Pickles by Brian Crane for September 30, 2013

Admitting you don’t work anymore is an admission you are getting old – perhaps I should rephrase that. You are old !

Often if people assume you don’t work, they also assume you therefore have time to do whatever they want you to do – from listening to them to helping with their projects.

Poor Earl…another adjustment to old age!

I retired at 53. I have no problem with this …. I sometimes mail this postcard out to friends just to rub it in ….

For people not working unemployed some are not busy not enough money for material to do fix it projects.

I am not yuk retired not thinking until age 70. Too many are forced to leave job early. I may be one forced but I will not take SS until age 70. I grew up with unemployed parent company dad worked for sourced his job out. Husband decided to take early retirement I wished he had not. He would be able to work until 65. Now he does very little as Earl.

Retired as soon as the opportunity arose, at age 55. Had tp care for aged, infirm mother. Also, I did some part-time consulting and wrote a book. Many ASSUMED (the point Earl tried to make to his friend that nobody in these comments figured out) that because one no longers draws a regular paycheck from an employer you have time to do all their errands. When you refuse to do them, they get mad at you. Develop a system for yourself to avaoid the appearance of idle time. Get some type of schedule manager (book, software, phone calendar, etc.). The, fill it with the things you do, but coded in a way that looks like traditional business appointments. E.G., for getting your morning coffee write “Negotiations with John Starbuck on international trade product. 9:00AM – 10:30AM.” Shopping for new underwear becomes “Sales meeting to discuss short-sales. 10:45AM – 12:30PM.”

I retired at 57 Now I do what I want… WHEN I want…LOVE IT.

How many of you know that guy that worked hard every day, was retired formally from “the plant”, “the mill”, “the mine” or “the refinery”. who went home to watch daytime TV and wither away to nothing in 3-6 months? I have been to a few funerals of newly retired workers. You have to do something, even if it is playing cards.

6 months into retirement and I have not missed going to work once! So glad I pulled the pin.

I retired at 54 in 2006, and I’ve never been busier!

Retirement is not for sissies. I can’t say that I am unhappy being retired, although I miss the additional income. I certainly keep busy but confessedly, once I get my cedula here in Ecuador, I will begin looking for something to do by way of physical employment, part time.As inexpensive as living here is, Social Security only goes so far. Besides, I really did enjoy my work and like being out working with people.

They make that assumption because nobody actually sees you do any work, Earl. And they be right, too.

Hubby retired at 58, we bought the farm when parents died. Now it is check cattle, check goats, clear brush, mow, repair fences, etc. He loves it. My Mom said instant mashed potatoes is as close to retirement a woman ever gets……………..

I love the colour of the autumn leaves.

Never mind, Earl. You shouldn’t care what others think of you!

xxx

We’re talking about Earl, not Opal. Look back at how many panels where Earl isn’t sitting. I rest my case and Earl rests his …..well, you know.

Don’t you just hate it when people make correct assumptions?

.My sister-in-law once asked an Asian looking woman how to make egg rolls. My brother started to point out the stereotypical assumptions involved in such a question to a complete stranger when the lady started explaining step by step how to do it.ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL