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Essays on Retirement

Retirement is a significant milestone in everyone's life. It marks the end of a long career and the beginning of a new chapter. Many people look forward to retirement as a time to relax, travel, and pursue hobbies they never had time for while working. However, retirement also comes with its own set of challenges, including financial planning, health care, and finding purpose in life after leaving the workforce. Writing an essay on retirement can help individuals explore these challenges and offer valuable insights to others who are approaching this stage of life.

The Importance of the Topic

Retirement is a topic that affects everyone at some point in their lives. It is a time of transition that can be both exciting and daunting. As people approach retirement age, they may have concerns about financial security, healthcare, and maintaining a sense of purpose and fulfillment. By writing about retirement, individuals can address these concerns and offer practical advice to others who are navigating this stage of life.

Additionally, discussing retirement in an essay can also shed light on the broader societal implications of an aging population. As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, there are growing concerns about the strain on social security systems, healthcare, and the workforce. By writing about retirement, individuals can contribute to the conversation about how to support and care for an aging population.

Advice on Choosing a Topic

When choosing a topic for a retirement essay, it's important to consider the audience and the message you want to convey. Here are some potential retirement essay topics to consider:

• Financial Planning for Retirement: Discuss the importance of saving for retirement and offer practical advice for managing finances during retirement.
• Healthcare in Retirement: Explore the challenges of healthcare in retirement and offer tips for maintaining good health and accessing healthcare services.
• Finding Purpose in Retirement: Discuss the importance of finding meaningful activities and hobbies in retirement and offer suggestions for staying active and engaged.
• The Social and Emotional Aspects of Retirement: Explore the emotional impact of retirement and offer advice for maintaining social connections and mental well-being.
• Workforce and Retirement: Discuss the implications of an aging workforce and the challenges and opportunities for older workers.
• Retirement Planning for Different Generations: Compare and contrast the retirement planning needs of different generations, such as baby boomers, Gen X, and millennials.

Retirement is a multifaceted topic that encompasses financial, social, emotional, and societal implications. By writing an essay on retirement, individuals can address these complexities and offer valuable insights and advice to others who are approaching this stage of life. Whether discussing financial planning, healthcare, finding purpose, or workforce implications, writing about retirement can contribute to a broader conversation about supporting and caring for an aging population. As people continue to live longer and retire later, it is crucial to understand the challenges and opportunities that retirement presents and to offer guidance for navigating this significant life transition.

Analysis of The Main Factors Impacting Retirement

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Essays on Retirement

Have you ever wondered how it will be like to grow old? I believe that it is the hope of every individual; to live long and see his/her future generation. Well, there are many debates on the lives of older adults on some of the aspects of lives such as...

Words: 1230

Considering my current job, my monthly retirement income before inflation is 300 Q 1.12 My monthly retirement income after inflation is 150. Q 1.13 Based on my contributions, my current approach can provide75, 495 when I retire, which assumes the annual retirement expenses of about 12,000. However, my savings are expected to run out...

Retirement Challenges in the United States Retirement is one of the major milestones that most people eagerly anticipate. Expectations of a seamless shift from employment to retirement are always present. The idea of retirement conjures up images of leisure, with no longer concerns about being late or even working without being...

There are numerous advantages to planning for retirement at a young age. According to a new study, persons who have recently entered the labor sector may notice a significant drop in their earnings before the age of forty (Oxlade). As a result, it is prudent to establish a retirement portfolio...

Words: 1155

In the United States, the 401(k) scheme is one of the most common employer-sponsored retirement programs. A significant percentage of employees depend on the funds invested under the 401 (k) plans to fund their retirement. Simultaneously, companies use the service to distribute business stock to their employees. The 401 (k)...

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In the United States, the 401(k) scheme is one of the most common employer-sponsored retirement programs. A vast percentage of employees depend on the funds invested from 401 (k) accounts to fund their retirement. Simultaneously, companies use the scheme to assign business stock to their workers. A 401 (k) plan...

It's a pleasure to have so many people here to honor George Hawthorn, a comrade, brother, and colleague. This day marks a significant milestone in George's career, as he takes a break from work. The problem with unemployment, in my opinion, is that there is no way to take a...

There are a range of issues facing state-of-the-art seniors, most of which have detrimental effects. The factors have an effect on the senior's social, physical, and mental well-being. Transitional housing is a challenge to the seniors. As they retire, seniors are given retirement packages, and they are no longer entitled...

After college, I plan to seek a career as a financial adviser. Financial planner advises investors on how to make the best use of their capital and guide it to greater numerical growth and dividends. Often, investment consultants deal with financial firms such as mutual fund managers, banks and insurance companies....

Words: 2405

Retirement community housing complex hosts older adults with the ability to care for themselves. In some communities, however, the domestic care agencies offer care, socialization, and bodily activities. The age-qualified and age-restricted is one of the characteristics of the retirement communities. The elderly wishes exercises to keep suit and healthy....

Words: 1458

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Essay Samples on Retirement

Embracing your purpose by volunteering in retirement.

Volunteering During Retirement Retirement for many of us is seen as a time where we have the opportunity to do things we’ve always wanted to do but never had the chance, whether that's travelling to a new country, rekindling old hobbies or volunteering. During retirement,...

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Accumulation of Wealth Through the Person's Aging Process

Wealth accumulation, preservation, and distribution play a role in our financial picture throughout our lives. Primarily because over time our priorities change. As we get closer to retirement our investment strategies might need to be altered. For most people in their 30s and 40s the...

Inclusion of Inflation Factor in the Calculation of Retirement Expenses

Inflation is the change in overall costs for merchandise and services. The most commonly used measure of inflation is the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the weighted average of prices of many consumer goods and services. Economists have found that if the rate of...

Life of Seafarers and Transition to Retirement

In the study of Hansson, Buratti, Thorvaldsson, Johansson, and Berg (2017) entitled “Changes in Life Satisfaction in the Retirement Transition: Interaction Effects of Transition Type and Individual Resources” it proved that the impact of retirement on a well-being varies between not only in individuals, but...

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How To Successfully Grow Wealth For Retirement

There are many strategies a person can apply to successfully grow their wealth for retirement and they all involve careful planning and receiving appropriate advice. Maximising super contributions during its accumulation phase is an integral part of growing their nest egg, but investors should still...

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Best topics on Retirement

1. Embracing Your Purpose by Volunteering in Retirement

2. Accumulation of Wealth Through the Person’s Aging Process

3. Inclusion of Inflation Factor in the Calculation of Retirement Expenses

4. Life of Seafarers and Transition to Retirement

5. How To Successfully Grow Wealth For Retirement

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Early Retirement: Pros and Cons Analytical Essay

In order to exhaustively evaluate the merits and demerits of an early retirement, it is important to consider the longtermview as opposed to a short term view. Reductions in personal expenditures in the short term have to be balanced with increasedpension benefit liability and expenses over thelong term. Nevertheless, budgetary and administrative discipline is necessary in order to get such reductions.

Some issues associated with early retirement should be addressed before deciding whether or not to take an early retirement. It is important to consider the economic, mental and emotional impacts of early retirement. Another important aspect is the decision’s effect on the immediate family. This paper seeks to prepare a decision paper outlining both the advantages and disadvantages of early retirement.

Many people find themselves pursuing money making activities and finding it hard to stop. Either in employment or in business, there is an insatiable urge to attain a social status. Many end up accomplishing the social status and climbing the top of the ladder, but end up having limited time to enjoy their accomplishments.

On the contrary, some people are forced to retire unwillingly or without their consent. Many companies or employers have a policy for retirement after fifty five years, unless an employee has obtained a “chief” management position in the company. Beside the government policy on retirement, early retirement is a personal decision (Martel, 2011).

The first advantage of early retirement is that after the end of a career, it is another new beginning. The retiree has a lot of time to spend with the family and friends. The retiree gets a lot of time to manage and participate in family affairs.There is adequate time to eat healthy cooked food and do more exercises and physical activities as opposed to junk food while sitting in an office. Early retiree can have an opportunity and adequate time to do the things that were impossible when working.

Some of these include travelling around the world, spending time with the grand kids and gardening. The fundamental assumption is that early retirement is for those who have already saved. This gives them a chance to do a lot in their young active lives, as opposed to after fifty five years of age(Zelinski, 2009).

An advantage that accrues to the society at large is the vacant position left by the retiree. A much younger person will be able to occupy the post; this will solve the unemployment problem that is dominant in young generation. In this way, early retirement becomes a program or a mechanism designed to solve unemployment problems in the society.

On the contrary, it should be mentioned that this is not always preferred by employers. For employers, replacing an old experienced employee is not easy. Some characteristics like conscientiousness and reasonableness cannot be easily replaced (Martel, 2011).

Early retirement is an attractive prospect for many workers especially if it is packaged with incentives. It is possible to have an early retirement and still enjoyed a stable and a secure financial ability. However, this applies only to those who spent their time to plan ahead of early retirement.

It is important to accumulate adequate financial and personal resources during employment. The retiree also requires making thorough long time projections. The retiree should hire a qualified accountant or a financial expert to help with the projections. If the income and expenditure projections on long time basis are in a safe position, then it is possible to consider early retirement(Zelinski, 2009).

Early retirement gives a person an opportunity to learn and practice new skills, and have a built-in interaction with people. The retiree gets an opportunity to concentrate on new skills while meeting new interesting people. Another way of utilizing the time and potential is by working with a humanitarian non-governmental organization. The retiree is able to bring in new skills, share with others, and acquire new skills.

The retiree can volunteer as a teacher, a move that has been proven to be successful. This enables the retiree to interact with young people who can listen unlike at workplace. It is appealing to work with a young person about job prospects and life issues than talking to an old experienced person(Zelinski, 2003).

Early retirement incentive programs are very popular strategies applied by companies around the world to reduce the employees. They are also advantage plans for companies in mergers, downsizing or takeovers. Experienced managers have also applied then to reduce layoffs.

To the employee, it is beneficial and the most humane way of ending a career in a company. Early retirement incentives are practically appealing to an employee who does not have a guarantee of keeping the employment. For those aspiring to retire without any benefits, they are the best ways of going for early retirement. However, the retiree should evaluate critically the benefits offered by the incentives, and those that will be accrued for normal retirement (Martel, 2011).

There is always a reason for avoiding early retirement. Getting the free time after retirement has some negative consequences. Some people feel redundant, a symptom for impending depression. Economically, inflation should be used as a determinant for early retirement. The pension and savings should be able to support the retiree. Since the retiree will spend a lot of time in retirement, the effects of inflation will be heavily felt.

The cost of living continues to increase after retirement until the retiree has reached eighty years of old. Statistics shows that those who retire early have an increased percentage of living expenses when they reach eighty (Paul & Townsend, 1992).

A good number of retirees mistakenly assume that their tax responsibilities will reduce after retirement. To some extent, some taxes are avoided after retirement, but on the other hand, they could also go up. Additionally, income tax never goes down than they are before retirement.

Retirees’ lifestyles changes significantly after retirement. Before planning on early retirement, a retiree should be able to curtail their lifestyle. The optimum spending after retirement should be about 75% of what was being spent during the working days. A considerable number of retirees spend more than the optimum amount, a move that complicates and worsen their life after retirement (Paul & Townsend, 1992).

Another commonly ignored expense is the cost of health insurance. This comes as a disadvantage of early retirement unless the retiree worked for a company that extends health insurance until the stipulated age, probably sixty five. The retiree is forced to pay high health insurance premiums from the accumulated savings until sixty five. Some early retirement incentives endorsed by the employer extends the health insurance until sixty five, after which one is eligible for Medicare(Zelinski, 2009).

A considerable number of early retirees gets fed up with their full time working schedules and decide to retire. After retiring early, they proceed to look for part time job without considering its drawbacks. Most of part time jobs do not have regular, fixed or full time schedules.

The catch is that most of these jobs are not financially and emotionally rewarding. It becomes hard to supplement the retiree’s income by working on part time basis. The additional income obtained is also channeled to other additional costs like higher income tax. The retiree is affected both mentally and emotionally due to reduced social security offered by part time jobs (Paul & Townsend, 1992).

The social security benefits will be cut down significantly by retiring early. The early retiree will be forced to start drawing the benefits early. The monthly spending will be lower and the effect of inflation will be hard to deal with.

If the personal savings of a person is not adequate, the social security benefits will be overused and over-relied upon. The retiree will also be forced to start drawing and spending funds that has been set aside for personal retirement plans to supplement the benefits. This will also reduce the time of contribution to the plans, and hence less benefits.

The retiree will also incur steep penalties by withdrawing from personal retirement plans before the stipulated age. The early retiree is also penalized by the company in the company pension plans. For this matter, the person is undoubtedly unfit for early retirement (Baker, 2007).

In conclusion, early retirement is not an overnight or an instant decision. The retiree should compare the psychological and emotional ramifications of continuing to work and for early retirement. Impact on the members of the family should also be put into consideration. The situation should be assessed realistically without a rush decision being made.

If the future of your job is not guaranteed, the early retirement option will be most desirable. If the company is likely to have future layoffs, it is not good to be left behind the early retirement incentive program that has been offered. As mentioned earlier, the retiree needs to hire a competent financial advisor to project the long term income versus expenses. If the figures fallin your expectation bracket, then you should consider retiring early.

Baker, S. (2007). Your Complete Guide to Early Retirement: A Step-by-Step Plan for Making It Happen. Ocala, FL: Atlantic Publishing Company (FL).

Martel, J. (2011). Early retirement with no regrets . Retrieved from Bankrate.com: Comprehensive, Objective & Free. Web.

Paul, R. J., & Townsend, J. B. (1992). Some Pros and Cons of Early Retirement. Review of Business , Vol. 14;22-34.

Zelinski, E. J. (2009). How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom That You Won’t Get from Your Financial Advisor. Putian District, China: Visions International Publishing.

Zelinski, E. J. (2003). The Joy of Not Working: A Book for the Retired, Unemployed and Overworked- 21st Century Edition. Berkely, Carlifornia: Ten Speed Press.

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Essay on Life After Retirement

Students are often asked to write an essay on Life After Retirement in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Life After Retirement

Introduction.

Retirement is when a person stops working, usually around the age of 60 or 65. This is a new stage of life, full of changes. It can be exciting, but also a bit scary, because it’s a big change.

