Husband Lost His Job Yesterday

[rustysgurl]

It wasn't unexpected. That's what happens sometimes when one company takes over another. He's 71 years old. His initial plan was to retire at 65. Then he changed that to 70. So now, at 71, he is mulling whether to actually retire or to find another 5-year job. He's worked in telecommunications and telecommunications facility support for years. We're pretty sure we'll be ok financially. Five more years to pay off the house, and with Social Security, a moderate pension from another company he worked for and some annuity income, we'll be able to pay the bills. We just have to sit down and figure things out. Him being home isn't an issue -- he's been working from home since March. We have food, the lights are on and there are no bill collectors pounding at our door.

So, one door closes and another door opens. We are grateful we have so few worries, compared to what others are dealing with.

[Dem4Life1102]

1. Good luck to you!

[ffr]

2. Man, I kind of wish I was him.

I'd be sitting in a lawn chair next to the beach with my fishing pole, just listening to the waves and nature. I know there are people who say they'll work until they are unable to, but that's not me. When I'm done, I'm done. Enough of the stress ABOUT NOTHING!

Good luck to you both.

[634-5789]

3. Tell him to retire.

I retired in 2002. Everyday is better not chasing the bucks, and if you can swing it financially, his and your health will be better too.

[Blue_true]

6. His skill set seems to be ideal for freelance work. As long as he gets paid upfront.

There are many small businesses that need his expertise and can’t afford it coming from big Tele-companies. The upshot is that he can set up with almost no financial expenditure and can work from home, so no office rents and insurance.

[Blue_true]

4. Have him look into working freelance, working with small businesses that can use his expertise.

The work will be job by job and he should ask for at least half upfront. But one thing that I know as a small business person, telecommunication support from an INDEPENDENT expert is very difficult to find, tele-companies try to force you to use their inadequate “solutions”, when what you actually need are solutions that are tailored to the particular needs of your business. The good part is that he can work from home and take jobs that he wants to take, the downside is unpredictability of jobs and no paid benefits. But he can advertise cheap on local radio, targeting the needs of small businesses and startups, and as word of mouth grows, he should get plenty of work.

[OnDoutside]

5. If he can get another job working from home, and he's willing, then

why not ? Wouldn't it be nicer to retire on his terms in a year or two ?

The other question would be whether you could downsize and pay off the house now ?

Best of luck anyway.

[OriginalGeek]

7. I've been with my company for 20 years

the last 18 have been as the Telecom specialist (My supervisor and I are the Telecom department for over a 100 branches in 4 states and supporting about 3500 employees with about that many phones counting desk and wireless).

So you can believe me when I say, if he wants to work I sure hope he finds it. It worries me daily that even though I have been here this long, layoffs could happen and I am scared of having to go job hunting at almost 60. So him finding work would be a huge inspiration! lol I hope that doesn't sound selfish.

Even better than finding work would be retiring if y'all can swing it. I know I can't retire right now - I gotta keep adding to that 401k for as long as I can. But I sure do look forward to the day I can wake up and go to the beach or watch game shows or read a book and nobody can tell me different. Except my wife who will probably have stuff for me to do but I reckon that's ok.

I m wishing you both all the best luck in the world and hope you find happiness no matter what comes!

[Demsrule86]

8. I am sorry... hubs was out eight months and in the fall of 19 he was out two months thanks to GM s

strike so almost a full year of unemployment.

[roamer65]

9. If he really, really wants to work...either gig or part time.

I plan to do the same in about 9 years, if I am still above ground.

[Hortensis]

10. "So, one door closes and another door opens." 30 years ago,

it was regarded by most as a final door leading to the final pasture. Congress only abolished mandatory retirement for most in 1986!

And of course these days, with lengthened healthy, vigorous lifespans, well, the prospect of a whole new phase of living, for most following the labor force years, is a whole new reality.

[MiniMe]

11. He can start collecting SS and still work if he wants

I decided to start collecting, I think my first deposit will be next week. It is early for me to collect, I am 63.

