Hi, Shannon. I just joined, too, and I think your post (and your Ph.D. focus) is very interesting.

I do not plan on ever retiring. I love what I do, and see a world of learning ahead of me. I work for myself, however, and cannot imagine going back to work for someone else, and that may have a lot to do with it. I've made a career out of doing the things I love to do, and for which there is infinite personal growth.

My parents both still work (my mother puts her Ph.D. to good use in a history specialty and is still working full-time at 78 as an independent contractor; my 80-year-old father doesn't work full-time but is still actively working), and I imagine they'd both be quite a bit older if they weren't engaged in contributing and sharing. Their minds are both extremely sharp, and they're constantly learning and growing. And, probably most importantly, they feel useful, counted, part of something bigger.

I realize this is counter to the U.S. norm, but I don't view retirement as a reward for having done time in a job. In fact, I don't think about retirement at all.

Hi mzshannon1619 & scritch,

Welcome to a wonderful & wacky(sometimes) world of tbd. I joined the end of March, but it feels like a lot longer. The members & groups are interesting - fun - thought provoking & comforting. Browse the wide variety of discussions & join in when your interest is piqued.

Enjoy & take care, Deb

Durqu

Are you saying we make time painfuly go slow?

Welcome mzshannon and scrich

nope - opposite - time's flying by cause I'm having so much fun - met so many wonderful & wacky people - seems like been here for years

I agree with you...and that is the crux of all, you are not working for The Man, you are in charge of your own world, because you realized you can. My mother will be 84 on Wednesday and the only time I have ever seen her aging was when I moved her home to me after my sister and Dad were making decisions for her. We fixed that and she's living on her own again and quite in charge. She has never been one to give an inch and still reads at least 4 books a week.

My palns as of right now are to retire at 62, about 4-5 years from now. However, all will depend on the economy at that time, and whether I feel comfortable about our being able to do it at that time. I have thought about just forgetting about retirement and just keep working.

Will cross that bridge in a few years, until then, "I owe, I owe, it's off to work I go."

Anyway, welcome to you, and enjoy the journey on tbd.

I don't see myself retiring in the typical sense of the term. I hope to stay active and work part-time, while traveling more and not feeling so pressured.