Retire Or Not?

[Matheous-2]

I am a sixty six yrs. old male with a wife several years younger. I have continued to work (part-time) for a year past retirement age and would love to retire now. My problem is my wife says 'why should she continue to work while you want to retire & sit about the house' ! -Which is something I don't do....Because I am fairly fit for my age -my wife thinks I should keep going. I only work two 8hr days a week....What should I do?

[redcrx]

remind her of the years you worked when she was still a schoolgirl!

your wife has it all wrong, she should be thinking of all the ironing, cleaning, cooking etc that she can give you to do ready for when she gets home from work

[Sqad]

If you enjoy your work then continue,,,,to 65...70....75 as long as you enjoy it do so.

Can you afford to retire?.....it is more costly than you think.

Can you stand being with "her indoors" for 24/7?

[LoftyLottie]

I think you should do what you want , not what she wants. I would love my OH to retire but I know it won't suit him at all and I would rather have a happy husband than a miserable one at home. If you are happy to be at home then surely this will benefit her.

[redcrx]

i bet that when she gets to retirement age (and can afford it) she will stop working because you are at home.

[LoftyLottie]

I think your third para, Sqad, sums up our situation!! ;o)

To be honest though the thought of OH around all day doesn't fill me with joy. I like the freedom to do as I like!!

My main reason for wanting him to retire is for his health after previous problems, but he's a worker - he is one of those types that doesn't sit at home even when at home - he is always busy.

[mccfluff]

i thought 65 was male retirement age. but anyway, retire if you want to but find something to do that takes you out of the house, volunteer work?

[237SJ]

I think that at the age of 66, you`ve earned your retirement.

[LoftyLottie]

(not busy doing housework, etc though unfortunately!)

Seriously Matheous, although you must consider your wife's feelings, in the long run do as you want. It won't affect her (perhaps financially?). What is the point of continuing working just because she is jealous!

[LoftyLottie]

I can't believe by OH is 65. He still looks young and fit to me and is too sharp brained to be at home. I agree with Sqad

[venator]

I'm in the same boat, aged 71, wife is 52. She's working 3 nights a week, and will retire at 55, to avoid the NHS pension shambles.

I "retired" at 65, but decided that I would keep a few clients, just nice people! (I'm a chartered accountant)

Now, in the last couple of years, they have gone bust or packed in, so I'm stuck at home, bored senseless, and looking for something useful, like mentoring.

It's a personal choice, but if you enjoy your work, I'd stick at it!!

Good luck whatever you do.

[237SJ]

But the Op says he would love to retire now...

[Old_Geezer]

You could point out that it is because you worked until 66 and she hasn't managed that yet so to be fair she should do the same.

But honesty is not always the best policy where tact is needed.

Trouble is, in a partnership one must think on the other person, but it seems a little one way to me when one seems to want to dictate what is essentially the other's choice.

I think you should stand firm, or else you risk becoming a doormat instead of an equal partner. In your shoes I'd point out that having reached the socially accepted age of retirement that it is your decision to make. And it is her decision to make when she is in the same situation. Fair being fair.

What do YOU wish to do ? Bear in mind that if you do just stagnate live will become less interesting and it won't be healthy. You need to have planned these things.

[Old_Geezer]

Did they go bust because of their accountant ?

[mccfluff]

sorry that was me, i read 60 years not 66

[sandyRoe]

LOL. I laughed. I know I shouldn't.

[sandyRoe]

^^^ at Old Geezers last comment

[Matheous-2]

Thanks a lot guys for your support....I am fairly certain I will not stagnate as I am lucky that I have several hobbies to keep me occupied and we have a little gym to help with fitness. I don't particularly enjoy my work and have already considered volunteering. I just need to persuade my wife !

[237SJ]

Offer to have her dinner on the table every night when she gets home. That`s how my friend`s husband got round her when he took early retirement.