Again THINKING out loud !

[Phu Cat]

Right out of the military I was hired by Gulf Oil Refinery in Cincinnati. Absolutely LOVED that job for almost 15 years, but we were bought out because of the company's sweet crude oil reserves. Was able to step into another chemical related job, working for 23 years, retiring from Dow Chemical a year earlier than we'd actually planned to as Ma's Mother was becoming ill in Florida so we relocated. We love Ocala, great community. No crime, low cost of living, no mosquitoes. For some reason, we all have at least one friend from up north that has followed us to this particular community. We've been retired for 6 yrs.

Phu Cat

 

[rchays57]

Retired now 4 years turned wrenches for 48 years from military aircraft to heavy equipment to automobiles. 36 years in a Chevrolet dealership. Bought the trike last year.
Wish I had done it a long time ago.

 

[Marc H]

I'm on the younger end of things here at 43.Getting the feeling the way things are I won't be retiring.Went to tech school out of high school and spent 14yrs working everything from weedeaters to semis.Been in auto parts since.Wife was an LPN till her back went and has been disabled for 5yrs now.

 

[bustedwing]

I have been disabled for 14 years after a head on car/motorcycle accident, and yeah I was the lucky one on the motorcycle. Before that I had been a mechanic on all sorts of equipment from lawn mowers to heavy diesels, semis, firetrucks, farm tractors,school busses, everything but cars. The accident came 2mm from paralyzing me from the neck down, so in that respect I consider myself very lucky. I have a hangover every morning due to a spinal fluid leak that on a good day will go away after 2hours, on a bad day, I end up hugging the toilet and back to bed or if really bad go to the hospital for shots in my neck to stop the spasms. On good days I get to ride as long as the weather is good!! It never fails that I end up getting sick when some kind of family outing is planned. A lot of people see me and say he looks fine to me, but they don't see the sickness, or the pain.

 

[CobraXL]

I am the Controller for an agricultural equipment company and at 55 I figure to retire in about 5 years I hope. Recent health issues have me thinking that I'm never going to be as financially secure as I'd like to be at retirement--but at some point I'm going to take the leap and quit working to enjoy my remaining time.

 

[03VolusiaTrike]

I'm on the younger end of things here at 43.Getting the feeling the way things are I won't be retiring.Went to tech school out of high school and spent 14yrs working everything from weedeaters to semis.Been in auto parts since.Wife was an LPN till her back went and has been disabled for 5yrs now.

Marc I'm with you at 46. Tech school after high school, mechanic for years, now a tool and die maker/cnc machinist for over 20 years. Fighting for disability benefits for my wife because of her back (4 surgeries already) on top of other health issues. Praying to God that we make it to retirement. Thats a long way off still, but we have hope. Keep the faith and fight the good fight brother!!!!

 

[Firea100]

Been retired (too many knee injuries) from full time firefighting for five years. Really miss the job and the "other family" you become part of. Trying to get a foothold in another career, catastrophic insurance claims. This is for auto, home and everything in between.
On my way this week to Birmingham Alabama for more classes and certifications. Three day class, 5 hour test!

 

[frostbite51]

Retired twice.

Spent 12 years in retail grocery, 25 years in wholesale grocery, driving around making people fat. Took early retirement at 55 when the company started screwing the hired help.

Decided to atone for my sins when I got restless, went to work for a solar outfit that makes water quality industrial equipment. I ran their electronics dept., mostly building control boxes and R&D.

Lost my wife six years ago to a stroke. She lives in a nursing home now, has the mind of a three year old.

Retired for good two years ago. Do a little riding, waste time on the internet, and visit the wife. Not exactly what we had planned.

 

[jim mccarty]

Retired in 2000 @ age 55. Forced retirement. Thought I had a cold, went to Doctor, he gave me "pulmonary function test", said I had COPD with only 38 percent lung capacity. Was in industrial maintenance as a millwright.

I have a 99 Goldwing trike & Kwik Kamp camper.

Hoping to be able to join up with some others & see some of our country this summer.

 

[Goldwingrdr]

I retired after 30 yrs in the Consumer Finance/Mortgage business. Between the RV and the Trike, totally enjoying it. Still getting use to the difference in income.

 

[mynameisearl]

I retired at 60 three years ago from Harsco Minerals. I help my brother a little at crop time here in KY. I have a few acres and he farms around 12000 acres. I usually am able to knock out a couple big trips a year. Life is good.

 

[Catfish]

I took an early buyout from SBCommunications and retired at the age of 53. My wife is 63 and has never had a boss in her life since we married in 71. :AGGHH: I'm 67 in pretty good health and not missed being employed for a second, but can't say I have a constant smile even though it is close. Counting my blessings everyday with an outstanding wife, four married daughters, 9 grandchildren. Heaven on earth.epper:

 

[Dave59]

I'm still working full time at 57. I'm a Master Electrician for a food processing plant, I've been in this industry for 40 years. I hope to retire or semi retire in the next couple years. Just bought a trike after riding 2 wheels for many years. So far it has been great.