from people in their 30’s and 40’s) , “ It must be nice “ ( yeah I worked 42 years so it IS nice!)
Congrats on 2 years! I celebrated my 2 years of retirement yesterday! And today is my birthday! I’m 64. You hit the nail on the head. Retirement is great. I’m enjoying the freedom and no stress from working a corporate job I no longer enjoyed. My house is paid off, cars are paid off and I have plenty of money in the bank. I’m not a millionaire by a long shot, and I don’t need to be. I’m not even collecting SS yet. My wife has a pension and I just withdraw what I need from my accounts to enjoy life. I keep busy working around the house and traveling. Later this week, I’m hiking in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.
Well done sir. I'm 100% debt free too. It makes all the difference. Thanks for posting.
So well said Ronnie! I retired in July and smile when people say, “It must be quite an adjustment.” Nope, easiest and best thing I ever did!
Yep, it took me about 15 minutes to adapt! Thanks for posting.
...And one of the smartest things!
I love it. You sound like me - I'm retiring as soon as I'm eligible 5 1/2 months from now. I have coworkers who say they wouldn't know what to do with themselves if they weren't working, they'd get too bored, etc. I can't relate to that mentality at all - I feel like I've been training my whole life for retirement! It's the role i was born to play!
When you reach retirement, you reach the apex of your career.
Congrats, Ronnie! You didn’t mention the crazy COMMUTES that some of us have to endure!
I’m hoping to join you in 2-3 years !!
Best to you!!!
Retirement is always (ALWAYS!) great, as long as the person has no financial worries; and is still in good health.
Yep, all it takes is someone retiring on a shoe string to have a few unexpected setbacks and it's game over.
There's always financial worries. Cut u spending down. Be content and happy
I'm very happy for you Ronnie , I think you're the happiest retiree on TH-cam.
Very inspiring.
Thank you!
I retired at 60. That was over 15 years ago. Whenever anyone asks me about retirement, I tell them that I highly recommend it. 😄
Retired 8 months ago at 62. I love my stress free life! Every morning when I'm walking my dog, I think of something that I hated doing at my job that isn't my problem any more. I can't seem to get the smile off my face!
Ha! What a perfect response! Even though it's been 2 years for me, I actually do the same thing from time-to-time, (I think of something that I hated about work, etc, and it fully reminds me how forunate I am right now). Thanks for commenting.
I'm a drawbridge operator. Zero stress, don't have to deal with co-workers but 5 minutes a day, and can go years without seeing my boss. But still can't wait to retire in 10 more years at age 55.
My husband retired on January 5th of this year at 58 1/2 and he loves it! I am enjoying it as well as he is much more pleasant to be around. The stress of work kept him in a bad mood most of the time. He also had a 2-1/2 hour round trip drive each day. It was draining him. He was so ready to be done and have his time back!
2-1/2 hour round trip each day? Holy cow! I can only imagine how much it was draining him. I'm the same way. I do not like traffic, driving in traffic, being stuck in traffic, or having to deal with angry road-ragers. Thanks for commenting.
@@AResilientLife yes it really aged him. He had a 70 mile drive each way. He is so much happier now. He worked for that company for 23 years.
Retired 2 weeks now. Thought I would miss it (work) but hasn't happened yet. Love it!
Well said. Retired 6 years ago (57) to portugal. You're spot on. 😊
Retired 6 months ago and I couldn't agree with you more!
Just ran across your channel. My gosh, what a superb description of all the terrible things that come with working (stress, evaluations, having to be around people you don't want to be around). You have said it well. I'm looking forward to have Ronnie-like retirement!
I'm so glad I ran across your video! My experience with retirement is almost word for word exactly like yours! I'm now 81 years old and I retired at 63. 18 wonderful years I've had so far with many more to come. I've never understood the bellyaching I've heard from contemporaries regarding boredom, isolation and loneliness, etc. Before I retired, I had a plan. I had a house that was paid for, I was debt free and had maintained my health. I kept my finances focused on the future. I really have no worries or concerns. When you were describing the stresses that come with years in the workplace you really struck a chord with me. Until I retired, I truly didn't realize how much stress I was under in the workplace (I was a manager) until it was no longer there!! Thank you for articulating so clearly what I have been feeling since retirement.
Thank you for commenting. I'm sure others will be encouraged by reading about your joureny. I'm impress by your plan. Thanks again.
U make me so excited. I'm retiring at 64. A teacher. Still have mortgage. Didn't invest...couldnt..but life moves on. I love my front porch, bees, flowers. Yes.❤
This was a really well thought out video. I am going to share it with a friend who I hope will gain insight from its content. Thank you !
