Reader comments
The retiree work force

I'm 61, will be 62 in March. I had hoped to retire when I turn 65 or 66, but because of unexpected expenses that depleted our savings, and the huge losses in our IRA's, which weren't large accounts to begin with, but are now down to a combined $22,000 or less, my husband (he's 55) and I expect to have to work until we no longer are able to work. Also, we need the insurance his job provides. Getting older is scary anymore. We had to refinance our house to pay for legal fees and related expenses, so we now have a mortgage that won't be paid until I'm 90! I need knee replacement surgery, but can't afford either the surgery or the time off work to have it done until I absolutely have no choice. My husband is losing the sight in his right eye and his job involves driving many miles each day. We just hope that he can continue to work for many more years. Our potential Social Security income is less than 1/2 of what our expenses are. The answer? I have no idea!

Will you be able to find jobs?
Worst of all are you qualified?

I'm forty-four, for those who are elder. Realize that someone my age will pay much higher taxes for the next most productive years of my life than you did. Social Security will not give me a cent until I'm seventy, if they don't move the age higher again. Due to not having jobs that even offer 401K matching let alone a pension, I expect to work to seventy-five, that's about the age when men in my family die. So, to whom are you complaining?

The whole idea of retirement is a fairly new concept. If current trends continue, the idea of entering retirement before you are physically forced to, may go the way of the dodo.

Forget about traveling the world, golfing every day, and spending your last 20 years on cruise ships. This trend will also put pressure on young people trying to enter the work force. Many of the unskilled positions will be filled by elderly people who have to work but have greatly diminished physical and mental skills.

I totally agree with �why are you complaining� It is about time that the worst generation in world the �baby boomers� have to stand up and take responsibility. I am in my late thirties and will never retire and any money that I make will be taxed at a higher amount to pay for the boomers golden years. I have worked with several 50 to 60 year olds and to be honest their entitlement attitude is amazing. It is not only the baby boomers but their kids are the same way. This generation has no work ethic, because their baby boomer parents taught them that somehow it is not their fault. I fired a person several weeks ago and their baby boomer parent came in and told me that I had no right to fire them. Somehow it was the company�s fault that they were always late. Baby Boomers- Please break the cycle-Contribute to society and stop blaming others for your problems.

When I retired supposed I converted everything I had into a big tank of gasoline....but now to do the same thing it would only be 1/3 as much.

When I retired, gas was $1.00/gallon, it is still over $3.00 at the north end of town yesterday. Everything else is up too,milk,groceries utilities, and really health care etc.

When I worked, I worked hard, sometimes 16/hours a day(on salary) and paid into a retirement fund. I wasn't rich when I retired but I did think I would be able to afford to eat every meal, eat out once in awhile, replace the car when needed (It has 223,000 miles) BUT things have changed for me as they have for other retirees.

To keep from having to ask for a bailout,I'm going to have to find a job that will bring in some money. Maybe some older people are able to find jobs, but I havn't been able to yet-too old-to physical etc.

I guess I am going to have to lower my sites as I understand Wendy's is looking for someone to stir the Chili!(good Chili Anyway)

GETTING OLD & RETIRING ISN'T THE FUN I WAS LED TO BELIEVE !

It is interesting to read and hear people complaining that they can no longer retire in their 50s as they had planned. Some are complaining about not being able to do it until they are at least 65. I hear lots of whining out there. My husband is 71 and I am 70. We are both still working full time--and very hard at it, often putting in extra hours. We will finish out this school year and will probably go at least another year--making him 73 and me 72. We don't feel too sorry for the whiners who had planned on retiring by the time they were 55 aand are complaining because they need to keep working.

Joe, stop complaining. The �Baby Boomers� were forced to finance the retirement of the �Greatest Generation.� They have paid into the social security fund �trust fund� all their lives and it won�t be there when they need it. The fund will dry up long before many boomers want to retire. You complain that they don�t take responsibility? Well, one thing is for sure. They spoiled their children. Recently, many people in their 30�s purchased homes and used them as piggy banks. They wanted what the Boomers had worked for and they wanted it NOW. When equity went up $1000 they borrowed against it to buy toys. The boomers worked hard and learned to save. Where do you suppose all the money on Wall Street came from if it didn�t come from the Boomers? Just wait until your generation is asked to keep contributing to the social security system knowing that you won�t receive anything for it except the treat of a jail term if you don�t pay it. What you call complaining is really a distrust of the government. It�s your generation should stop blaming and complaining and go to work.

Growing old is a blessing not realized by many. Being forced to work as long as possible is a blessing as it keeps one engaged in life. I do not know one retiree who is able to maintain their self worth & I know a lot of retirees.

Joe,

Not complianing at all, I purchased a house and paid it off, I far within my means. I am living by all the rule and have accepted the reality of life. I will pay higher taxes, I will not see a dime of socail security, I will continue to have to abide by the regulations put in place becuase of the fraud that happened on wall street. I will have to fund the boomers retirement and deal with their kids that they have spoiled. I like you title, but I have already learned alot-life is not fair so you better not expect anyone to take care of yourself but you.