Soon, I'm leaving the rat race.

[Mike M.]

Yep, at 58 this old guy's about had it. Working nights Monday thru Friday at 12 hours a night just ain't cutting it anymore. So sick of saying "I don't have time" then when the weekend rolls around all I do is rush around trying to take care of what I couldn't do during the week...because there's no time. To top it off, I'm always beat. Been working very long hours since '86 and I've been on nights since '98. As far as I'm concerned, I haven't lived in years.

I've been feeling very trapped and a recent event really shook me to the core. The 16 year old son of a good friend of mine accidentaly shot himself and was killed. (It was not a suicide but rather a very unfortunate accident). There I was at the funeral home and I was really struck by the scrapbook of memories that this young man had aquired during his very short time on this earth. The photo's of family and friends and the captured images of him involved in all he loved to do. This young man grabbed life by the shoulders and shook it! This young man knew how to live!

So I've set a goal for myself. By the end of this summer (hopefully sooner) I want my life back. I'm 58, my eyes are bad and even though my body is starting to hurt I know I've still got some good working years left in me. I have to work and I want to, just not at this pace or in the business I've been in which is in CNC machine shops. I want out of that life. There has been talk of potential layoffs at our shop and right about now it wouldn't break my heart one bit.

All I have is myself to worry about. I'm single (divorced) and live a very modest lifestyle. I'm not rich either but I do have enough to last me for a while. I know the economy is still in rought shape and the fact that I live in Michigan isn't of great help. But the years have one by too quick and I've got to take a chance before it is too late.

Don't have a grand plan as of yet but I'm already staring to look online. I Googled "Workers over 50" and quite a few things came up. Just want to find a nice, 8 hour a day job.

Any suggestions from those in my age group are most welcome.

Long, long overdue but it's time to break out of the box.

[hover]

No necessarily in your age bracket, but I just wanted to applaud your decision, and hope the best for ya in this new chapter in your life. Any time is a great time to restart livin.

[Stingray89]

Good for you man! Life is short so enjoy every minute of it.

[knumbskull]

good luck! it sounds like you've paid your dues for sure, so enjoy finding a pace of life that suits you.

oh and play your bass(es) more

[Staccato]

Mike,

Actually I'm looking for a new 'niche' myself, and will be your age in a few short years. You have developed a different outlook, and from the sound of it-you'll be clearing a new path, soon!

You can see from my avatar that I haven't landed, yet.

[rosanne]

I retired when I was 59 1/2 and it was a good decision.

Sure I'm not in the best shape financially (I didn't plan for the economy to take a dive and real estate to be wiped out) but I'm happy. I can do what I want when I want, and that's priceless!

[Gomeztool]

Congrats. Hope it works out.

My plan is to retire @ 55 to 58 and move to a place where the government doesn't have "wealth redistribution" schemes.

[MJ5150]

Go to work at Home Depot or Lowes. Drive a delivery truck for a local auto parts supply house, teach classes on what you know how to do.

-Mike

[duff beer]

Definately cut back on the hours and live a little. I'm very fortunate in that I will be able to retire at 55 and live comfortably...I turn 49 in a couple weeks and wake up with a smile every day knowing that I'll never have to work again in just 6 years.

[CauliColin]

Well done and good luck!

[Relic]

time goes way too fast.. I know a few people who keep on looking to the future to help them get through the present.
What the hell good is the future if, by the time you get there, you regret the past?
Hope that makes sense...at any rate, IMO, you're doing the right thing and I wish you a ton of luck and an equal amount of happiness

[Evil Undead]

Good luck dude! Get out there and live!

[L-A]

Originally Posted by Relic

time goes way too fast.. I know a few people who keep on looking to the future to help them get through the present.
What the hell good is the future if, by the time you get there, you regret the past?
Hope that makes sense...at any rate, IMO, you're doing the right thing and I wish you a ton of luck and an equal amount of happiness

I love this saying: "The future doesn't owe anything to the past." – It's better to have a direction and make choices when they come, than try to stick to a plan that is by definition thought out before the action.

[hover]

There's another good saying:

Today is a gift. That's why they call it the present.

Sage wisdom. Much luck and good times on your current path.

[seventhson]

Congrats! I would love to join you except I have a wife and 3 kids I have to tend to!

I would investigate self sufficient communes. Why not? I'm sure your machining skills could be very useful.

[skwee]

Good on ya. I wouldn't quit the first job till you have the new one lined up, but I also applaud your decision

[lowendfriend]

I'm 60....I took the opportunity "to get laid off" because I could get a year severance and then retire at full pension. I've worked full time or usually a lot more for the last 44 years. I have been "out" since late November and I don't know how I had time to work. Playing more gigs. Birding in seasons that I just used to read about. Getting ready to buy a boat.

I'm thinking about consulting especially if I can shape it more into non-boating season.

I've re-learned to sleep. Have a much more positive outlook on life.

So glad I took the leap....I feel foolish for not having done it sooner. I'll never get that time back.

[Skitch it!]

It'll be an interesting new chapter and an enjoyable one I'm sure, that many years of night's is a long stretch indeed, enjoy and all the best

[geeza]

Here's my suggestion (especially if you're mechanically inclined).
Sell everything and buy a motorhome. Become a workcamper and travel the country. I know a number of people who do this (my wife and I were just about to do it ourselves - my wife was going to do travel nursing) and they all love it.

[basstotheface]

Maybe give bass lessons? Or do what Mike said and work at Home Depot, especially if you're near St. Petersburg, we need people who know there stuff.