@@dlinenbe And thank you!
Stress is the big one. A lot of people underestimate the amount of stress that they have from working. Even if you love your job, you are under stress. You will be surprised once you retire.
I could not agree more. I’ve been retired 7 years, and I love it.
Great video. I am 58 and will be retiring in 2 years. People tell me I should wait because I’m leaving money on the table. I would rather leave money on the table rather than time. Money can always be replaced but you can never replace time. The past couple of years I’ve been taking my vacations in longer increments and not traveling just staying home. I find myself enjoying it more and realizing that I can enjoy being retired.
Two years ...how much better off will you be? $1.2m portfolio versus $1M? Whatever, you can't calculate 30 years of retirement down to that degree. If you're ready, just go. You can always pick up a part time gig that you enjoy, if you think you need it.
God bless you! I too will be leaving money on the table...time is more precious than any dollar amount on my retirement check!
Thank you for this!
Retired almost 2 years. I have yet to be bored or feel that I need a sense of purpose. I actually look forward to weekdays as I can get some shopping done or go out to lunch with my wife without any crowds.
Absolutely. Same here. Weekdays are great. Keeping it simple. Thanks for commenting.
New subscriber.
I am age 58 and retired earlier this year. My health is good, but my “retirement prime directive” (using Star Trek lingo) is to maintain my health (physical and otherwise). Beyond that, I just do whatever I want.
I've never identified with my job and I don't consider people I happen to work with as friends. I don't think of them as enemies, just not people in my actual life. When i walk from my career in 8 months, at 58, i will not look back. It's been a grind. Gave me what i needed and i've had some good experiences, but there's so much more of life i want to experience. I've simply had my fill. Also, like everyone else, I know that working longer would be better financially, but it would be a huge mistake from every other perspective. So i'll walk next year as planned.
Loved your video! I’m still five years out but totally visualize my retirement being just like yours for all the same reasons. Thanks for sharing!
Just turned 65 and retiring at the end of 2024 after full time work/career of 43+ years. Every point you made is spot on and the reason why I am looking forward to retirement. Enjoy!
Conrats! You'll love it.
Absolutely! I’m happy to hear your message. How could anyone say that working is better than having the day to your self. Hundreds of these type out there. It’s rare to hear someone say the absolute obvious…that retirement is the best part of life.
Thank you!
You’re most welcome! Keep on shining your bright light…too many people out there drank the lemonade and have confused working with freedom. I know some of them and wonder what happened to their circuit board to believe that just being free again isn’t more preferable to having to be somewhere at some specific time to complete some specific task. I don’t like to judge but I just don’t think they’re well. Enjoy Ronnie and congratulations!!!!!!!!🎉🎊🎈
I can't wait....hopefully 5 yrs
Ronnie, great video! Everything you mentioned is exactly what I have experienced as well. I retired two years ago at 57 and am experiencing the same as you, I call it, "being content" with life. Awesome video, take care!
It will be a year for me as retired 1st of November. No stress. That's the most important. No rush, not big expectations. Easy and simple. All the best to you ser.
My Dad retired, at 65 and he said, "I highly recommend it" with a big smile on his face.
I retired very recently. The freedom is delicious! I feel like my life expanded so much. The stress relief cannot be underestimated.
Dear Ronnie, thank you very much for taking the time to share your retirement experience. I’m very happy for you and your wife. I retired one year ago this month at the age of 61, and like you, it was the best decision I ever made. It was the culmination of a lot of planning that started decades ago, but really ramped up the past five years because I really wanted to make it happen. And even though due to an accident that my wife suffered a couple years ago at our home and needing to be her caretaker every day, I still feel this overwhelming relief of not having to go to work and like you said not knowing what waits for you the next morning at work was a huge stressor. I worked in corporate IT for almost 40 years and it just got more stressful. I had a couple of very large clients and I never knew when I was gonna get called in the middle of the night for a system down priority one issue. I swear those incidents took five years off my life each time. And being able to be available to my wife 24 x 7 and not having my job breathing down my neck is something that I just can’t explain how much relief that gives me. I love just being able to sit and watch those wonderful TH-cam videos of the fall colors in New England and just sitting here with a good cup of coffee and relaxing with no more of the responsibilities that used to own me every day at work.
Thanks again and I look forward to more of your videos. 😊 Jim from Indiana
Quite a story you have there. Thanks for sharing. I'm sure others will be inspired or encouraged when they read what you've written. And yes, retirement is simply awesome.
I am currently 31 but working my butt off so I can hopefully retire by 45. You’re living my dream!
