Today my husband had a phone appointment with our local social security office. He's decided to go ahead and claim his social security retirement, effective immediately! He went off to work today prepared to give two weeks' notice, and by the end of this month he will be (mostly) retired!
He's been managing the aquarium section of the pet store for 26 years, so this is a big moment in his life. He's not quite at full retirement age yet, but his social security check will be almost exactly the same amount he makes at the store. The plan is for him to continue to service aquariums, which is his own small business. From those jobs he earns just below the maximum he's allowed to earn while receiving retirement benefits, so his income will remain exactly the same, but he'll only be working a few hours each week (and on his own schedule). Once he reaches full retirement age there won't be a limit on how much "side" income he's allowed to earn.
I'm so happy for him! He's always been such an incredibly hard worker, and he deserves to have time off while he's still young enough and healthy enough to enjoy it. And he's grown increasingly unhappy with the pet business. He worries so much about the animals that get sold, and of course they're sold to anyone who has the money to pay for them regardless of whether they can or will take care of them. That's just part of the job. Even selling "feeder" goldfish bothers him. So now that's not going to be part of his life anymore! And he's really looking forward to learning how to do some home improvement projects he's been thinking about and having time for fun.
So the big changes in our house continue! What a year it's turning out to be, and it's only February!
Good luck to Gregg! I hope he has a long and happy semi-retirement
ReplyDeleteBy the way Jennifer - I tried to create a book cover for "Sparrow Tree Journal" by Jennifer Barlow but Microsoft Image Creator kept denying my request and I found out why! Apparently there is a model who dabbled in the porn industry called, yes, Jennifer Barlow. I suppose you knew about her already - unless of course she is you with a blonde wig!
WHAT! Haha!! It's not me, honest. Ahem.
DeleteGoogle your own name and you will soon get to her.
DeleteThat sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Gregg, and to you! There should be a lot less stress in your lives (and, yes, I’m knocking on wood).
ReplyDeleteThat's great news! I'm sure he will love retirement, especially at no real loss of income!
ReplyDeleteHooray for Gregg! Sounds like a great plan.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Gregg!
ReplyDeleteThis is such wonderful news. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteHappy retirement to Gregg. Having time to do what he wants and even take on projects he likes sounds ideal.
ReplyDeleteHouse paid off, now Gregg retiring, you girl are living the life. And take it from me, Gregg is going to love retirement.
ReplyDeleteGood for him! I, and a number of my friends have done that, and when he hits full retirement age that extra cash is simply fabulous.
ReplyDeleteIf he can do it and should go for it!!! And we will be happier. On a side note my mother worked for the Federal in the Social Security Department as regional director for close to 48 years!!! She retired from there, took a year off and went back to work as a receptionist now at a Rehab Hospital part time.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on retirement on your terms, Gregg.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the retirement ( or near retirement). It’s a big change- but a good one! - Jenn
ReplyDeleteThis is excellent news and sounds ideal for him! Grab those moments indeed.
ReplyDeleteThat's great!! Here's wishing Gregg a happy, healthy semi-retirement - after a life of very hard work (and health issues, as we know) he certainly deserves to take it a little easier now and do only the jobs he enjoys, in or outside the house.
ReplyDeleteYAY for your Hubs! Life will be so different, relaxed and peaceful for you both. We retired young as well, and it's been wonderful. We both have SSI and side gigs, too, which def help with expenses. We've seen those who wait it out until the very end to get every single penny, and some don't make it, or some don't have their health by then. This has been a banner year for you guys, especially after some hard years prior. So glad you both can breathe easier.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Gregg, hope he enjoys a very relaxed and wonderful retirement.
ReplyDeleteWhat good news! I am very happy for Greg. You, of all people, know exactly what it is like to be miserable in a job. You were given the opportunity to change your situation. Now he has the chance to change his. What a gift your inheritance has turned out to be!
ReplyDeleteThis is just the best news. Oh, Jennifer! I am so very happy for you and Gregg. He deserves to step away from the work and worry of the pet store.
ReplyDeleteWow Jennifer! This is such great news. And now as an official retired person myself, my motto is: "Retire when you can. Life is too short."
ReplyDeleteCheers!
ReplyDeleteGreat news! I hope Gregg enjoys his new time off and I am the same way when it comes to animals. I'm not sure I could work in a pet store. So I don't blame him a bit! (When I was a kid I used to buy feeder fish and keep them as pets in our aquarium because I felt so bad for them!)
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful news for Gregg. I highly recommend retirement. He will have plenty of time to explore things he wants to do, hobbies and such.
ReplyDelete