Why don't old folks retire when they can?

DeereClone

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Nov 16, 2009
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People are living longer now too, that has to be a consideration. a 40 year retirement and any time in a nursing home can make a couple mill to by pretty quick.
 

Rabbuk

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Mar 1, 2011
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I feel like insinuating someone isn't worth being loved is kind of beyond ribbing someone.
 

cowgirl836

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Sep 3, 2009
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Do I need to? You had an especially sharp edge to the post.
It's just a question. I'd call the post outright rude. You used to do better than that.


and the post about him living in the basement?


the first line is the only part that was intended to have a jibe, but read as you will. It's a 21 thread.
 

jdoggivjc

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Sep 27, 2006
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Its 21, he's earned it. I'm amazed at the civility of this thread. I was expecting a Spider-Man or two by now.

spidey_sense_by_funnysloth-d4xihik.png
 

cowgirl836

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Sep 3, 2009
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I feel like insinuating someone isn't worth being loved is kind of beyond ribbing someone.


cripes, it was a joke. 21 is a big boy. Plenty of people seemed to be fine making similar comments about jsb.
 

Mtowncyclone13

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Oct 10, 2012
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Here's a perfect example.

My dad planned to work to 70 or so. He was upper management and well respected in his industry. A few years before 70 corporate hired a new COO who implemented a computer vendor change he disagreed with. Because he was able to retire he did. Not that he wanted to but because he didn't want to put up with new BS. My point is if the older worker doesn't have BS to put up with and they like their job what's the harm?

What kills me is when people are young and have energy and vitality and an open mind they have no money. When people have money they have far less time and energy. It's backwards.

Edit. What do people when they're laid off at 50?
 
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pourcyne

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Feb 19, 2011
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1. They can't afford the Cobra (insurance) plan.
2. Identity. Most people define themselves by what they do.
3. Power. Seniority. Control. You give that stuff up when you retire.
4. Social interaction. At work, you see and interact with other people every day.
5. No desire to do other things. It's easier to explore other options when you're in your 20's & 30's. It's harder to do those wild things when you're older.

That said, some people need to retire when they're 25, and they don't. So, what're ya gonna do?
 

pourcyne

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P.S. When I was a kid, I never understood why my grandma got up every morning at 6 a.m. Seemed to me that she should sleep in, until she said to me "Some day, I will be asleep for a long time. I prefer to be awake now." She was right.
 

BCClone

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Not exactly sure.
Couple things not mentioned. You brought up people in 80s or around there. First, these guys lived in the depression, they know true financial ****. My mom tells me about relatives asking to sleep in an old shed and showing up at lunch begging for leftovers. They didn't know where they were going to sleep or get their next meal. They aren't taking the chance that it happens again, they have too much pride to accept welfare unless they absolutely have to.

Second, they grew up with the concept of family first, not the current it's all about me. They sacrificed so their kids and grandkids will have a better life. They would eat dirt if it meant an easier life for an extended generation.

Three, some of us older generation Xrs and very young baby boomers won't let them retire. I would rather hire a 70 year old person most of the time over an early 20 something. I know what I'm getting. Someone who shows up every day and gives what they have. Not someone who cries about having their feelings hurt or about staying 10 minutes late on a Friday. They look you in the eye when they need to talk to you, not text or email it in.
 
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Cyclonepride

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plus it's better for your brain to stay engaged. Not that I want to work full-time until I die.

Exactly. I get pretty freaking bored by the end of a few days off, so I can't imagine having absolutely nothing to do for years on end. Not that want to work until I'm dead either, but I would find something else to do if I had the money to.
 

CycloneWanderer

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Nov 4, 2007
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All I see and hear are old folks working till they're dead. They don't retire when they easily can. They just work, and sometimes work hard. I just don't get it. Maybe it's their generation where they know nothing, but work. I know once I'm set for retirement I'm riding into the sunset immediately. Do these folks not have hobbies or an outside life? Are they just workaholics? Why people work into their 70s and 80s is beyond me.

Work makes them feel good? Work is comfortable for them? They aren't working just for a paycheck or to retire? They feel like they are leaving a legacy through their work and don't want to give that up just because they have gotten older? Take your pick.