So refreshing to hear someone who actually enjoys retirement versus most channels just talking about challenges
I retired May 2nd this year at the age of 55. I agreed with everything you said. I didn't think my job was very stressful but within two weeks of retiring the lack of stress was a tangible feeling. I have lost about 15 pounds in 5 months without trying and I attribute that to the lack of stress. I live a simple life, I have a public library half a mile from my house and I and walk there every week for several new books. I planned to retire at 55 since before I was 20, and it is even better than I dreamed of for 35 years.
I enjoyed this! Two more years before I retire at 65.
Hi Mr. Christian! I just found your channel and I just wanted to say "Good job!" 😊 I look forward to watching more of your videos.
Thank you!
I have 5 years to go and this is the first positive video I came across about retirement! I can’t wait until I get there. Thank you for sharing.
GE Nuclear alum here...also 2 years into retirement. It appears we shared a similar life. I am in coastal NC. Similar to what others have experienced, I have found it challenging to replace my career identity with my retirement identity. As you have described, the old "me" is gradually fading away, and the new "me" is forming.
I retired early at 52 and couldn’t agree more. I even wear the black t-shirts all the time.
Exactly on point. Retirement is the absolute best.
I retired at 56. The best was my first vacation after retirement. We went on a 28 day cruise. Upon returning there was no stress about returning to work. I even told my partner if we get bumped at the airport, no problem.
Uplifting video, retirement is great if you do it right.
Yes, I've been retired for at least 2 years, and I'm loving it. The freedom to do what I want. 👍😁👍
My credo is: I do what I want, when I want, for as long as I want, then I stop and have a beer. 2.5 years and and I feel just the same, I tell people that retirement is the best gig ever. We’re also very active, help out family a lot, and generally do what pleases us.
I’ve also been retired for 2 years.
You are so right about the stress level dropping off. It was a vice grip that never let go. So happy to be out of that. Also about time being your own. It’s the best.
It really is a life changer but in a good way.
Retired 4yrs. I do what I want, when I want, wherever I want. Wow we’re on the same plane. I totally relate to your video. Love it!
Good video and congrats on 2 yrs! Everyone is different. Work forces people to forego personal development just to keep some corporate product team going. Some just struggle making friends generally. Especially those who are single, widowed, or divorced. To solve that I believe there needs to be more awareness of what kinds of activities new single retirees can do without feeling overwhelmed.
Fully retired 2 years ago, after 20 yrs in the Army and 21 years in the civilian world at the age of 59! And I love it, I keep busy and control my own schedule in life!
14 months to go and I'll be there with you. Thanks for the preview!
Same here!
How much more prepared will you be, in 14 months, for a 30 year retirement? Just go!
@hogroamer260 unfortunately for me I am paying off things and getting home projects done while employed full-time. Plus want my vested money from employer so have to stay to not leave that money on the table. 12k to be exact. Trust me, I'd be done today if I didn't.
@@kimfayj53 Sure, I stayed long enough to pick up six weeks vacation and most of my pension, having the same perspective. You can also argue how much that $12k bumps up your hourly salary for the year. I'm saying perspective changes and although $12k is not nothing, it's trading more of your dwindling time for dollars that will likely be inconsequential in your multi- decade retirement. It's a personal choice, I wish you well.
@@hogroamer260 🥰
All I want is for my schedule to be my own. So much wasted time at pointless meetings on beautiful days when all I really need is a simple walk in a park.
I am so happy for you to feel free from the work hazards, the freaking anxiety. I still in the working and about to retire. I just can’t wait to get out of all these policies and co- workers. Enjoy your new life.
I retired on 6/1/24 at 67 1/2, so retired for just 4 1/2 months.
I was a project engineer planning was a big part of my job.
Today I still plan but I do not mind if the plan changes.
For example I just fixed the top of my chimney (new crown) and expected it would take 2 days.
Day1 to remove the old crown and day 2 to install a new crown,
Well I used a small jack hammer to remove the old crown and in the process loosed the top row of bricks.
So I spend day 2 repairing the bricks and day 3 replacing the crown.
Not a big deal because I was retired and I had 5 days of good weather,
So for me a good thing about being retired is not having to get projects around the house completed in a 2 day weekend.
I retire in 12 months. Can't stop thinking about it!!!!! I am going to be so happy and appreciative. Just need to pass this year and get closer so I can begin to feel the glow. I agree with all your points. I like my own company and have so many interests to occupy me. Looking forward to making my health a priority (walking). Can't wait to ditch the Sunday dread. I want a simple life and to watch the seasons change. Just hanging in there. When I'm under a year Togo I can say: this is the last Christmas I'll work. This is the last Spring.
