Officially Unemployed
My last day was Thursday, and I flew up to the office (I work remotely, which meant there was a remote chance I was actually working
). There was a bunch of paperwork to fill out, then there was a lunch in my honor, where I got the winery equivalent of a gold watch; a Jeroboam of Pinot Noir, signed by everybody in the office that worked with me. After lunch I went around and tried to spend as much time as possible with as many people as possible. Sadly, many of those I worked closely with also work remotely, and none of them were in attendance that day.
I acknowledge that I am lucky to be able to do this. My company carried an LTD policy, and has been carrying my health insurance for almost three months as that insurance company dithered with determining my disability status (FMLA ran out about two months ago, and my insurance is paid through the end of October). Without that, and the small pension I get from my 20 years as a union member, I would be financially strapped. Taxes and Cobra will still take a toll, but the house payment will get made, and there will be food on the table.
For most of my life I had a job, but for the last decade or so I had a career, one I enjoyed immensely, and one at which I was very successful. In the time I had my account it went from about $2mm in retail sales to over $30mm in retail sales in 2010. All with product that is not carried by any other retailer. Obviously, I did not do this alone, but I played an integral role and can, in all modesty, say that it would not have happened without me.
So, this chapter ends, and retirement begins.
Blake
Comments
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Congratulations to your retirement but sorry you had to because of this stupid illness and especially because you loved so much what you do. It's hard to put aside something because something else has hindered it. Glad that you still have insurance and you are covered, especially the house. You need to focus on you now, no matter what. Sleep in a little and cook breakfast, work in the yard and just enjoy. You begin a new journey so take it and run with it.
Kim0 -
Enjoy retirement
I really miss being around people and feeling part of a group that work brings. After retiring because of this illness I found new friends and things to do. Plus it really helps to be able to rest any time of the day, especially on treatment weeks. Enjoy...talk with you soon.
Jeff0 -
Hey
Hi, Blake.
I'm so glad that this new chapter of your life will not mean starvation or being put out of your home. That is something for which you have to count your blessings!
I know, though, that this must be a blow to your sense of self. There is obvious pride in your description of your career and your accomplishments. I'm sorry this was taken from you, and I pray that you will find a new joy in your life. Of course, I also wish you GREAT health.
*hugs*
Gail0 -
Congratulations!
Blake,
I can understand somewhat your bittersweet feelings about leaving your job. Jake retired voluntarily when he was 53 also since he was able to get his full retirement at that time and we wanted to move to be close to our daughter and family. Even though it was voluntary and he was really looking forward to it, he found that it was a major adjustment. I think one of the biggest adjustments was the lack of interaction with his co-workers. He was very good at his job and received many accolades from peers and superiors and it was quite an adjustment to be at home where his talents were just not appreciated in the same way. I told him that he just entered the reality of us homemakers who never get any attagirls for what we do!
Jake received his retirement as a lump sum and we had to put it all in IRAs which at the time were making enough interest for us to live on. Now that we are getting 1%, however, the lump sum is going down much more rapidly than is healthy. Jake had just applied for a job in February to try to offset the drain on our IRAs that was occurring. Then in April he was diagnosed with CRC. We also have to pay for the total cost of our health insurance.
Not to mention the fact that we bought a small farm, moved my parents down to live with us and helped build a house for our daughter's family on our property with the intent to help them with their five children. We have a bit of a struggle with not being a little bitter about the timing of this cancer and the difficulties it is causing so many people. But, it is what it is, and we have to look for the good that is possible even in these most unfavorable circumstances.
As someone else mentioned, retirement is not a time of leisure! We are as busy, or more so, than we have ever been. Life is different, but still very worthwhile.0 -
Don't forget life insurance.laurettas said:Congratulations!
Blake,
I can understand somewhat your bittersweet feelings about leaving your job. Jake retired voluntarily when he was 53 also since he was able to get his full retirement at that time and we wanted to move to be close to our daughter and family. Even though it was voluntary and he was really looking forward to it, he found that it was a major adjustment. I think one of the biggest adjustments was the lack of interaction with his co-workers. He was very good at his job and received many accolades from peers and superiors and it was quite an adjustment to be at home where his talents were just not appreciated in the same way. I told him that he just entered the reality of us homemakers who never get any attagirls for what we do!
Jake received his retirement as a lump sum and we had to put it all in IRAs which at the time were making enough interest for us to live on. Now that we are getting 1%, however, the lump sum is going down much more rapidly than is healthy. Jake had just applied for a job in February to try to offset the drain on our IRAs that was occurring. Then in April he was diagnosed with CRC. We also have to pay for the total cost of our health insurance.
Not to mention the fact that we bought a small farm, moved my parents down to live with us and helped build a house for our daughter's family on our property with the intent to help them with their five children. We have a bit of a struggle with not being a little bitter about the timing of this cancer and the difficulties it is causing so many people. But, it is what it is, and we have to look for the good that is possible even in these most unfavorable circumstances.
As someone else mentioned, retirement is not a time of leisure! We are as busy, or more so, than we have ever been. Life is different, but still very worthwhile.
Don't forget life insurance. If you need it. Good luck.0 -
Don't forget life insurance.laurettas said:Congratulations!
Blake,
I can understand somewhat your bittersweet feelings about leaving your job. Jake retired voluntarily when he was 53 also since he was able to get his full retirement at that time and we wanted to move to be close to our daughter and family. Even though it was voluntary and he was really looking forward to it, he found that it was a major adjustment. I think one of the biggest adjustments was the lack of interaction with his co-workers. He was very good at his job and received many accolades from peers and superiors and it was quite an adjustment to be at home where his talents were just not appreciated in the same way. I told him that he just entered the reality of us homemakers who never get any attagirls for what we do!
