Advice in Retirement

[Old Sailor 2]

OK folks. You have all advised quite astutely about things dealing with my boat, with sailing and with procedure. This might seema bit unusual but I have a question about "what to do when I grow up". Here is the picture: 63 years old and working as an engineer for the US Gov. Eligible for retirement. But without some place to go or something to do my wife, the Admiral, fears boredom. So, we talked and I decided to try to do something whereby I can make some income using sailing as the avenue. I am not a USCG Captain and to be so requires I thnk 300 days on the water (a day on the water being 4 hours). Not too big a hurtle but time-dependent. But then what. So, advise me on how to make income and enjoy sailing, etc. Is there a way at 63? Thanks, Sandy

 

[Batman]

I hear the mexican cartels are looking for help

 

[kloudie1]

I retired at 60, in Jan of 07.. No way I've ever been bored ! My advise is to make money by investing and frugal living and enjoy sailing every chance that you get.. but those probably don't go together.. I have been doing boat projects that I put off for lack of time .. I sail when I can .. I've been teaching myself amateur woodworking.. I tried consulting but I found that I didn't like having the time constraints that entailed.. the money is good, but the heartburn that I used to feel when going to meetings and having to show up to smile and give progress reports has increased tenfold.. If I needed the dollars, then I could certainly work again.. but so far, I have been lucky enough be able to sail and do pretty much what I want to do.. It makes me smile ! Good luck to you, Sandy.. take some time to sail!

 

[Rick D]

Been retired for 12 years. I wouldn't worry about boredom. My wife and I have to have calendar meetings to keep up with each others schedule.

I would caution, however, in starting a business revolving around your boat. Your boat will become your business and you'll lose your hobby.

Instead, I would suggest working part time as an independent contractor within the field within which you are currently employed. I know a lot of people who have done just that. There is a good demand for people who can work projects or overflow, especially with staffing so slim. You don't want those skills you spent a lifetime learning to atrophy. It takes little time.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Rick & Claude are right, don't lose your hobby. It's a tough world out there for boat "stuff" and UNLESS you're REALLY GOOD at something, like say electrical or putting new engine mounts on boats without having to completely remove the engine!

Save the boat stuff for YOUR fun.

Disclaimer: I am NOT retired, but I'm workin' on it, just have to convince you know who!

 

[srhummer]

Since your an engineer and not likly to take my work - I'll share what I am doing as I approach retirement. I teach online classes. I am doing it now while still working so that I can continue after I retire. I can cut back on my class load when I want to do more sailing and can pick up more classes if I need more money. So far they seem to need instructors and having done 6 1/2 years I normally do 4 or 5 classes a year but have done as many as 12 when I needed $ for kids tuition. At a couple thousand a class (some are easier than others but pay the same) done anytime during the week when I have internet access and free time from work, it has been a good deal. I teach several different classes from an intro class to actual Project Management where the students must put a project into MS Project and also a Communications Networks class. I am looking to continue this after I retire, just have to have internet. Best of luck and enjoy the sailin.

Scott

 

[kito]

Why would your wife would be bored with you at home rather than you going to work? I have 7 more years to go before retirement......just curious.

 

[Nodak7]

Since your an engineer and not likly to take my work - I'll share what I am doing as I approach retirement. I teach online classes. I am doing it now while still working so that I can continue after I retire. I can cut back on my class load when I want to do more sailing and can pick up more classes if I need more money. So far they seem to need instructors and having done 6 1/2 years I normally do 4 or 5 classes a year but have done as many as 12 when I needed $ for kids tuition. At a couple thousand a class (some are easier than others but pay the same) done anytime during the week when I have internet access and free time from work, it has been a good deal. I teach several different classes from an intro class to actual Project Management where the students must put a project into MS Project and also a Communications Networks class. I am looking to continue this after I retire, just have to have internet. Best of luck and enjoy the sailin.

Scott

Had to laugh Scott! I do the same thing here. 65 and doing on line instruction and course development for a local college. Been doing it for 5 years and I do what I like with my time...... only wish that the water would not freeze for 6 months out of the year... :cry:

 

[Stu Jackson]

Why would your wife would be bored with you at home rather than you going to work? I have 7 more years to go before retirement......just curious.

