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Jules A, MSN · Jan 12, 2017

Interesting post but I'm confused. I was looking for an article on retirement???

Columnist · Jan 12, 2017

Interesting post but I'm confused. I was looking for an article on retirement???

Retirement does not mean you stop living. This author has many articles on allnurses on how to make the most of your retirement.

JoannieO · Jan 13, 2017

Then look to me. Retirement is defined as "complete cessation of work." After 45-1/2 years, I left nursing in a variety of fields, including management and information systems. Quit per diem in September 2016 and finally decided that "No," am not going back. Right now, I am working on financial management and budgeting. I have freedom but have to get used to decreased spending and materialism that will not matter anyways. I'd like to begin a blog about Retirement for Nurses and I mean RETIREMENT. For me, it is taking care of yourself at last..had a PE last week--BP is 104/60, great bloodwork and the health gains from not working are amazing. Retirement is a process. My manager wanted me to stay working per diem in occupational health, a good job Monday through Friday, but know what? I am taking my good health and enjoying the time I have left. Think perhaps I will get into the arts. My guitar's lying over there, unused since my 20s. And painting? Yes. Exercise and cooking? Yeah. Love wildlife and swimming in the Ocean which in the summertime, is less than 5 miles from my home. No more being couped up indoors, wishing to be outside "playing." Just know that you have to leave it "to the Young." I still have much to do. From Loving Retirement so Far, -Joan

Jules A, MSN · Jan 13, 2017

Then look to me. Retirement is defined as "complete cessation of work." After 45-1/2 years, I left nursing in a variety of fields, including management and information systems. Quit per diem in September 2016 and finally decided that "No," am not going back. Right now, I am working on financial management and budgeting. I have freedom but have to get used to decreased spending and materialism that will not matter anyways. I'd like to begin a blog about Retirement for Nurses and I mean RETIREMENT. For me, it is taking care of yourself at last..had a PE last week--BP is 104/60, great bloodwork and the health gains from not working are amazing. Retirement is a process. My manager wanted me to stay working per diem in occupational health, a good job Monday through Friday, but know what? I am taking my good health and enjoying the time I have left. Think perhaps I will get into the arts. My guitar's lying over there, unused since my 20s. And painting? Yes. Exercise and cooking? Yeah. Love wildlife and swimming in the Ocean which in the summertime, is less than 5 miles from my home. No more being couped up indoors, wishing to be outside "playing." Just know that you have to leave it "to the Young." I still have much to do. From Loving Retirement so Far, -Joan

Kudos Joan! I'm planning on doing it 100% also. As soon as the NP bubble bursts which I can see in the horizon and if that doesn't happen I will tap out at 62. I have enough money and investments right now that if I were to live simply I'd be fine well into the next several decades but the fact that I am making so much as well as the health insurance factor keeps me working for now.

Jules A, MSN · Jan 13, 2017

Retirement does not mean you stop living. This author has many articles on allnurses on how to make the most of your retirement.

Did I say stop living? Sorry, I meant that it is my understanding that retirement means you stop working.

LadysSolo · Jan 14, 2017

I am 61 years old now, plan to stay full-time until 64 or 65, and then to do part-time until age 70 (kind of ease into retirement.) I have been full-time since age 16, and in one of my previous jobs I saw many people who had done factory work starting at age 18 quit as soon as they had their 30 years in and they were dead of an MI within two years. My mom quit completely as soon as she could, and was in the throes of Alzheimer's disease within 3 years. So I figure easing into it is the best way. So health continuing as it is, that's the plan..... I have so many hobbies and interests that my friends say Alzheimer's disease has no chance!

Jules A, MSN · Jan 15, 2017

I saw many people who had done factory work starting at age 18 quit as soon as they had their 30 years in and they were dead of an MI within two years. My mom quit completely as soon as she could, and was in the throes of Alzheimer's disease within 3 years.

Probably not exactly cause and effect and just anecdotally I have seen many either work until they are asked to leave because they are no longer fit for duty or until they get sick and then die. I think it is worth considering our genetic predispositions also.

I worked with a wonderful RN who was 68 years old and was visibly slowing down to the point that we used to assist her with her assignments. One day she said she wasn't feeling well and went down to the ED where she passed away awaiting transfer to medicine. It makes me sad to this day to think she worked so hard for so many years and never had the luxury of enjoying a bit of time in retirement. We never know what tomorrow will bring and I'm not counting on living an extra long healthy life and if I do that will be a bonus. Female life expectancy is 78.74 years and I'd imagine most are not well for a while leading up to their ultimate demise so I'm cutting out early and hoping to get some vacationing and gardening in. :)

Career Columnist / Author · Jan 17, 2017

Not yet from experience, but retirement seems like a huge life adjustment from what I see. My plan is to learn from those who've done it successfully.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 17, 2017

Hubby is planning to retire in 3 1/2 years (at 67) from his full time job (he is already retired from the military 20+ years ago)but he is already stressing about "what will I do."

I'm younger and at this point plan to work another 10 years and then go part time till I can't work any more.

For me, advancing my education made all the difference - it gave my options that my ADN education just didn't provide me.

Carol Ebert, MSN, RN · Jan 17, 2017

This article reflects on the feelings and challenges I have in retirement and how it impacts what I do with this "new beginning". I am someone who doesn't ever want to officially retire, but just reinvent my retirement years into something productive and meaningful. There is alot of emotional stuff that comes up during retirement I'm finding, and we need to be ready for those challenges. Just hoping what I am living thru will be useful for others.

Carol Bush · Jan 19, 2017

I think its important to talk about the emotional side of retirement! I am 55 and soaking up all I can learn from those who are several steps ahead. I think the best is yet to come...but I definitely want to be prepared!