Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > Long Timers
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-13-2021, 02:20 PM   #1
DutchmenSport
Montana Master
 
DutchmenSport's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,544
M.O.C. #22835
Talking Don't know if I'll ever "truly" make it to full timing ...

... not so sure I really want to.

It was our dream to go full timing when I hit retirement. Well, I'm one step closer. I applied for Social Security yesterday. I passed that golden age of 66 and 2 months, so I'm eligible for full benefits and can still continue working and earn as much as I want without penalty against the SS payments.

But, now that I'm there, I'm not so sure I really want to give up my full time job yet. With Covid, we've been out of the office, working from home for a year and 4 months now. Although the "rumblins" are to return to the office, "the powers to be" are getting such a back-lash, they are not making any decisions very quick yet. It's caused just enough "confusion" to be confusing.

Meanwhile, my wife and I (who also works from home), have taken advantage and done the "work from home" .... from camper! Even when we are "home", we're still in the camper in the drive way.

We deeded our house over to our son about a year ago. He and his little boy have been living with us for 8 years now, and he's petty much learned how to take care of everything on the house. That frees us up to hit the road, have camper will travel! you know!

So, basically, we still have a very solid "home port" to return to at any time, so we have the best of all worlds right now. I'm enjoying my current life-style. I'm still enjoying working full time. My health is still good, and I still have a good paying job. And I can take all this on the road on a whim, whenever we feel like it.

My wife says if I quit working, I'll go nuts with nothing to do. I think that's why the house is so good for us. I love to piddle in my wood shop, I still enjoy my John Deere mower, and I still love running the corn fields behind the house when the corn is up. I enjoy the benefit of having somewhere to return home to for stable Doctor visits, an address, insurance, and family. But I sure do enjoy the time we are on the road too.

Nothing says I have to quit and give up the job yet? Nothing says I have to surrender the house completely either. For now, I'm just enjoying the good life!

And I guess I'll just pocket that Social Security check, or use it for camping fees! It's really nice having options! Real options! and to be in the position, if I want, to tell the boss: "Take this job and shove it! I ain't working here no more!"
 
__________________
Who you are right now is a sum total off all you use to be.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
DutchmenSport is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2021, 04:06 PM   #2
Mikendebbie
Montana Master
 
Mikendebbie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 2,390
M.O.C. #21044
Dutchmensport - I feel your pain! I passed 66 in March. I'm planning to retire at age 70.5...the I enjoy what I do, I like the people I work with, the pay, benefits, health insurance is all just too good to leave behind. In fact - life without this health insurance is bit scary. The only birthday I ever worried about was turning 18, and by the time I turned 18 Nixon had stopped the draft. Now #70 is my new focus.
__________________
MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
Mikendebbie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2021, 04:13 PM   #3
Salineriverman
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Wilmar
Posts: 54
M.O.C. #29050
Retirement

Sounds like you have it figured out! Do what makes you and the wife happy!!
Congratulations on making it to this milestone in life!
I worked for a SYP mill as a production Supt. The last 5 yrs of my 42 years of service. My wife was worried I’d go crazy when I retired missing my past life! I can truly say I’ve not missed the headaches or calls in the middle of the night. We live in the country and I stay busy on the farm. I cut hay today😁. We enjoy our camping trips and each day we are blessed with here on earth in South Arkansas.

We had 3 close family members passed in a 5 month period helping me decide to hang it up at work.
Life is what we make of it! Again congrats on making it to that age and continue to enjoy your RV and work set up! You’ve earned that!!
Salineriverman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2021, 04:37 PM   #4
L0veless
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Saint George
Posts: 188
M.O.C. #19132
Send a message via AIM to L0veless
sounds like things are working out great for you,
I was a "traveling salesman" (every week on a plane going some where) we bought our truck and trailer to winter in AZ. first time I had spent 3 weeks with my wife in forever. called the boss and quit. never looked back.
I was 61. my wife thought Id go crazy in retirement, now I cant figure out how I had any time at all to work.
do what makes you happy and ENJOY.
__________________
2016 Ram 3500 DRW pulling 2016 Montana 3720RL
living in UT. wandering around with my best friend (38) years married and the royals (2 Saint Bernard's)
L0veless is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2021, 08:20 PM   #5
BB_TX
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,133
M.O.C. #6433
Congratulations on making it to the point you can retire, and having the option of doing it or not. I liked my job and planned on working until 66. But my 30 mile each way commute was getting worse by the year. And travel for work was increasing beyond the point I enjoyed. But when the company moved all manufacturing to Mexico requiring engineers to travel to Monterey regularly I made my decision at 62. My wife and I owned a small business that she managed and provided adequate income that I could delay taking social security until 66. She continued to run the business another 9 years simply because she had built it from the ground up and hated to sell. And, she had reliable people so that we could take 3-4 week vacations without worrying about it. Between being Mr. Fixit for the business, dabbling in woodworking at home, and traveling I never got bored.
Don’t know your wife’s status. Mine is 2 yrs younger than me. At 66 she started drawing off my SSA for a lesser amount than if she had taken hers. But hers continued to grow. When she turned 70 she changed over to drawing from hers (required by law) at a significantly higher rate than if she had drawn from hers initially due to that growth. She made up the difference rapidly and the rest is gravy from now on. Had never heard of that, and amazingly a helpful lady in the SSA office recommended it. Something to consider.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
BB_TX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-14-2021, 06:48 AM   #6
Montana Man
Montana Master
 