One of the biggest changes in retirement is having a lot of free time. No more waking up early for work! This can be fun, but it can also be a challenge. It’s important to find new activities to keep busy and happy.

Mental Health

Retirement can also affect your mental health. Without work, some people might feel lost or bored. It’s important to stay positive and keep your mind active. This can be done by reading, doing puzzles, or learning new things.

Physical Health

Physical health is also important in retirement. Without a job to go to, it’s easy to become less active. But staying active is key to staying healthy. This can be done by walking, swimming, or even dancing!

Retirement is a big change, but it can also be a great time in life. It’s a chance to do things you never had time for before. So, it’s important to stay active, keep your mind busy, and enjoy your free time.

250 Words Essay on Life After Retirement

Retirement is a time when people stop working after years of service. It is a big change in a person’s life. But, what does life look like after retirement?

Once you retire, you have lots of free time. This is a big change from when you were working. You can use this time to do things you love. You might pick up a new hobby or spend more time with your family and friends.

Retirement can also affect your health. Without a regular work routine, you might become less active. This can lead to health problems. So, it’s important to stay active and eat healthy foods.

Money Matters

When you retire, you stop earning a regular income. This can be a challenge. You need to plan your money carefully to make sure it lasts. Some people might need to cut back on spending. Others might find new ways to earn money.

Retirement can bring many feelings. Some people feel happy and free. Others might feel lonely or bored. It’s important to talk about these feelings with family and friends. They can help you adjust to this new stage of life.

Life after retirement is different for everyone. It can be a time of freedom and joy. But it can also bring challenges. The key is to stay active, plan your money, and talk about your feelings. This can help you enjoy your retirement years.

500 Words Essay on Life After Retirement

Retirement is a phase of life that everyone will experience after a long career. It is a time when people stop their regular jobs and start a new chapter of their lives. It is a period of change that can be both exciting and confusing.

Time for Self

After retirement, people have more time for themselves. They can pursue hobbies, travel, or spend time with friends and family. They can read books, paint, garden, or do any activity they like. This is a time when they can enjoy the things they love without worrying about work.

Health and Fitness

Retirement also gives people time to take care of their health. They can go for walks, do yoga, or join a fitness club. They can eat healthy food and get enough sleep. This is a time when they can focus on their well-being and stay fit.

Community Involvement

Retired people can also get involved in their community. They can volunteer at local schools, hospitals, or charities. They can help others and make a difference in their community. This can make them feel happy and fulfilled.

Even though retirement can be a fun and relaxing time, it can also be challenging. Some people might feel lonely or bored. They might miss their colleagues and the routine of their job. It’s important for them to stay active and find new things to do.

Planning Ahead

To enjoy retirement, it’s important to plan ahead. People should think about what they want to do after they retire. They should save money so they can live comfortably. They should also think about where they want to live and who they want to spend time with.

In conclusion, life after retirement can be a time of joy and fulfillment. It’s a time when people can focus on themselves and do the things they love. It’s a time when they can take care of their health and get involved in their community. But to enjoy this time, it’s important to plan ahead and prepare for this new phase of life.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Student Essay: Saving for Retirement: ‘Time Is on Our Side’

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Rohit R. is a junior at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, N.J. Roy responded to KWHS’s recent outreach for student essays with a pitch about the importance of saving for retirement, a topic that is not typically top-of-mind for 16-year-olds. After all, when you’re a teenager – retirement just seems so far away. But, as Roy points out, starting early can make a huge difference. And considering 46% of all American workers have less than $10,000 saved for retirement and 29% have less than $1,000 saved, it’s never too early to start thinking about your nest egg. In this essay, Roy helps us understand why.

Both my parents are computer engineers. My father Jaideep is vice president of information technology at HSBC, a global financial services firm, and my mother Anu is a senior IT professional at Verizon Wireless. I often hear my parents discuss their retirement plans and the likelihood that they are not saving enough for the days when they are no longer earning income from their jobs. They worry about not being able to pay for housing, transportation, medical care and other basic living expenses after they retire. Additionally, they want to travel, play golf and eat out, but are anxious that they won’t be able to afford the good life. They often lament the fact that they did not start to save for retirement earlier in their careers. My parents tell me a lot of things (sound familiar?), but they especially tell me not to make their same retirement-planning mistakes.

Retirement Savings Shortfall

Medical advances and today’s healthier lifestyles mean that we are likely to live longer than ever before. According to some estimates, millennials are expected to live beyond 90 years of age. Considering the average retirement age in America is around 60, most of us will need to save enough money to live for another 30 years or more after we stop working in our full-time careers.

A recent study by the National Institute on Retirement Security estimates the overall U.S. retirement savings deficit or shortfall to be between $6.8 trillion and $14 trillion.

And according to a recent research report by Vanguard, saving for retirement is lowest among employees who are younger than 25. Only about 50% of employees younger than 25 saved for retirement in 2015, while about 70% of employees between ages 35 and 64 took advantage of employer retirement plans to put money away for retirement. My biggest takeaway from all the numbers: most young Americans don’t start saving early enough.

In addition to employees not saving for retirement, opportunities for other income streams are also fading. Most companies in today’s business world have stopped offering traditional pension plans where the employer provides money after retirement. Additionally, the Social Security Trust Fund — Government-provided Social Security for older Americans — is severely underfunded and is expected to run out by around 2033. As teenagers, we can’t depend on these previous sources of income to provide financial security in our old age. It is up to us to save enough money for our golden years.

The best time to start thinking about saving for retirement is when you start generating income, especially as you begin your career. My parents have saved money in two popular retirement plans called the 401(k) retirement plan and the Individual Retirement Account ( IRA ).

A 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to deduct money from their salaries and to contribute that money to their own 401(k) retirement account. The benefit is that these deductions are not subject to federal and state income taxes. For example, last year my parents contributed $36,000 ($18,000 each) to their 401(k) retirement accounts, enabling them to save more than $14,000 in income taxes. Another benefit is that this money is pre-committed, meaning you don’t physically have to save it yourself — once you specify the amount and set it up through your employer, the money automatically deducts from each paycheck that you receive and is invested through the 401(k).

Most employers also provide an added incentive for employees to save using 401(k) accounts by matching their contributions. This essentially means that employers are giving you free money to save for retirement. So, once you enter the work world take full advantage of it! My parents, for example, received more than $12,000 last year in matching contributions from their employers! One thing to keep in mind is that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does limit the amount that can be contributed to a 401(k) plan. The 2016 limit is $18,000.

The money contributed to a 401(k) plan can usually be invested in financial instruments such as mutual funds. Mutual funds are financial products that invest in collections of stocks and/or bonds and offer higher rates of return. Thus, the tax-free money saved in a 401(k) account has the opportunity to grow over a period of time.

You can start taking money out of the 401(k) plan after you reach 59½ years of age. You will be hit with a 10% penalty if you try to take the money out sooner. This, of course, is to ensure that we are forced to save for retirement and do not raid our retirement accounts for frivolous activities. Once we start withdrawing money during retirement, that money is then subject to federal and state income taxes. Since we will not typically have other income during retirement, the taxes that we will have to pay will be significantly lower than what we will have to pay while working.