Jake received his retirement as a lump sum and we had to put it all in IRAs which at the time were making enough interest for us to live on. Now that we are getting 1%, however, the lump sum is going down much more rapidly than is healthy. Jake had just applied for a job in February to try to offset the drain on our IRAs that was occurring. Then in April he was diagnosed with CRC. We also have to pay for the total cost of our health insurance.
Not to mention the fact that we bought a small farm, moved my parents down to live with us and helped build a house for our daughter's family on our property with the intent to help them with their five children. We have a bit of a struggle with not being a little bitter about the timing of this cancer and the difficulties it is causing so many people. But, it is what it is, and we have to look for the good that is possible even in these most unfavorable circumstances.
As someone else mentioned, retirement is not a time of leisure! We are as busy, or more so, than we have ever been. Life is different, but still very worthwhile.
Don't forget life insurance. If you need it. Good luck. I kind of wish I had gone the LTD route but being in remission for so long they probably would have put me back to work.0 -
You will enjoy retirement, Blake. It does give you the opportunity to take care of you. If you need naps or rest, you can indulge. If not, you can begin a new hobby or learn new things.Nana b said:Don't forget life insurance.
Don't forget life insurance. If you need it. Good luck. I kind of wish I had gone the LTD route but being in remission for so long they probably would have put me back to work.
I had an adjustment period when I retired. Since working for more than 28 years, I had to find a new routine. I also tried various things such as volunteering. I worked with the United Way Helpline, volunteered at the local hospital, took my dog to Pet Therapy at a local retirement center and volunteered at religious centers, and various other activities.
At 55, I joined the local Senior Action group for a minimal fee. I took Spanish classes, dance classses, and exercise classes. They offer a variety of classes.
Now, I help my hubby with his job when needed by typing documents for him. I walk my poodle 2-3 times daily and have weekly visits with friends. Oh yes, there is the yardwork and housework too.
Whatever you do, have fun.
Best wishes,
Lizzy0 -
Blake
Blake,
Congratulations on such a successful career. How cool that you found something you really loved to do and connected with some great people.
It is good to hear that you have the money to feel secure and stay in your home.
I hope you take the extra time to pursue some things you are passionate about and enjoy the people you love.
Aloha,
Kathleen0 -
It's thereNana b said:Don't forget life insurance.
Don't forget life insurance. If you need it. Good luck. I kind of wish I had gone the LTD route but being in remission for so long they probably would have put me back to work.
And the payments should be waived due to the disability.0 -
The coolest thing:Kathleen808 said:Blake
Blake,
Congratulations on such a successful career. How cool that you found something you really loved to do and connected with some great people.
It is good to hear that you have the money to feel secure and stay in your home.
I hope you take the extra time to pursue some things you are passionate about and enjoy the people you love.
Aloha,
Kathleen
My picture is on a beer package!0 -
Be Proud of Your Achievements
Be Proud of Your Achievements at work. Blake you have also contributed so much to this board. I appreciated your sharing all the financial possibilities to explore. My husband and I are trying to setup trusts, wills, and plan for all possibilities. When one qualifies for SS Disability, does one automatically qualify for Medicare even if one is not at the legal age for medicare?
When one chapter closes, you turn the page and another chapter begins. Prayers for your continued good health and take care as you start each day of your retirement.
NB0 -
What an adjustmentBuckwirth said:The coolest thing:
My picture is on a beer package!
for you. Robert applied for diability at the end of Aug. He is only 52. Was going to try to work part time to keep the ins, but the company said "we don't have that kind of schedule" and let him go. He had to pull out his 401K so we could get by until disability kicked in. Thank goodness Cobra premiums are very manageable and I hope it lasts until he can qualify for medicare.
He has kept busy since then, with projects around the house. I give thanks that we didn't purchase a new home a few years back...our current home is paid for.
Enjoy your early "retirement". I suspect you will find something or another to get into!
Angela
what's the story with the beer pic?0 -
0
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We don't haveBuckwirth said:This one:
Beer Label
any of those stores in our corner of the world, so you'll have to send us a case or two!!!!0 -
Congrats Blake, wish I couldrelaxoutdoors08 said:Be Proud of Your Achievements
Be Proud of Your Achievements at work. Blake you have also contributed so much to this board. I appreciated your sharing all the financial possibilities to explore. My husband and I are trying to setup trusts, wills, and plan for all possibilities. When one qualifies for SS Disability, does one automatically qualify for Medicare even if one is not at the legal age for medicare?
When one chapter closes, you turn the page and another chapter begins. Prayers for your continued good health and take care as you start each day of your retirement.
NB
Congrats Blake, wish I could do that. Good luck in your "retirement"0 -
Blake, congratulation's on
Blake, congratulation's on the retirement and the insurance. Want you to know I am so happy you have the opportunity in life to move on the this next chapter.
Remember the saying...Life is a bowl full of cherries...make lemonade...well something like that.....:))
Hugs to you friend, Gail0 -
Nana b,Nana b said:Don't forget life insurance.
Don't forget life insurance. If you need it. Good luck. I kind of wish I had gone the LTD route but being in remission for so long they probably would have put me back to work.
We are counting on you to be CURED! So retirement is out of the equation until you reach that right age!0
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