Montana Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
It sounds as though you are enjoying many blessings and have the freedom of making decisions of your choosing. Funny how there are different strokes for different folks. I never could work from the trailer or from home. Those places for me are a needed separation from the workplace. We won't fulltime but do long term. A mix of camper time, resort time, and home time works for us. I quit working at 54 and never looked back. Resisting the calls to come back was easy. I do appreciate those that work long years. Especially for the taxes they pay into the system that feeds retirement funds.
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
Montana Man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-14-2021, 07:00 AM   #7
rames14
Montana Master
 
rames14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,135
M.O.C. #1920
Echoing what several have said, do what makes you BOTH happy. We just left Glacier NP and are enjoying the camaraderie of the MOC at the CPRR. Next trip will be to 10,000 feet dry camping in Wyoming. No internet at most of these places. Next, the MOC rally in Goshen, followed early next year to Quartzsite and Western Blast, then summer in Alaska. My point is, working and our travel schedule don’t mix. Everyone has a different situation. As you look toward full or partial retirement, figure out what brings you both joy. Then work toward that. We like our S&B. It gives us a home base, a chance to decompress from travels and a place to work on mods and repairs that are just easier to do at home. It doesn’t hurt that we look out at snow capped peaks year round. Enjoy this exciting part of your life. It’s the reward for what you’ve done to get here.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
rames14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2021, 03:25 PM   #8
Rod Spohn
Montana Fan
 
Rod Spohn's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Mesa
Posts: 130
M.O.C. #24052
Congratulations on your meeting this milestone , enjoy what you have been blessed with. I to am at that junction in life. Being able to retire with full SSI in mid December. But even after years of planning toward this time it is still nerve racking. We have always planned a slow trip up to Alaska as our first long journey going back to where we meet and got married. Now after having just spent a week up there it has made the decision to retire as planned easier. After 44 years together working I can say I'm ready for the change. With all the discourse in the world , getting away from it all for a while seems like heaven.
__________________
Rod & BJ
2019 3811MS , 2020 GMC 3500 Dually Denali Duramax, Anderson hitch.
Mesa, AZ
Rod Spohn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2022, 02:08 PM   #9
Derby6
Seasoned Camper
 
Derby6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Wasilla
Posts: 73
M.O.C. #31898
Old thread, but I'll revive with my .02/story.
After 20 years in the Army and 11 in the corporate world, I was lucky enough to be able to retire @ 50. I knew I needed to keep busy and started my own little business piloting/escorting oversize loads all over AK. I love it; I see things/go places I'd never go to and it pays pretty well too LOL. Told all my clients I was snowbirding/leaving for the winter. They get it and are all anxious for my return.
We have planned/wanted to travel the lower 48 for winter, snowbirding. Now its a reality. So far so good; will only be gone 4-5 months this year.
I have no intentions and don't think I could ever full time. I like "home" and enjoy the yard, building demo derby cars in my shop, etc..
Will see what the future holds......
__________________
2022 CC LB F350 SRW--Diesel; 50 Gallon Titan Aux Pack Tank; Airbags with onboard Air
2022 Montana 3231 CK (Lower 48 Winter Rig)
2007 28' Desert Fox Toy Hauler (Alaska Summer Rig)
Derby6 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2022, 02:21 PM   #10
DutchmenSport
Montana Master
 
DutchmenSport's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,544
M.O.C. #22835
@ Derby6....

I finally did retire. My last day of "work" was January 14, 2022. SS, insurance, everything worked out ok.

I did spend the entire month of August 2022 serving as a campground host at Pilot Mountain State Park in North Carolina. That was an awesome experience. No pay of course, but no charge for full hook-up campsite. They want me back in August 2023.