I have a year and 2 months to go and work at a hospital. I have begun the "last holidays to work" mantra.But when June comes at the 6 month mark I will be clicking my heels!
The last 12 months are the worst. I'm not a patient person. 10 weeks and counting now. Can't wait!
@Mr.T98765 who you telling! And if u are at a place u don't enjoy working at it makes it feel longer. I too am an impatient one and I am trying not to think abt it. But it's ruff!🤯
@@Mr.T98765 Congratulations 🎊
I will retire in 8 Months when I turn 64 & my wife qualifies for her pension also at that time & will retire as well. What I hate about the working life is that you are tired on the weekday evenings so chores get funneled into the weekend which becomes booked up fast. I am looking forward to grocery shopping on a Tuesday morning when it's quiet at the store. The other thing is commuting in the winter weather & wondering if I am going to make it to work or not, when retired I can look out the window & see that 6 inches of new fallen snow & say nope I aint going out in that!
Thank you! I needed this push. Just turned 60 and I want to be done by 61 but haven’t really started the process yet. I got a taste of what being retired would be during the lockdown when I was lucky enough to still be employed but was able to work remotely and at a much slower pace. I used to be a workaholic but that shut down allowed me to breathe and decompress in a way I hadn’t in over 30 yrs! Once the lockdown lifted I was a changed person!
All very good and valid points Ronnie ! But don’t forget one major contributing factor of your enjoyment. The ability to share and enjoy your retirement with your wife. Many people in our age group like myself (64) already lost their partner and feel somewhat overwhelmed and scared of trying new things without our companion. Perhaps you can also do videos to address this rather large group. Its a sad reality but one of us usually has to go first.
So sorry for your loss. Yes, that would be a good topic to consider moving forward. Thanks for commenting.
All good stuff Ronnie. I'm 8 months away, but I've been a professor since 1988 and have enjoyed all of my "in class" teaching time. Academics though has changed in the US, and we are seeing much higher tuition rates, much more standardization and vocation oriented programs, much more intrusive administrations and reliance on online courses (students do not learn nearly as much, and they tell me so,) and much less emphasis on learning about the world and ideas outside of vocations. I think this is a major problem, and it is reflected in a misinformed electorate. So, I know it's time for me to move on and no longer worry about my influence on society, small as it may have been. I already live abroad as I teach our military, so I will be moving from Asia to Europe and am really looking forward to experiencing all the things you have described. Thanks for the positive heads up.
What a great video! Many people are afraid they won't know what to do with themselves in retirement. But that is all a mindset. Simply start out with getting out of the house for a few hours a day. It doesn't have to be 8-9 hours like work. But make sure you do something instead of nothing. Believe me; You do have things that interest you that you can do even if it is as simple as a long walk. Thanks Ronnie.
Good comments there, Ronnie: just watching your video brought me some relaxation, peace, and quiet. Nice flowers beside you.
(I am 76 and still farming full time, but not in good health).
You are very inspiring. Next year is my last work year. Thanks for the video and the reminder that it's time to retire!
You said it "Retirement is the greatest". I love it.
41 here and already can’t wait. Haven’t been truly free since summers as a kid. In the heavy grind right now 3 young kids and both me and my wife working full time. Hoping to exit stage left around 55 if possible
Retire at 55? That would be great.
Getting ready to retire in about 9 months. I really loved and appreciated this video. It’s a little scary thinking about retirement with less money coming in, but I should be OK. Thanks for this!
I'm 60 years old and I've been retired for 10 years. I honestly thought that I would start a new business but being in California that's pretty much impossible and or stupid. I find that I'm pretty busy learning stuff and taking care of Life. I highly recommend it
Congratulations on your successful retirement. I’m 5 years away from fully retiring from the workforce. I’ll have worked a full time job for 42 years. My wife and I will retire together at age 62. Fortunately for us, we planned well for ourselves and have been fortunate to have careers that allowed us to prepare well for our next stage in life. I’m looking forward to retirement and plan to take full advantage of my free time. However, there are many out there who aren’t as fortunate or prepared as you or I. For these people, the thought of retiring and leaving a job (and the income it brings) can be terrifyingly overwhelming, stressful and frustrating. I feel for them.
Love it! I’m almost 62 and retiring in 6 weeks! Looking forward to it (a nurse for 40 years , I’m ready)
Retired about 2 years ago, it's an adjustment but I don't miss hours of traffic jams ,irritated customers, phone calls daily,nights,weekends from my dispatch for down ups systems. I'm starting to enjoy life's blessings more..turn off my phone most of the time..sometimes the battery goes dead,no problems.no more air travel.
