by S. Bates

Created on: May 23, 2008

TOO YOUNG TO RETIRE?

You have arrived! THE day is FINALLY here when you can walk through the office door and do not have to think about what you are going to wear to work tomorrow, what the boss will be demanding to be completed 30 minutes after you arrive, no irate customers yelling on the phone, and on, and on, and on. Nope, that's it! You have finally reached the day you can Retire! What a breath of fresh air! What relief! You've worked so hard for 30 years, been so dedicated to your job, worked when you were on death's door. Now it's your time,or is it?

When I took an "early" retirement after 30 years at the same job, just different job titles and a few minimal raises, I felt relief, joy, gratification, relief, deliverance, calm, relief. So much I didn't know what to do. Don't get me wrong, I loved working, having a reason to get up in the morning, feeling like I was needed. I just hadn't planned on retiring as early as I did. I know I'm not the only person that has ever had this happen. So what are we doing now?

This is what I did, bought a business and became my own boss. Why? I really don't know. I guess I just wanted to experience the other end of the totempole. I was so excited! I didn't HAVE to answer to anyone! WRONG! Excuse me, but for better words, that is what it was all about. I just thought' I wouldn't have to answer to anyone. Along with a business come customers, that is, if you want to succeed in business. So there you go, you are answering to your customers, to start with. Then there are the bills, employees, family, taxes, etc. What did I get myself into this time?

There I was, invested all my retirement in a business, which is risky these days anyway, considering the economy. I did what I had to do to get it going. As with most business owners, you feel like you're on call 24/7. And sometimes that was the case. There was always some problem to take care of; some customer to make happy; a bill that had to be paid; and don't forget, still keeping your family happy. Believe it or not, I actually enjoyed doing all of this, I had a reason to get up in the morning and I knew I was needed. But, as luck would have it, I just could not pay the rent after about 5 months. There were just not enough customers for this type of business to keep the doors open. And I did not have any retirement left to advertise and try to build the business up any more. I closed the doors after only 6 months.

My situation, I'm sure, is different from a lot of future "retirees".

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