An IRA is very similar to a 401(k) retirement plan. An IRA offers tax-deferred growth on retirement savings and is not to be taxed until the money is withdrawn. While the opportunity to contribute to a 401(k) plan is restricted to people employed by companies that offer such plans, anyone can contribute to an IRA as long as he/she is less than 70½ years of age. The maximum amount that can be contributed to an IRA is limited to $5,500 for 2016.

Multi-millions in Your Future?

I feel that saving for retirement is crucially important for my future happiness, and I plan to save for retirement as soon as I start earning income. Time is on our side. High school students can even contribute to an IRA to the extent that you have earned income – so if you have a real job and are reporting your income on a tax form, you can start saving for retirement now. Talk with your parents or guardians, and research your options. If you’re not yet 18, you will have to open a custodial account, meaning your parents must co-sign. But the advantages of even starting a few years before college can really add up.

If you’re still not convinced, consider the following reality check. If you save at least $12,000 per year from the age of 21 and get just a modest 5% return on your invested savings, then you will have more than $2 million saved in your retirement account by the time you’re 67. It’s all about planning for your financial security – and a well-deserved trip or two to Hawaii. Hope to see you on the beach in a few decades!

Related Links

• Forbes: Fund a Teenager’s Million-dollar Retirement
• NYT: Summer Job? Time to Start a Roth IRA
• NYT: Getting Workers to Save More For Retirement
• Bankrate.com: IRA Accounts for Novices
• Should Young Investors Choose a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA?
• The Washington Post: Running Out of Money in Retirement

Conversation Starters

Rohit says that his parents “often lament the fact that they did not start to save for retirement earlier in their careers.” Essentially, they feel they wasted valuable time. Why? What is the value in investing sooner in life?

Have you ever thought about retirement savings? Do your parents or guardians save for the day they will stop working? Go home and have a conversation with your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles about retirement. Write down three or four key takeaways from your discussions and share them with the class.

The statistics for saving early for retirement are really compelling. And yet, the data show that not many Americans are saving enough money. Why do you think that is? What is preventing them, especially if they have enough income to save?

6 comments on “ Student Essay: Saving for Retirement: ‘Time Is on Our Side’ ”

It is very important to save money for retirement. It was a great assay.

I have thought about saving for retirement in the future. My parents don’t have the luxury of being able to do that. I think that many American’s are not saving money because they don’t have the money to save.

Value investing sooner in life is the value of time and knowledge and being past everyone when it comes to a young age. Saving for retirement is very important to have the money you need to be financially stable and don’t have to work when you get older.

I haven’t thought of retirement savings right now. My parents save for the day they stopped working. I learned from my mom that the retiring population is bigger than ever before. Also its the only time when you no longer owe anybody money. I think Americans are not saving enough for retirement because the lack of high living expenses and limited access to retirement benefits.

Yes, I have thought about retirement savings. I hope to save enough to retire early and travel. My parents are also saving for their retirement.

I believe Americans are not saving up for retirement mainly because of a few reasons including high living expenses, unawareness of benefits, and lack of opportunity to begin. The amount of people I’ve met who aren’t knowledgable on IRA’s, pensions, and 401k’s is heavily surprising as they can really make a huge difference!

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8 Steps Toward a Happy Retirement

Personal perspective: i'm having a wonderful retirement by choice and chance..

Updated April 4, 2024 | Reviewed by Ray Parker

• What Is a Career
• Find a career counsellor near me
• While retirement can be a fulfilling time, it requires planning to avoid challenges.
• Financial security and having a sense of purpose are crucial for a happy retirement.
• You can alleviate many problems with retirement by understanding what kind of retirement is best for you.

I made a smooth transition from full-time work to retirement , and I assumed that almost all retired people had a similar experience. You’re retired! Your time is your own! What’s not to like?

Most studies support my experience. Usually, retirement—defined succinctly by blogger Judith Nadratowski as "the phase of life after leaving a primary career "—can improve both health and life satisfaction. In addition, numerous surveys worldwide show that, in general, older people tend to be happier people, contradicting the stereotype that older people are grouchy, ill-tempered folk, as I write here . A recent World Happiness Report confirmed this general trend, ranking Americans over 60 as number 10 in happiness among 143 countries. (For details, and for the dark side of this report for young people, click here .)

Still, in the past few years, I have learned that retirement can present a significant problem of adjustment for many people. In fact, I was shocked to read that almost one-third of U.S. retirees are depressed. For many, these feelings of depression stem from the loss of their work role and, with it, a loss of structure, identity , and purpose.

I was able to sidestep these problems in retirement, doing, in retrospect, what turned out to be 8 Good Things. I retired from my full-time job in 2005 without knowing that these “good things” are now recommended by numerous retirement experts. Luckily, I did know myself well enough to stumble onto the right path for me. But everyone is different. To find your best path, be sure to read the ideas of retirement specialist Mike Drak at the end of the post.

8 Things I Managed to Get Right When I Retired

What did that path look like? Here is a rough account of my retirement journey:

1. I had enough money. I was fortunate to build my retirement on a solid financial foundation. I say “fortunate” because I was not money-savvy during most of my early life. Just by luck, my various jobs in education and counseling were all part of the same healthy public school retirement system. When I was ready to retire after over 32 years in education, a traditional pension was waiting for me. Thanks to my union, the National Education Association (NEA), I was able to escape the burden of money worries that contribute to anxiety and depression among retirees and workers alike.

2. I had a sense of purpose. While I loved my last, longest, and best job as a counselor at our local community college, I had an intense desire to write a book on successful habit change. I already was teaching a short personal development course inspired by the loss of a wonderful aunt who had died from lung cancer because she couldn't stop smoking cigarettes.

I figured it was now or never for my writing ambitions. But would it work out? Freelance writing is a chancy business. I’m not a risk-taker nor particularly entrepreneurial. What would I do with myself if I had no job or meaningful preoccupation? I sensed that, for me, a sense of purpose would be essential to a happy retirement. (As it turns out, many retirees feel the same way.)

3. I retired gradually. To hedge my bets, I decided to continue to work part-time at the college after retirement. I checked with my supervisor; luckily, he was happy that I could still be a resource for the counseling department even after I took the retirement plunge. I would be able to teach short courses part-time, plus I could help out during registration. I worked part-time for about four years while I labored on the book that would become Changepower! 37 Secrets to Habit Change Success. Nowadays, retiring gradually is often dubbed a “phased retirement.” A Yahoo! Finance article predicts that phased retirements will be the wave of the future; if so, I was just slightly ahead of my time.

4. I stayed in touch with my work friends. I still meet regularly with my beloved colleagues from the college. And “beloved” is not too strong a word to describe how I feel about my fellow and sister workers. Two colleagues and I have had monthly lunches together for at least 10 years. My wonderful supervisor of over 20 years throws a yearly holiday party that I would not miss for the world. Here, I reconnect with lovely people, catch up, and reminisce.

5. I had a little bit of luck—OK, a lot of luck. With the help of another colleague, I succeeded in finding a publisher for my book. The cream in the coffee was that the publisher linked me to the blogging opportunity here at Psychology Today, a creative outlet that I’ve enjoyed for 14 years and counting. At that point, I retired from part-time work at the college and became a full-time writer.

6. I created a helpful structure for my days. Some people nearing retirement probably have a rosy picture of sleeping late and then doing whatever they want whenever they want. More power to them! But oddly enough, research indicates that a predictable and pleasant daily structure is linked with both happiness and mental health.