I got tired of people asking me what I was going to do just before I retired. My answer was like yours, whatever I feel like doing.
Hi Ronnie, I'm writing to say how much I enjoyed your podcast. Our situations are almost identical. I worked my entire career for global manufacturing companies (3 of them) and was stuck on the middle management rat wheel. I'm just ending year one in retirement but I found everything you said to be true. I'm proud of my career, but retirement is the greatest gig I've ever had and it's not even close. I thank God for my life every day in hopes that it can have one more day in retirement. Thanks for sharing your story. I'll tune in again when I get some down time.
Thanks for commenting. Hope to hear from you again.
I'm with you! Retirement is awesome. I'm on year 9 and loving it.
Right on Ronnie. I can feel your joy and happiness. Good for you!
I'm 61 and going part time in January. I'm very excited about it. :) I'm on my way to retirement. Love your show. ang
You'll love retirement. Thanks for posting.
4 yrs retired at 53 and couldn't agree more! Hoowah!
Could not agree with you more. I have been retired since 2011 and have loved every single day of my retirement. Never bored, always have something to do or look forward to. I love to travel so do that as frequently as I can. I also love my home in the North GA Mountains and the wildlife I see on my multiple trail cameras. Admittedly, it also helps to be financially secure.
I retire in 10 weeks at 60. I know I will feel exactly like you do. After a year or two I might work a part time job at a tackle shop just for fun or maybe at a marina. Can’t wait to do a lot of fishing. I’m restoring a boat now as well. No more 13 hour days as a warehouse manager. All the best! Jim from Georgia
First time watching you, Ronnie! Great stuff! All your points resonated with me. I plan to retire in early 2025 at the age of 56. Can not wait!!!
Retiring at 56? Wow! That's great. Thanks for commenting.
Very convincing. It all rings true. I've been putting it off thinking walking away from the money is too risky. IRA's can tank I'm 73 etc. You make it sound like a damn good idea. Thanks.
Spot on! Thanks for sharing, 50 working days to go for me? I am baked, 34 years in corp aged 56, can’t wait!
No.8 is profound. Somewhere I need to be very soon.... Enjoyed the vid. Now a sub.
I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for your insights 🎉
Love your backyard. I could hear the Chickadees, my favorite bird.
Noreen, I'm impressed you heard the Chickadees. My yard is loaded with song birds, humming birds, and a host of native & migratroy birds. My favorites are Eastern Bluebird & Carolin Wren. My wife has about 10-15 feeders out. It's fantastic early in the morning. Thanks for commenting.
5 1/2 months. Absolutely terrified and excited at the same time.
I believe you're absolutely right about stress reduction and it's role in the improvement of one's (your) life, "by far".
I enjoy your content Ronnie. Its encouraging to us not retired yet. I would suggest having more outdoor talks like this. Most of the popular guys in your genre are doing this now with great results.
Yes, I've done a total of 3 outdoor videos and really enjoy doing them. Noise is a big factor. Thanks for the tip. Will do moving forward.
Cheers Ronnie.
I’ve been an airline pilot for 43 years and nearing that retirement zone in a few years…good to know
Ronnie - More importantly, tell me about your guitars!!
I hope to retire in the coming months. I have a guitar collection.
Let’s talk guitars…!
Steve R
I have four acoustic guitars: Taylor, Martian D28, and 2 Alvarez's (1 steel string & 1 nylon). I also have a 5-string bass guitar. I used to have a Fender Telecaster but I gave it to my son. My wife plays keyboard (and sings) & my two sons play guitar.
Congratulations 🎉
I am 20 months into retirement, and it has been a great experience for me too. The reduced stress and personal freedom are both priceless.
"you will be replaced" Wisdom. Do not worry about that. As you said Take care of number one, that is you
People who don’t enjoy retirement, typically are not financially ready to retire. Most people struggle financially and don’t truly prepare for retirement.
The thing that concerns me about retirement especially as a man is that I’ll lose that hardened edge that working in a potentially harsh environment brings.
Being constantly comfortable isn’t good
I hear you. To combat that myself, I workout 4-5 days a week. It's physically & mentally challenging and demanding to push myself, stay disciplined, and own the weights like a boss. I also do some serious hiking (or rucking w/a weighted backpack). I feel accomplished when I get it done. Thanks for commenting.
@@AResilientLife appreciate response, you just articulated my own conclusion as I think about my retirement.
I retired 8 months ago at 58 🎉🥳 🍾 Sometimes I forget what day it is. I love it!!
Same here! Thanks for commenting.