When Should a Person Retire?

@beckish (641)
United States
April 16, 2016 1:59pm CST
Retirement has been on my mind lately. I am eligible for early retirement the end of this year - after serving 35 years in a state job. Early retirement does take a hit - I will get about 70% of my retirement. I will be able to live on it frugally. But I will only be 55, so time enough to get a different job and build toward another retirement. So what should a person do? Stick with a very stressful job or take early retirement and find something more fun and less stressful?
4 people like this
5 responses
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
16 Apr 16
The number one consideration is your financial status. Are you comfortable with a retirement or reduced income?
1 person likes this
@beckish (641)
• United States
15 May 16
I will take a reduced benefit by retiring early, but in reality it only ends up to make my income about $500 less than it is now per month. My plan is to get a part time job and maybe even work to build another retirement.
@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
16 Apr 16
Purely from the tone of this I suspect you're leaning towards early retirement and taking an initial hit on your money. I'd probably do this but you say your job is stressful...do you enjoy it?
1 person likes this
@beckish (641)
• United States
15 May 16
I don't dislike my job, but it is very stressful and gets more stressful every day. I think I need a change - 35 years of working in human services takes a toll on a person.
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
16 Apr 16
This is obviously a personal choice, but I would be content to take early retirement and an easier job.
1 person likes this
@beckish (641)
• United States
15 May 16
Yep that is exactly what I am thinking. Less stress and maybe a fun job this time. Something that is enjoyable but not overly stressful.
1 person likes this
@marlina (154166)
• Canada
16 Apr 16
It is really up to an individual to choose.
1 person likes this
@beckish (641)
• United States
15 May 16
Good point - each person is different. Thanks for the feedback.
@AkoPinay (11544)
• Philippines
29 May 16
I retired at 34 so I could focus online.