I've not worked for any $$$ since January 14. But dang! Have I been busy. Between traveling, camping, and dropping in on the house ever now and then, it's been a terrific year.
__________________
Who you are right now is a sum total off all you use to be.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
DutchmenSport is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2022, 02:44 PM   #11
Derby6
Seasoned Camper
 
Derby6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Wasilla
Posts: 73
M.O.C. #31898
Congrats!!!
__________________
2022 CC LB F350 SRW--Diesel; 50 Gallon Titan Aux Pack Tank; Airbags with onboard Air
2022 Montana 3231 CK (Lower 48 Winter Rig)
2007 28' Desert Fox Toy Hauler (Alaska Summer Rig)
Derby6 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2022, 10:29 AM   #12
432bartman
Montana Master
 
432bartman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: UPLAND
Posts: 1,252
M.O.C. #26190
Congrats Dutchmen....you've certainly put in your time. Very generous of you to give the house to your son and grandson, and you still have a home port to use. It sounds like you have plenty to keep busy with and that is great. Being idle is not healthy. I retired two years ago and am going back to work part time.....Should be fun as I will be a driving instructor for new sheriff recruits and for officers who have to refresh their skills every couple of years. Who wouldn't enjoy teaching pursuit driving, P.I.T. maneuvers, and defensive driving. A year ago my elderly mother moved into our home and I am looking forward to the new job, so I don't go nuts
__________________
2019 Keystone Montana 3560RL, 2020 Chevy 2500 HD, Firestone airbags, Air Lift wireless compressor, Curt gooseneck, 20K Reese Goosebox, TST-507, USMC combat vet & retired LEO. Robert, Anika, Breanna, Dylan (daughter-in-law Stephanie). & our Great Pyrenees Layla
432bartman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2022, 12:47 PM   #13
Derby6
Seasoned Camper
 
Derby6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Wasilla
Posts: 73
M.O.C. #31898
Quote:
Originally Posted by 432bartman View Post
C.Should be fun as I will be a driving instructor for new sheriff recruits and for officers who have to refresh their skills every couple of years. Who wouldn't enjoy teaching pursuit driving, P.I.T. maneuvers, and defensive driving.
Sounds like a perfect part time gig!!
__________________
2022 CC LB F350 SRW--Diesel; 50 Gallon Titan Aux Pack Tank; Airbags with onboard Air
2022 Montana 3231 CK (Lower 48 Winter Rig)
2007 28' Desert Fox Toy Hauler (Alaska Summer Rig)
Derby6 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-17-2022, 08:57 AM   #14
Foldbak
Montana Master
 
Foldbak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,150
M.O.C. #30417
Congrats Dutch. I can't wait for the day!
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
Foldbak is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-17-2022, 02:54 PM   #15
Todd & Mary
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: everywhere, USA
Posts: 276
M.O.C. #28634
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikendebbie View Post
Dutchmensport - I feel your pain! I passed 66 in March. I'm planning to retire at age 70.5...the I enjoy what I do, I like the people I work with, the pay, benefits, health insurance is all just too good to leave behind. In fact - life without this health insurance is bit scary. The only birthday I ever worried about was turning 18, and by the time I turned 18 Nixon had stopped the draft. Now #70 is my new focus.
I had the same situation until the entire upper management team changed! The political situation turned on a dime and it got bad, so I packed it in at 62 and haven't looked back. The wife wasn't working o we sold it all and went full time. Currently in AZ for the winter and will not miss the snow removal at all!
Life is way too short!
__________________
2021 Montana 3761FL, 9 LIFPO4 batteries & 1700 watts of panels w/ Multiplus II 3K inverter and 30amp DC to DC charger from truck. 8k Dexter axles w/ Kodiak disc brakes.
2019 6.7 diesel F350 DRW with Banks derringer and 4"exhaust, airlift bags, 25k B & W Companion hitch, 45 gal. aux. diesel tank and 14k Winch, just in case!
Todd & Mary is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-17-2022, 04:25 PM   #16
mlh
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,528
M.O.C. #2283
I remember the instant I decided to quit working. While I was eating breakfast if someone would have ask when are you going to quit working I would have said never. I enjoy working and especially my customers. Then I got up and was walking the 75 feet to the shop and thought I would like to go walking in the woods this morning. It was a beautiful warm spring morning and then I thought you can’t you have too much to do. Then I thought I’m going to quit working. In all it took less than 5 seconds. I still go out in the shop every day but I have 2 guys that do all the work and get all the money. I still go to the post office every day and do stuff I like to do.
Lynwood
__________________
www.harrellsprec.com
Lynwood Harrell
323 RL HC 2008 F250
mlh is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2022, 08:24 AM   #17
432bartman
Montana Master
 
432bartman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: UPLAND
Posts: 1,252
M.O.C. #26190
Yes......As my wife said, "It's not about the money, but more about keeping your sanity." Lollll.
__________________
2019 Keystone Montana 3560RL, 2020 Chevy 2500 HD, Firestone airbags, Air Lift wireless compressor, Curt gooseneck, 20K Reese Goosebox, TST-507, USMC combat vet & retired LEO. Robert, Anika, Breanna, Dylan (daughter-in-law Stephanie). & our Great Pyrenees Layla
432bartman is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:47 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.