Mine's bored with me all the time, so what's new?

 

[kito]

Mine's bored with me all the time, so what's new?

Lol. The way I see it, after almost 50 years working in a 8 x 8 cubical....staring at a computer monitor 8-10 hours a day and having to deal with Bill Lumbergh types (boss in Office Space) my wifes boredom would be the least of my concerns. She is her own person and responsible for her own happiness when we are not sailing, golfing, traveling or sipping margaritas by the pool.

 

[srhummer]

"when we are not sailing, golfing, traveling or sipping margaritas by the pool." You got my dream week covered!!

 

[Benny17441]

Without a little boredom you may get bored with all the excitement.

 

[justsomeguy]

"Boredom is highly underrated."* Tom.


*Especially when skydiving.

 

[Old Sailor 2]

so I see what ya'll are saying. Boredome is what you make of it. And just so most understand, The Admiral wouldn't be any more bored with me than usual ( ) but she would worry about me being bored. I am always tinkering with the boat or playing with making things with wood. I love the yard work and I love cleaning the bird poop off the boat deck....go figure. You know, I have had a career of 40 years and I would love to keep my mind going with some engineering thigns BUT frankly, I am of the slide rule era and the stuff that takes place via computer today is leaving me behind. Remember the days of Pert Charts and how advanced "floppy drives" were? And oh yes, I mentioned I work for the government. they just came out with a buy out that has to be decided in the next 3 weeks. So, let's see....getaway on the boat, wash the poop off the deck, tinker with the electronics and sail a bit to Catalina or elsehwere or drive 50 minutes to and from work to deal with the daily problems at hand? The ONLY thing is I like to eat and sleep in a rain proof and snow proof bed; i.e. roof over the head. But hey, my wife will still be working so there ya go.

Thanks guys for the insight. It sounds like a retired life might be more interesting and stimulating than a working life is. I will let you know! Sandy

 

[Old Sailor 2]

I retired at 60, in Jan of 07.. No way I've ever been bored ! My advise is to make money by investing and frugal living and enjoy sailing every chance that you get.. but those probably don't go together.. I have been doing boat projects that I put off for lack of time .. I sail when I can .. I've been teaching myself amateur woodworking.. I tried consulting but I found that I didn't like having the time constraints that entailed.. the money is good, but the heartburn that I used to feel when going to meetings and having to show up to smile and give progress reports has increased tenfold.. If I needed the dollars, then I could certainly work again.. but so far, I have been lucky enough be able to sail and do pretty much what I want to do.. It makes me smile ! Good luck to you, Sandy.. take some time to sail!

I appreciate your response! Honestly, the "fiscal cliff" scares the heck out of me. I have invested all my career and have what most think would be a great retirement nest egg. In fact advisors tell me there is a 95% chance I will retire with enough to live comfortably on and leave a little for my kids. so, the real question is what does the next 6 or 8 weeks hold for the economy? Will what I have worked for 40 years to save and invest be cut in half or worse by Dec 31? Anyone having a crystal ball I will give you a ride on my sailboat for a view into the future.

 

[Stu Jackson]

It's an urban myth. Don't worry.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

or it will just be a bad memory ...in 50 years.

 

[Steve Dion]

Retirement: Every evening is Friday Night. Every day is Saturday. What else can you ask for?

 

[Sailgunner]

Been retired a year and a half. Went early at 61 and loving every minute. If not cruising (spent 3 1/2 months on the boat last summer), I play golf a couple of times a week, bike most days, work on the boat, relax, plan to play some tennis, enjoy social activites with our boat club, and on and on. Planning a couple of months in the Bahamas next April. Did I mention taking the boat to Key West a year ago to Fantasy Fest? Bored? Don't know what that is.

 

[Old Sailor 2]

It's an urban myth. Don't worry.

Ya know Stu, I probably watch the wrong stuff on TV and listen to the wrong stuff on the radio. I don't like RAP so back to Motown instead of talk. That should causeme to relax and not worry about the urban legend! :dance: