OT _ Retirement

Bruce · Post by **Bruce** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:22 am

Well, today is the day I retire. I have 28 years in law enforcement with 25 of those with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. I am 48 years old and have been a Regional Commander (Major) for the last five plus years. I go in this morning to the office and turn in all my equipment and uniforms and then come home. You would think I would be excited, but to be honest - I am scared to death and so nervous I can't hardly drink my coffee.

I planned my retirement to coincide with the start of the hunting seasons here, so I hope that helps me adjust.

20cows · Post by **20cows** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:28 am

I hope you've got plans and something to do. A feller needs a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

At your (our) age, hopefully health is not an issue and you can do anything you want to do. It won't stay that way long if you DON'T keep doing.

I may be talking out of line, as I expect you've been thinking on this and have made plans.

CONGRATULATIONS

Bruce Scott · Post by **Bruce Scott** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:51 am

I know exactly how you're feeling. I was the same when I reported for discharge from the Army after 26 years. I had gone in from school aged 17 and had no experience of the civilian world - it was a real culture shock. It must be close to 14 years since I left but I still feel Army.

Post by **Hobie** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:01 am

I've never been so busy as after I "retired".

I was 46. I did quite a bit of volunteer work, substitute taught, traveled with the wife, and helped my mom out more. In my case it is a good thing that I'm retired or Mom would be in a home now. There's lots to do. The thing is to do what you enjoy. Yeah, the income is down but if you planned it won't impact you that badly. Welcome to the crowd!

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:02 am

Congratulations.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:13 am

Congratulations!

I am so jealous. I am 43, and my youngest is 5. I figure I have another 20 years to go before retirement...

Old Time Hunter · Post by **Old Time Hunter** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:40 am

Wow!!! 48 and retired, how does that work? Personally I am extremely jealous, George W. said if we work until we can't, Social Security will take care of itself. Guess I'll be one to help him prove that. Besides, if I don't keep work'n, who would pay for all those civil servant pensions? Retired teacher down the road loves to tell us how she makes more now on her pension than what she made when she actually retired ten years ago at 51 years old. That money has to come from some where.

Man O' Man am I jealous! Well Bruce, congradulations!

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:31 am

[Well, today is the day I retire. ]

And, take it from me - tomorrow is the day you get your first "honey do" list !

86er · Post by **86er** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:37 am

Congratulations! I just started my 20th year on 9/15. I can go next year but I have two babies - so I guess I'm signed up for at least another 5.

It's hard to guess, but I think I would be trying to do all the things I wish I had time for while working. Visit with some friends that are far away, build something with the kids (grandkids), finish a few projects, learn something new (maybe a musical instrument, maybe a second language), take inventory of what to accomplish and start scheduling them year to year.

Whatever you do, you've earned it - so enjoy!

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:34 am

congrads!!!!!

I was retired by the VA 3 years ago (100%) and have never been so busy

.
casting shooting reloading and like hobbie taking care of my mom which is a daily thing for sometime now.
have some fun you earned it.
all the best
pete

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:35 am

I'm a short twenty in LE including my two years as a reserve. Currently in major crimes as a detective, it get's old dealing with child assaults and rapes. Seems it's 90 percent of what we do. Get a couple of homicides that I'm primary for every year, we spread the wealth in my unit. Can't wait to pull the pin. But it'll be a while as I can't pull social security until 60+.

Good on ya. I'm jealous.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:22 am

I RETIRED from active service in 98, after 21 years of Navy special forces. Since then, I have futzed in Sales, Teaching and a small (one person) business. Now I am just TIRED!!! Best of luck. What I missed (and still do) is being a part of something I believed in that was bigger than life, if I am being clear. My future is in mission work to Ethiopia and the rest of sub-sahara Africa. May your future be filled with much happiness.

Mike

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:38 am

I put 32 years on the job and retired nearly 4 years ago. I have never been so busy, but do sleep in 'til 7 every morning, unless huntin' or fishin' calls.

The family farming bidness keeps me hoppin', too.

Bruce · Post by **Bruce** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:42 am

Well, I made it back home from the office. Man, it is hard leaving those you have worked with for so long, especially my staff. I pulled a slight trick to help me though. I had the wife come and get me rather than the traditional drive home by my replacement. I have done that and believe me that is a long and lonesome drive. She brought my dogs who the staff have never seen and I kinda used them as a crutch to divert the attention. My catahula almost caught the stuffed bear in the visitor area and that was kinda funny. At least it broke the tension as I was leaving.

Plans, we don't need no stickin plans. Actually, I do have plans, at least for the short term. Hunt, hunt, hunt some more and then fish. When the new wears off of that, I don't have a clue what I am going to do, but I do acknowledge that I will have to do something.

Thanks for all the kind words.

Post by **Hobie** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:59 am

My dad couldn't stand it after 6 months so he started a consulting business (he was a forester). I have not had that problem. Laziness?

leverhunter · Post by **leverhunter** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:28 am

Congratulations.
I retired about 18 months ago after 26+ years in the Canadian Forces. It has been an interesting time. I miss the service and comradiere of the folks I served with.
One thing I have found is, folks my age (mid 40s) really don't understand the concept of my being retired while they are still slaving away and the older folks (Seniors) also think I should still be working. Just took a little planning.
I'm doing volunteer work with the Alberta Conservation Association, but would go to work for them or a similar conservation org in a heart beat.
I just hope I don't end up as the greeter at the local Wally Mart lol

don Tomás · Post by **don Tomás** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:32 am

Congratulations! You're just "nervous out of the service" as they say. It'll be great! Be prepared for one question which you will be asked over and over: do you miss it? Due to promotions I was spending more time in the station on administrative stuff rather than out on the street (You can defend yourself out on the street, you can't defend yourself in the station!

). My answer is; I don't miss the work, I miss the comradery and being a part of something important. Stay busy!
Tom

cworetired · Post by **cworetired** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:23 pm

congratultions ,I did it 14 years ago and enjoy it alot.

Killer Kanuck · Post by **Killer Kanuck** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:36 pm

Buncha' old fanny burbs.

Am I the only one here still on the southern side of 30?

don Tomás · Post by **don Tomás** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 1:35 pm

30? I got sox older than that!

Tom

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 1:36 pm

Bruce,

Sir! May I say to you that I am personally indebted to you and your former agency for helping to preserve the hunting and fishing heritage in this wonderful state we call paradise. My son was out with a licensed trapper this morning catching a nuisance pig. It turned out to be of the pot bellied variety.

Any way I digress, Bruce I live in Plant City. I don't know where you are but I'd sure like to buy you a nice plate of ribs or a cup of coffee or anything in between sometime to express my gratitude for your service.

For those of you who don't know it the Florida Wildlife Officers are some of the best trained and underpaid officers anywhere in the country. My hat is off to you sir!

Rusty <><

jazman · Post by **jazman** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 1:39 pm

Congrats, thanks for your service, and enjoy your retirement! Nothing wrong with doing nothing far as I'm concerned, just enjoy life, you've earned it.

Gun Runner · Post by **Gun Runner** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:45 pm

I retired at 37 1/2 out of the Navy (20 yrs nd couple mos) They told me to draw unemployment for a while and enjoy a rest. Lasted almost 3 mos before I was walking up the walls. Retired in Hawaii and fished and hunted till I got bored. Started going thru a divorce and I moved to Alaska, hunted fished and drank a lot. At 62 started drawing my S/S. Have worked most of my life, had my first job at 8 mowing lawns (old hand mower). Last year at 66 yrs old gve notice at my part time job I was quitting. Had a nice get to-gather and the boss gave me a new set of keys for WORK, just in case they needed me. Been thinking bout moving back to Alaska out past the 2nd set of Mts across 3 rivers, past the second pack of wolves and beyond the 5th Griz. bear. No phone, no power
with maybe dog or two. Sure nuff somebody would try to find me.

Gun Runner

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:35 pm

leverhunter wrote:Congratulations.
I retired about 18 months ago after 26+ years in the Canadian Forces. It has been an interesting time. I miss the service and comradiere of the folks I served with.
One thing I have found is, folks my age (mid 40s) really don't understand the concept of my being retired while they are still slaving away and the older folks (Seniors) also think I should still be working. Just took a little planning.
I'm doing volunteer work with the Alberta Conservation Association, but would go to work for them or a similar conservation org in a heart beat.
I just hope I don't end up as the greeter at the local Wally Mart lol

pretty much the same here almost 21 years in the american army air cav.I found just being a civi at times took some getting used to.I.E. boring

.
ended up working for a defence contractor doing the same stuff but for alot more $$$$

.now that VA has retired me instead of being bored I cast,reload, hunt & fish when up to it.haven't slowed down yet.
fwiw my dad was retired canadian army.WWII vet but now gone

.
pete

BlaineCGarverakaTubbyTuba · Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:58 pm

Congrats.....Keep it interesting!

Do to dumbazz planning, I'll be working at least parttime most of my life, but I can get bored on a 2 week vacation, so I don't mind too much. I retired from the Army in '92, so that second income and medical sure make it easier to get by!

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:39 pm

Congratulations Bruce! I've still got 3 more to do, but they can't go fast enough for me! I was ready two years ago for earl retirement, but let my customers talk me into waiting. Now I'm close enough to full that I can't justify not going the distance!
I envy you!!!!!!!!!

Borregos · Post by **Borregos** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:50 pm

Congratulations!!
I retired 9 years ago and still have not completed any of the items I had on my list of "things to do when I retire"

You will soon get used to it.

Pete

dkmlever · Post by **dkmlever** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:44 pm

I "applied" for a new job when I turned 50 (three years ago now) and got it! It was titled RETIRED! Wow what fun I am having and staying quite busy. Get ready with a good answer to the first question most people ask "so what do you do for a living?" I have lots of fun with my answers! Most guys have a title that they have worn with their name for lots of years, I am Joe, Regional Manager, as an example, and many of us guys have an issue when they are just Joe, no title.

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:22 pm

Congrats!!

I am 23 so I have no idea what it would be like to be retired.

I have been saving for retirement for a couple of years now, so as long as I keep it up for 40+ years, I will be doing ok.

Bruce · Post by **Bruce** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 4:49 am

Glad to hear such positive comments concerning your retirements. Yea, I have already had the "what are you going miss most" and "are you going to get another job" questions come up frequently. Also, the "you are too young to retire" statement has been frequent.

I am going to miss the people I worked with, and the agency and mission. I loved my job and what we did and accomplished. Just time to move on. As far as my age, I pushed my career pretty hard and the position I held is a very demanding one. It is my time to go.

Rusty, I am retiring from the Lake City area and will be moving to Lafayette County (Mayo) very soon. Hunting and fishing paradise! But don't tell anyone. Stop by and I will cook the ribs and hopefully some good swamp cabbage. Thanks for the comment about the officers, they really do work hard at their job and they take the mission seriously.

It was an unusual feeling when I got up this morning and realized that I really don't have all that responsiblity to worry about today. First time in many years that I did not go straight to my Blackberry (gone also) to check for overnight emails. I also got to put away my luggage yesterday. I have keep a bag packed for the last five years and I sometimes felt I was gone more than home.

I think I will celebrate today by taking the dogs for a ride to the hunt club.

Sgt443 · Post by **Sgt443** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:38 am

I'd like to add my congratulations too.

Shortly after Dad retired I caught him coming out of the house with a box of stuff. I asked what he was doing and he said "It took me twenty years to bring it all in I figure it will take me twenty years to take it back out".

He also likes to tell people he's unemployed.

I can in 4 and will in 9.

Congrats again.

Lonnie

alamogunr · Post by **alamogunr** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 9:08 am

Andrew wrote:Congrats!!

I am 23 so I have no idea what it would be like to be retired.

I have been saving for retirement for a couple of years now, so as long as I keep it up for 40+ years, I will be doing ok.

Congratulations! Bruce.

Andrew, As one who worked in the private sector and was 100% responsible for my retirement(except for SS), I hope you will continue to save and invest for retirement. It is scary to contemplate not having a paycheck and depending on savings, especially when you have good health at 65 and may live another 25 or more years. We gave up a few material things along the way and got the sons thru college(both have doctorates) and now the savings have to be managed so that they will last. For those who might say that pay in the private sector is better than government, it may be at the highest levels, but not where I labored. And pensions in the private sector are mostly a thing of the past.
John

dr walker · Post by **dr walker** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 9:24 am

Yes Congratulations on retirement, and thank you for an often overlooked and thankless service.

MikeNV · Post by **MikeNV** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 12:12 pm

Congrats, I too will retire from LE in the next 4 yrs. And like you can't say I won't miss the guys... Spent all of my years on the street working patrol, gangs, swat. I've been a SWAT/Patrol Sgt for the last 4+ yrs, hopefully will spend the last four years as a Detective Sgt.

I'll be 50 and have been planning for this for the last 5 yrs, picking where to retire to, thinking about what things I've always wanted to do but couldn't because of work...etc.

I bought a 2nd house last year up in North Central Montana, in hunting heaven. Actually bumped two pheasants while walking around the outside of one of the barns and figured it was a sign to buy this place. My plans are similar to yours, will retire right before bird season starts and then hunt into the big game seasons into the winter. In March of the following year I plan to hike the Appalachian Trail (something I've always wanted to do) and then bum around Europe on a mtn bike for a couple of months.... then I'll figure out what I want to do when I grow up. LOL

I get some of the same reactions when I tell people I'm retiring in the next 4 yrs...."aren't you too young to retire...how do I retire at that age" in a slightly jealous tone. I tell them it's simple, just put on this uniform and strap this gun to your hip and deal with the lowest scum that humanity has to throw at you for 25 yrs, work shifts were you spend more time and know more about your partners then about your own family, oh yeah, sometimes you might get shot at and if you survive that and the stress hasn't given you high blood pressure or a host of other stress related issues you may then retire. Let me show you where you can sign up.... suddenly they are not all that interested.

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 12:58 pm

Well you're a year younger than me. At least now you get to call your own shots.

Congratulations!

Rexster · Post by **Rexster** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 5:58 pm

Bruce, congratulations! I wear a big-city PD badge myself, and could leave now, though I will be much better off financially if I stay about four and a half more. I take long vacations each year, about eight weeks, and that has taught me I will have no trouble staying busy, and that I will NOT miss the daily grind. I will be so glad to be free of all the rules and regulations, the most egregious being unable to freely speak my mind. I am sure I will step up the volunteer work, as I enjoy public service, but as a volunteer, I will be a free man, with First Amendment rights.