[rustysgurl]

12. He's been doing this for a few years now. n/t

[Mr.Bill]

13. Health issues with my wife

forced us both to retire sooner than we planned to, and with quite a bit less income. We're not poor, but we won't be taking vacations in Europe, either. We downsized our housing, got rid of the second car, got the health issues under control and we couldn't be happier. Best of luck to you whatever you decide on doing.

[OMGWTF]

14. I lost my job of 20 years in The Great Republican Recession of 2008

Fortunately, my husband was already retired and I got a very generous severance package. We sold our house in the city, paid off the mortgage, and paid cash for a beautiful home in the country. Every day is Saturday!!!

[yokbizzi]

15. Best of luck to both of you.

Glad you're seeing the cup as half full. I find myself at a complete advantage. I get to work from home, I have a good job with a pension, I'm part of a union so I have more job security than people that are not in a union. I live in Canada (that's a big advantage) my unemployed relatives started receiving financial support benefits 3 weeks into the Canadian shutdown in March and has had two checks a month consistently. WE must count our blessings in these times. I'm incredibly grateful for 80+ million Americans who want democracy to prevail over the fascism that was clearly rearing it's ugly head. I do believe the planet has dodged a bullet but I fear the fascism asteroid will be back around in 2 or 4 or 8 years. But I also believe that Rump awakened a sleeping giant in the heart of most Americans and that giant's FULL name is, Freedom, Justice, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness for ALL Americans. The Fascists have also shot their wad (sorry for the profanity) but like any teenage boy alone is his room for long stretches, now you know what is going in the minds of 70+ Americans when no one is paying attention. You'll be ready when they start to show their true colors. But next time we must not wait for the sock to be in the laundry basket before doing something about it.

[colorado_ufo]

16. Work as long as you can!

Unless you have some specific agenda or travel to do, or a place you want to move to, work as long as you can. People (who survive the pandemic) are living longer, and cost of living only goes up. Working keeps you involved, mentally sharp, and puts structure in your day. Especially if you like your work, it staves off depression.

At his age, he can likely earn as much as he likes without affecting his Social Security. All to gain, little or nothing to lose! You have few worries, and you want to keep it that way.

My husband retired and had to go back to work. He is mentally sharp and more physically fit at 77 than most men half his age, and he is very skilled at his profession. Any company would benefit greatly from having him work there, especially since they don't have to fund medical insurance or a retirement plan. BUT, once you are out of the work force, it is really hard to get back in.

All best wishes for the future!

[GeoWilliam750]

17. Best of luck to you both

[marie999]

18. If he retires he has to have something to do he enjoys. My husband had to retire 30 years ago

because his military disability made it impossible for him to work and 25 years ago my military disability made it impossible for me to work. Thankfully, between our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and animals we stay quite busy at least we did until the pandemic so we just got more animals.

[BobTheSubgenius]

19. I'm glad to hear you two are in (at least relatively) good shape.

I have been really lucky in life, but part of that luck is having never felt the need for *things*. Life is made up of the hours and minutes of every day, and the days and weeks of the years. No amount of money is going to buy back one second of the time it took you to acquire it.

One day, I just stepped off the ledge and trusted that things would be all right...and if they weren't, I was still young enough to get another job and make them right. That was 32 years ago, and I don't regret it in the slightest.

I hope you and "rusty" royally enjoy the time you have together.

[MLAA]

20. 💖I'm going to go with congratulations on retirement!

[George II]

21. Just walk away. Retirement is great and, at 71 I suspect he's already getting Social Security and...

...has signed up for Medicare.

I retired almost 8 years ago, and my last day, when I walked out the last afternoon, I never looked back. Plus, I haven't been bored a single day, except a few recently because everything around here is closed.

When I was getting ready to retire, wondering if I could afford to do so, I sat down and added everything up. You'd be amazed at how easily one can balance one's finances. Hopefully you folks will be as pleasantly surprised, too.

[niyad]

22. Wishing you both all the very best, whatever you decide.