The Start of Semi-Retirement
By Jim Bauer
@porwest (78761)
United States
November 18, 2021 9:29am CST
Semi-retirement has been on my mind for some time. What does it mean to me? Basically, it just means working less. Ultimately it will mean quitting my current full time job and replacing it with a more flexible, part time one.
It's more ideal than full retirement, because it still gives me something to do, and of course still having some sort of income—even if it is less—means that you will require less money overall to make up the difference and continue to maintain your current lifestyle.
But for right now it just means creating a bit more "freedom" in my current job to the extent that I can.
I decided to randomly take next Monday, the 22nd of November off. No particular reason. I just don't want to work. And it is part of the start of actually semi-retiring. This means taking a few random days off every other month or so, AND leaving slightly early on random other days.
I do also have a bit of a timeline on when I think I may actually pull the plug on semi-retirement going into full swing and leaving my current job.
1-2 years.
11 people like this
8 responses
@lovebuglena (43080)
• Staten Island, New York
18 Nov 21
How many weeks of vacation do you have where you work? Are your vacation days rolled over if you don't use them in a particular year? My mom told me recently that she has six weeks of vacation days. I had no idea that was even possible to have that many lol. Her unused vacation days are rolled over but I am not sure if she can roll over all unused days or only a portion. But if they are rolled over she has to use them by a certain time or she loses them.
My mom wants to retire already. She's been working with the same company since the mid-90s. Her pension from the company is going to be a joke compared to what she actually makes there now.
2 people like this
@lovebuglena (43080)
• Staten Island, New York
20 Jun 22
@porwest My mom has a 401k and my dad as well. My mom is currently dealing with Dad's 401k to make sure it goes to her now that he is gone. As well as his pension and social security. Downside to their 401k is that money seems to decrease rather than increase.
1 person likes this
@porwest (78761)
• United States
19 Jun 22
I get three weeks currently, but it IS a bit open ended—so long as we don't abuse it, we can take the time off we need. Days do not roll over but there are some years when I take all of it and some when I don't. So, it works out mostly. This year I intend to use every single day though—and maybe then some, lol.
As for pensions, they usually do not cover all of one's expenses, so it is best to save and invest, have 401ks where possible and combine them with the other savings and investments including IRAs. If you combine a pension, savings and investment, IRAs and social security benefits, there should be no reason one cannot retire quite comfortably.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (43080)
• Staten Island, New York
20 Jun 22
@porwest My mom's friends (husband and wife) both worked for NYC. From what I understand now that they are retired they have free health insurance and a very good pension.
When my mom told me what her pension will be after working in the company she is now for over 20 years I was shocked. It doesn't even surpass three digits.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (86764)
• United States
18 Nov 21
I hope the time flies by Jim..you deserve a good retirement
2 people like this
@FourWalls (62161)
• United States
18 Nov 21
I retired at 59, when the government said I could.
Happy semi-retirement!!!!!
2 people like this
@FourWalls (62161)
• United States
19 Nov 21
@porwest — we work to afford retirement. 
2 people like this
@porwest (78761)
• United States
23 Nov 21
@FourWalls lol. I guess that could the case sometimes.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (156271)
• United States
19 Nov 21
I hope it works out for you. My plan was to work a slowly reducing time schedule as I approached retirement; but I had to retire early on disability; so that didn't work out as planned.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (156271)
• United States
24 Nov 21
@porwest Fortunately we were ready financially. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
1 person likes this
@porwest (78761)
• United States
19 Jun 22
@LindaOHio Being prepared is key. I wish more people heeded all of the CRAPLOAD of advice out there. Most people unfortunately do not and they pay a terrible price for it.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40529)
• United States
18 Nov 21
That sounds like a great way to ease into retirement.
2 people like this
@porwest (78761)
• United States
18 Nov 21
I am also glad to be in a job that offers me some flexibility. I have parameters of course, but many decisions about what I do can be made on my own within reason. For example, on certain days if I look at my coworker and say, "Hey, I'm taking off. You good with that?" I can take off 15 minutes to a half an hour early.
It actually works out since my start time is 8am but I usually am in the office around 715-730, so it's not even like I am losing hourly time.
I am paid both by the hour and via commission.
2 people like this
@everwonderwhy (6697)
•
11 Jan 22
I am so very happy for you and your wife that you have full control of your life and hard-earned resources. You and your wife are blessed! Stay strong, healthy and happy!
1 person likes this
@everwonderwhy (6697)
•
19 Jun 22
@porwest Yes, you're a narural!
Enjoy the meaningful life in store for you. 
1 person likes this