My weekday schedule was built around my goals of health, purpose, pleasure, and relationships. For the curious, it usually includes breakfast, 20-30 minutes of exercise, business details and email, lunch with friends or with the New York Times crossword puzzle, writing, watching Jeopardy , dinner, reading, or TV.

7. I am grateful to have a solid support system of family and friends. I have a supportive partner who loves to cook. He cooks dinner! Think of the time I save. Although my family lives elsewhere, we speak frequently and visit regularly. I Zoom with my granddaughter once a week. I have regular lunches or coffees with close friends.

8. I make room for volunteer work, fun, and mini-adventures. While our interest in "big travel" has waned as we've aged, we still enjoy one-tank trips to various spots near home and are dedicated in-town tourists.

The Key to a Good Retirement

According to author and retirement specialist Mike Drak, in his book Retirement Heaven or Hell, retirees “basically fall into two broad categories: comfort-oriented retirees and growth-oriented retirees.”

Comfort-oriented retirees seek leisure, relaxation, and fun during their retirement. My partner Brian, for example, likes to describe himself as “cruising” in retirement, throwing himself into hobbies such as gardening and home improvements. Other friends happily fill their retirement days with golf, tennis, and other pleasures.

Growth-oriented retirees tend to be goal-oriented and need projects that give them a sense of purpose. Some take on "encore careers." Some embark on projects that fulfill youthful dreams . Some, like me, yearn to get started on long-postponed projects, like writing that book. Others, like my good friend, whose modest goal is to “end world hunger,” devote themselves to extensive volunteer work for the good of all.

This helpful distinction between a growth-oriented or comfort-oriented retirement can help individuals think through their future preferences. It can also help couples have a realistic discussion about their similarities and differences. If both members of a couple can accept each other’s vision of a happy retirement and adjust according, they can spend their days together with much less friction. Realistic expectations matter.

That said, you don’t really know how you’ll feel once you do retire. The woman who just wanted to rest and relax might eventually realize that a comfortable life does not provide enough meaning for her. The man who was inspired to change the world through a volunteer project might eventually decide to spend more time with his grandchildren. Be prepared to pivot.

There’s no one “ideal retirement.” But there are many ways to have a happy retirement if you build your retirement activities on a solid foundation of self-knowledge.

(c) Meg Selig, 2024 .

Selig, M. (2009). Changepower! 37 Secrets to Habit Change Success. NY: Routledge.

Drak, M. (2021). Retirement Heaven or Hell. Milner & Associates.

Selig, M. (2020). Silver Sparks: Thoughts on Growing Older, Wiser, and Happier. Jetlaunch.

Meg Selig is the author of Changepower! 37 Secrets to Habit Change Success .

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Tell Us Your Stories About Retirement

If you’ve reinvented your life after retiring from a career, we want to hear how it’s going and any advice you have for others.

By The New York Times

Have you retired? Or at least left your full-time, traditional job and embarked on a new chapter? For a special section on retirement and longevity to be published in June, The New York Times wants to hear from readers who have reinvented their lives after jobs or careers.

Retirement can take on many different forms depending on a variety of factors. Maybe you moved. Maybe you started exercising. Maybe you started a new hobby or pursued a fresh passion for pay. We want to hear from people who used retirement as an opportunity to chart a new path.

Here are some prompts to help you tell your story:

What challenges did you have to overcome as you entered this phase — and how did you do it?

What joys — or disappointments — have you derived from this chapter that surprised you?

If you were making the move all over again, what would you change? And what advice do you have for others contemplating it: financial, emotional, social or lifestyle?

We would love your thoughts (in, say, 200 words or less). We will not publish any part of your submission without contacting you first. We will not share your contact information outside the Times newsroom, and we will use it only to reach out to you.

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Let us help you plan for retirement, the good news is that we’re living longer. the bad news is you need to save for all those future retirement years. we’re here to help..

For a growing number of older Americans, signing up for a mortgage that is most likely to outlive them makes good economic sense. But there are risks to consider .

If you’re on Medicare, you could save money on prescription drugs this year — in many cases, by thousands of dollars. Here’s why .

Entering your 40s can throw you into an emotional tailspin — one that may lead you to spend more and jeopardize your nest egg. Here is how to avoid that .

It’s difficult to know when to get help managing finances after you retire . Communicating with loved ones, even when you don’t want to, is the first step.

These days, many Americans thinking about retiring feel the stakes are higher than ever. We sought the advice of financial planners  on some of the most pressing questions.

Retirement plan administrators are noting an uptick in 401(k) hardship withdrawals . But taking that money out can harm your future financial security.

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How to Write a Memorable Retirement Speech + Examples

Updated 12/28/2023

Published 03/2/2020

Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Stepping up to the podium for your own retirement speech or perhaps for a colleague’s grand exit? Bravo! Whether you’re bidding farewell to your own illustrious career or celebrating a coworker’s legacy, it’s a momentous occasion. And guess what? The spotlight’s on you, and people are eager to be moved, amused, and maybe shed a tear or two.

Jump ahead to these sections:

• Who Gives a Retirement Speech?

Retirement Speech Etiquette

Tips for writing a retirement speech, short retirement speech examples.

If this is your debut into the world of retirement speeches, you don’t have to fret too much. Think of it as giving a wedding toast but with fewer embarrassing stories and more career highlights. 

Even if you’ve mastered the art of public speaking, a retirement speech is a unique beast. After all, you want your words to capture the essence of decades of dedication and hard work. 

This article will help you do just that. Keep reading to learn how to write a retirement speech that resonates and leaves an indelible mark.

Tip: Growing older and entering retirement also means watching your friends and family members grow older, too. And that often means coping with loss and grief. If you know a retiree who's facing a loss, our post-loss checklist  may be able to help.

Who Gives a Retirement Speech? 

Retirement speeches are a rite of passage and a moment to reflect on years of service, shared memories, and the legacy left behind. But who steps up to the mic to deliver these poignant words during an office farewell or retirement party ?

While the retiree is an obvious choice, there are others who’ve shared in the journey and can offer unique perspectives. Each speaker brings something unique to the table, painting a comprehensive picture of the retiree’s impact. Let’s take a look at the roles of these speakers and the insights they can bring to the celebration.

The retiree

If you’re the retiree taking center stage, this is your chance for personal reflection. You can share:

• Anecdotes from your journey
• The challenges you overcame
• Milestones you celebrated
• Gratitude for colleagues, mentors, and the organization

A retiree’s speech often carries pride in their achievements, nostalgia for the memories, and excitement for the future. You might also sprinkle in some humor like a light-hearted mistake or a memorable office prank. This speech is your curtain call, so make sure to leave a lasting impression and maybe impart some wisdom to those still in the midst of their careers.

A coworker’s perspective is invaluable because they’ve been in the trenches together, weathered the same storms, and celebrated mutual successes. If you’re giving a retirement speech for a close coworker, you can highlight:

• The retiree’s professional attributes and teamwork
• The camaraderie you shared
• Recollections of shared projects, inside jokes, and day-to-day interactions
• Your personal bond and the times you spent together

Your words have the power to connect with many in the room, echoing shared sentiments and reinforcing the retiree’s impact on the team.

A boss or manager

When a boss or manager speaks, it’s a testament to the retiree’s professional impact. Your perspective offers a birds-eye view of the retiree’s contributions, leadership, and the legacy they leave behind.

You can also touch on the personal qualities that made the retiree stand out, such as their resilience, dedication, or mentorship to younger colleagues. The retirement speech is a chance to express gratitude on behalf of the organization, pride in their accomplishments , and to assure the retiree that their shoes were hard to fill.

Retirement speeches are a tribute, a celebration, and a farewell all wrapped into one. As with any significant occasion, there’s etiquette to follow to make the event memorable for all the right reasons. Understanding these nuances can make the difference between a speech that’s cherished and one that’s merely endured.

Consider some retirement speech etiquette to ensure your words resonate with grace, respect, and warmth.

Dress appropriately

The way you dress not only reflects your respect for the occasion but also sets the tone for your speech. Dressing appropriately signifies that you value the event and the person being honored. It's not just about looking good; it's about showing that you've put thought into your appearance as a mark of respect. 

Whether it's a formal event or a casual gathering, ensure your attire matches the occasion. Remember, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Use humor wisely

Humor can be a fantastic tool to lighten the mood and engage the audience. However, it's a double-edged sword. What's funny to one person might be offensive to another. 

When incorporating humor, make sure it's in good taste and won't alienate or upset anyone. Steer clear of inside jokes that only a few might understand or controversial topics that could divide the room. The goal is to evoke smiles and laughter, not raised eyebrows.

A retirement speech is a heartfelt tribute, and sincerity is its cornerstone. While it's okay to refer to notes or an outline, ensure your words come from the heart.

Authenticity resonates. People can tell when sentiments are genuine versus when they're merely rehearsed lines. Speak with conviction, share genuine anecdotes, and let your true feelings shine through.

Be positive

Retirement is a celebration of a significant milestone. While it's tempting to bring up past challenges or conflicts, focus on the positive. Highlight achievements, growth, and the good times. 

Even if there were hurdles, frame them as learning experiences or stepping stones that led to greater successes. A positive tone uplifts the atmosphere and leaves the retiree with fond memories.

Time the speech correctly

While you want to cover all your points, you don’t want to bore anyone to sleep. A speech that's too long can lose the audience's attention, while one that's too short might seem insincere.

Aim for a sweet spot, typically between 5 to 10 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to convey your message without overstaying your welcome. Practice beforehand and, if possible, time yourself to keep on track.

Be grateful

Whether you're the retiree thanking your colleagues or a manager expressing appreciation for years of service, always express gratitude. Recognize the contributions, the memories, and the shared journey. A simple 'thank you' can resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impression on the retiree and the audience alike.

Crafting a retirement speech is an art that can seem daunting. After all, you have to encapsulate decades of memories, achievements, and emotions into a few minutes. 

Thankfully, with the right approach and a sprinkle of creativity, you can pen a speech that’s both memorable and moving.

General tips

Whether you’re a retiree or a colleague, retirement speeches should be given with utmost care and respect. Add a touch of creativity, and you’ve got a well-prepared speech that will move hearts and honor the star of the show.

Here are some general tips for crafting a memorable retirement speech.

Choose a speaker who knows the person well

Selecting the right speaker is the foundation of a memorable retirement speech. The speaker's connection with the retiree can make all the difference. Here are some qualities the ideal speaker should have:

• Personal connection:  The speaker should have a personal rapport with the retiree so they can give genuine anecdotes and heartfelt sentiments.
• Knowledge of career journey:  Choose someone familiar with the retiree's professional journey, milestones, and achievements.
• Eloquence:  While personal connection is vital, the speaker should also be comfortable speaking in public and conveying emotions effectively.
• Representative of the team:  Ideally, the speaker should represent the sentiments of the larger group, ensuring the speech resonates with everyone present.
• Avoid last-minute choices:  Plan ahead so the speaker has ample time to prepare. Don't leave the selection of the speaker to the last moment.

Focus on the honoree

The retiree is the star of the show, and the speech should reflect that. Here's how to keep the spotlight on them:

• Highlight achievements:  Discuss significant milestones, projects, and contributions made by the retiree.
• Share personal anecdotes:  Personal stories add warmth and depth. Share moments that capture the retiree's essence.
• Avoid generic praises:  Be specific in your compliments. Instead of saying "You're great," mention what makes them so.
• Incorporate feedback: Talk to colleagues and gather shared memories or sentiments to include.
• Acknowledge growth:  Discuss how the retiree evolved over the years, both professionally and personally.

Keep it short — but not too short

Timing is everything when you’re giving a retirement speech. You’ve got to strike the perfect balance. Here's how to ensure your speech is just right:

• Set a time limit:  Aim for 5-10 minutes. It's long enough to cover key points but short enough to retain attention.
• Practice out loud:  This helps in gauging the length and making necessary edits.
• Prioritize content:  Focus on the most impactful memories and achievements.
• Engage the audience:  A well-timed speech ensures the audience remains engaged throughout.
• Leave room for applause:  Factor in moments of applause or reactions, ensuring the speech doesn't feel rushed.

Carefully use humor

Humor can elevate a speech, but you’ve got to tread carefully. Here's how to infuse humor without overstepping:

• Know your audience:  Choose jokes that are appropriate for the audience's sensibilities.
• Avoid sensitive topics:  Steer clear of controversial or potentially hurtful subjects.
• Test your joke:  Share them with a trusted colleague to gauge their reaction.
• Use light self-deprecation:  It's a safe way to add humor without offending anyone.
• Stay authentic:  Forced humor can fall flat. If humor isn't your strength, focus on warmth and sincerity.

Preparation is key to delivering a confident and heartfelt speech. You can thoroughly prepare in several ways:

• Write an outline:  Organize your thoughts and structure your speech with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
• Rehearse: Practice multiple times to get the flow right and make necessary tweaks.
• Seek feedback:  Share your speech with a trusted colleague or friend for feedback.
• Visualize the day:  Imagine yourself giving the speech. This mental rehearsal can boost confidence.
• Stay calm and composed:  Remember, it's a celebration. Take deep breaths, stay relaxed, and speak from the heart.

As the retiree

If you’re a retiree, there are several ways to create a great speech:

• Reflect on your journey: Talk about where you started, the highs and lows along the way, and where you feel like you've "landed" at the end of your career.
• Acknowledge and appreciate: There are a lot of people who have helped you on your way. Take the time to acknowledge and thank them for their role in your life and career.
• Share life lessons: What lessons have you learned that you want to pass along? Share these during your speech.

As a trusted coworker or superior

What about if you’re a coworker or superior? Focus on highlighting the retiree’s impact, sharing personal anecdotes, and offering well wishes for the future.

You might know the person pretty well, but it's always important to make sure you've got the right information on hand. Make sure to gather information and fact check for items like:

• How long the retiree has been in the industry.
• How long the retiree has worked for the company.
• The previous positions the person held within the company.
• The contributions they made while working.
• Awards the person who is retiring may have received in the course of their career.
• Pertinent information about the retiree's work history.

Here are some snippets of retirement speeches that you can amend for your situation. Remember, it is important to speak from the heart. Your audience will appreciate a more authentic speech rather than a stoic message.

For a friend

When Max began work at our firm, gas was $1.19 a gallon, and Ronald Reagan had just been elected president. Kramer vs. Kramer won Best Picture, and “Call Me” by Blondie was playing on the radio. All that to say, she’s been a fixture here for quite a while. To say that Max knows every aspect of this business like the back of her hand is not an understatement.

I remember the first time I walked into this office. Maxine was the first person to greet me. She gave me advice on where to park, showed me how to fill out a PTO request, and answered all my questions during lunch. She introduced me to everyone on staff.  And she made sure I knew all the ins and outs of working for Brighton Industries. This wasn’t part of her job, but she did it anyway. She made every new person in the office feel welcome.

Every office has a “go-to” person. The person who knows how to handle the difficult client. The person who knows how to hire the right person for the job. The person who knows how to load new toner in the printer. Max has been our go-to person for 25 years, and she leaves big shoes to fill.

One of Max’s best qualities is her ability to stay calm in the middle of the storm. Do you remember the great Jones Company fiasco in 2004? While the rest of us panicked about the loss of our biggest client, she went out and found us a new client. And that client brought in twice as much revenue as the client we lost!

We know that Maxine is looking forward to retirement. She told me she is planning to spend more time quilting. And she’ll be hanging out with her daughter and three adorable grandbabies. You’ve all seen pictures of her grandkids, right? Of course, you have! We are all so excited to wish Maxine well as she starts checking off items from her retirement bucket list . 

For your retirement

Thank you so much for all the kind words. I have loved working at Brighton Industries. I have had some of the best times in my life at this office. I have made lifelong friends who I treasure. Thank you for being the best coworkers and friends a woman could ask for.

There are a few things that I won’t miss about working for Brighton. I won’t miss filling out the TPS reports. I won’t miss the late nights that came with tax season. I won’t miss how cold the office is in the summer, or how hot the office is during the winter. But I will miss all of you. You have made this office feel like a second home to me. Thank you.

I discovered what amazing coworkers I had when I lost my mom to cancer three years ago. You all stepped in so willingly to pick up the slack when I couldn’t perform my regular duties. Not only did you take on more responsibilities in the office, but many of you also provided meals to my family. It meant the world to me, knowing that I could depend upon you all for help.

For a coworker

I have witnessed many people come and go throughout my years here at Smith and Smith. However, I am sadder today than ever, knowing Michelle won’t be stepping out of our elevator Monday morning. 

Even though Michelle has only worked at Smith and Smith for the last eight years, she has contributed much to our organization. For example, she made our network more secure by spearheading our cybersecurity efforts. But she also had a knack for streamlining processes, allowing us to work more efficiently. Before Michelle began working here, we worked a great deal of overtime. The reason we are now able to leave at 5 p.m. is because of the processes she began.

On a personal level, Michelle was always a delight to be around. She’s not one to complain – even when we had to put in extra hours last winter. Michelle was always the first to jump in to help when someone was sick or had a personal emergency. We all have stories of how Michelle helped us during a pinch. 

Michele – I will remember you with fondness. I am excited that you will have more time to spend with your beautiful grandchildren, and I wish you every happiness in the future. 

I was honored to be asked to speak about Samuel this afternoon. After working for Samuel for over 20 years, I have a lot to say. Don’t worry, Sam. Most of it is good.

First, I would like to tell you some things about Sam’s background that you might not have been aware of. Sam has a degree in Chemistry from Perdue. Even though he was prepared to spend his life in a lab setting, he sat next to a stranger on the subway one day while going to a job interview. He spoke with this person and learned he was starting a new shoe company and looking for someone to oversee the distribution. Of course, that stranger was Frank Jones, our illustrious founder. And that was why Sam never used his chemistry degree.

The second thing you may not know about Sam is that he is a violin virtuoso. I didn’t know this about him until a few years ago when Sam and his wife had me over for dinner. I saw a music stand in the corner of his living room and asked about it. Sam’s wife encouraged him to play for me. Needless to say, I was dumbfounded by his talent. 

For a subordinate

I know I have the reputation of being a bit of a perfectionist. In fact, before Lucy was hired four years ago, I had been through twelve assistants in thirteen years. That’s one reason why today is such a sad day for me. While I am ecstatic that Lucy will have more time to devote to her novel, I am sorry that I have to find someone to replace her. It’s not going to be easy.

Lucy is amazingly gifted at reading my mind. In fact, it’s a little scary how she seems to know what I want before I ask for it. This ESP, or whatever gift she has been blessed with, has saved me on more than one occasion. I’ll never forget how she interrupted me during a meeting with Mrs. Franklin to remind me of something that saved that account. She also kept me out of the doghouse at home by purchasing perfect Mother’s Day and anniversary gifts for Louise.

While I certainly will miss Lucy’s contributions to our workplace, I am most sad for our clients. Everyone loves Lucy, and they are as heartbroken as I am that she is retiring.  

For a teacher

Throughout Mrs. Anderson’s career, she has taught approximately 2,300 students. That means she has graded more than 18,000 essays, 2,300 research papers, and more book reports than you can imagine. Incredibly, her purple flair ink pen isn’t attached permanently to her hand with all of the grading she has done over the years.

But more important than the essays and book reports are the relationships she has formed with her students over the last three decades. She has comforted students who have lost family members and helped kids find jobs. She has written letters of recommendation for scholarships and advised many in their careers. 

On top of her work as an English teacher, she has overseen the publication of the yearbook and newspaper, traveled with students to Europe, ran the concession stand at football games, coached the cheerleaders, and sat through negotiations each year on behalf of the teachers’ union. 

Mrs. Anderson – you deserve a break. We hope you can sleep in each morning, stay up late reading novels each night, and travel the globe without the fear of losing a kid. Congratulations on your retirement!

For a family member

It’s hard to imagine our Dad without a job. This place has been a part of his routine for so long that he may show up on Monday simply out of habit. In fact, we may have to put a sign on the back of his front door reminding him to stay at home. 

And Dad loved every minute of it. Unlike most people, Dad never complained about his job. In fact, when we prayed as a family before each meal, Dad often expressed thanks for this company and his job. 

But, we are thankful that he can now stay home. He’s worked hard for a long time and deserves a break. But don’t worry – he won’t be sitting around for long. My siblings and I all have lists of home repairs that only Dad can do. We’ve also scheduled a few fishing trips over the next several months.

Thank you for inviting my siblings and me to this retirement party. It’s been a lovely day. I only wish Mom could have survived long enough to see Dad retire. She was always so proud of Dad for everything he accomplished. I’m sure she is smiling down on us right now. 

Funny retirement speech

Christopher has many gifts and talents. And he has contributed a lot to our company over the years. He’s been the top salesperson for twenty-three out of the twenty-five years he has worked here. He has worked hard to streamline our processes to work smarter, not harder. He has also been a leader in our industry by representing us in front of the state legislature. 

Even though I can easily provide you with a long list of awards and accolades, he will forever be known in this office as the person who was always misplacing his stuff. We found his keys by the copier, his wallet next to the giant fern in the back room, his raincoat on Mitch’s desk, and his water bottles – everywhere. It’s always been a mystery to everyone how someone absentminded can perform in a high-pressure job so well. 

So, we have purchased a tile tracker system to help you keep track of all your stuff on behalf of your retirement. Now that you won’t have an entire staff of people keeping track of your personal belongings, we think this might help. It may also keep Louise from killing you during your first week at home.

Retirement: The Next Stage in Life

As we stand on the precipice of one chapter ending and another beginning, we must recognize and celebrate the journey that brought us here. Whether you’re the one stepping into the golden years of retirement or honoring a colleague making that leap, words are powerful. A heartfelt speech can encapsulate years of dedication, camaraderie, and growth.

Retirement isn’t just about saying goodbye to a job. It’s about acknowledging the passion, identity, and pride that one has in their career. For many, their career is a significant part of their life’s narrative. 

As you craft your speech or pen down your thoughts, remember to celebrate this dedication. It might take a bit more effort, but the impact of genuine appreciation will resonate deeply, marking a memorable transition into the next exciting phase of life.

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• Band 9 IELTS Essays

Band 9 Essay Sample About Early Retirement

by Manjusha Nambiar · July 31, 2017

Some people think that having a set retirement (e.g.65 years) for everybody, regardless of occupation, is unfair. They believe that certain workers deserve to retire and receive a pension at an earlier age.

Band 9 essay sample

These days, the topic of early retirement is much discussed. Some people believe that setting a fixed retirement age for all employees is unfair. In their opinion, people working in certain sectors should be allowed to retire early. I agree with that view.

To begin with, not all jobs are the same in terms of mental or physical demands. Certain jobs are more mentally or physically strenuous and people performing those jobs should receive early retirement. It will benefit the society as well as them. A recent study showed that people who work in physically and mentally demanding occupations might suffer from dementia if they continue working in the same occupation after turning fifty. If these people are not allowed to retire early they will become a burden on their company because of their low productivity.

There are also certain jobs that are better suited for youngsters than seniors. For example, driving a truck or waiting on tables requires greater levels of physical fitness. Such jobs are suited for young people. Likewise, aeroplane pilots also deserve early retirement because as they age their vision deteriorates and that could be a flight hazard. There are also certain jobs that no one wants to do. For example, few people are interested in cleaning sewage or collecting garbage. The government can encourage more people to take up such jobs by offering them early retirement. Lastly, firefighters also deserve early retirement because of their sacrifices and readiness to protect lives and also because their work is very demanding physically and mentally.

To conclude, I strongly agree that some workers should be entitled to an early retirement. While fixing the age of retirement for each occupation, the government should consider the demands of the job.

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Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

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Retirement Age: When?

The situation concerning the retirement age is very different in different parts of the world. Some people at the age of 70 or 80 are still in working process, they are taking care of their families, countries and business companies. The situation with the other people is different. They are fit and have good health but, in accordance with the national law regulations they have to retire much earlier . Below I’d like to discuss the dilemma concerning whether people have to have the right to work as many years as they want OR they should be retired at the fixed age .

First of all we will talk about those people who would like to work as long as they need. There are actually several forcible arguments which to satisfy their needs. To begin with, it is necessary to say that there are older employers who possess profound knowledge and rich experience which is precious for the business process and it will be a huge loss if such people will be forced to retire. The other good point if that the older employers are more loyal and they have more willing to put company policies into practice in contrast to the younger employers . One of the most important things about the retirement of older people is the way our society treats them. The thing is that once you made someone to retire at the age of 60 or 65 , it means you do not value the contribution of these people into the life of the society.

However, to allow people to work as long as they need is not always that good. Age cannot guarantee good abilities. For example, some younger employers may have much more experience and cleverness than the older people who have spent almost the whole their life working in one and the same are. The other point is that many people having an opportunity to work as long as they are willing to will continue to work because they simply didn’t plan anything else for their life. Thus, company won’t be provided with new ideas that young employers can offer . One more point lies in the fact that older people need to be provided with the guarantee of generous pensions in order to have an opportunity to enjoy the freedom they got.

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China is trying to delay its retirement age. Here's why

China's retirement ages have remained static as life expectancy has increased. Image:  Unsplash/Ewan Yap

.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:hover,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:focus,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);} Tripti Lahiri

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Stay up to date:, future of work.

• China is planning on raising its retirement age as its working-age population shrinks.
• But the idea is unpopular with both younger and older workers.
• Existing pension systems are significantly underfunded and rely on contributions from current workers to pay for older generations.
• The increased retirement age could harm birth rates and childcare arrangements.

China has some of the youngest retirement ages in the world, which is becoming a major problem for a country that is steadily aging.

The official retirement age for men is 60. Women in managerial positions have a retirement age of 55, while blue-collar female workers can retire at 50. In many other countries, leaving the workforce at 65 is the norm; China’s earlier and gendered retirement ages have been in place since 1951 , when the country’s life expectancy was less than 50 years. (It’s now 77.)

China’s pension systems are drastically underfunded for the growing number of people set to retire in coming years, and the costs of sustaining that net will become prohibitive if people can continue to retire as early as they do now. Last year, China’s 14th five-year work plan laid out how it intends to address the pension problem, including by raising the retirement age .

When broached in the past, that idea has proven unpopular with the young , who fear it will delay their own work opportunities, as well as the old, who are looking forward to collecting benefits. But with a shrinking working-age population, it makes sense for China to try and keep experienced workers in the workforce—and paying into a social welfare system—for as long as possible.

China’s pension problems

China is reforming its pension management and starting to encourage private retirement savings . Yesterday (April 21), China’s cabinet announced that people will be allowed to contribute up to around $1,800 annually over their mandatory contributions, though it’s unclear when this will begin. For now government funding is critical.

Pension systems are underfunded in part because local governments rely on current contributions to pay older generations of state workers—who themselves didn’t have to make contributions—rather than reserving that money for future payouts. Company contributions to employee pensions are already set high , and in 2020 the main state pension fund reported its first annual deficit after the government allowed companies to reduce contributions as a form of a pandemic relief.

There is a global myth that productivity declines as workers age. In fact, including older workers is an untapped source for growth.

The world has entered a new phase of demographic development where people are living longer and healthier lives. As government pension schemes are generally ill-equipped to manage this change, insurers and other private-sector stakeholders have an opportunity to step in.

The World Economic Forum, along with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and AARP , have created a learning collaborative with over 50 global employers including AIG, Allianz, Aegon, Home Instead, Invesco and Mercer. These companies represent over two million employees and $1 trillion in annual revenue.

Learn more in our impact story .

Those gaps, coupled with growing evidence of China’s rapidly aging population , are bringing new urgency to the retirement-age conversation. China has yet to lay out a timetable for changing it, but has said the change would be “gradual” and voluntary. That likely means starting by experimenting regionally. In March, China’s coastal Jiangsu province, which neighbors Shanghai, kicked off a pilot program (link in Chinese) to encourage workers to voluntarily delay retirement, if both the company and employee agree. Other provinces sounded out public opinion at meetings with employees across industries last year, and several are currently drafting rules for their own trials, according to state business publication, China Economic Weekly (link in Chinese).

What’s also unclear is whether China intends to standardize retirement ages for men and women. The current system truncates women’s professional lives, and lowers the money available to them in retirement, as they’ve had fewer years paying into the system.

Have you read?

Here's how we can prepare for an aging population , we desperately need to disrupt our approach to retirement saving, china’s child care challenge.

A better pension system isn’t the only thing China will need if it wants to up its retirement age. Retired workers serve a key function for their children—as safe, free child care. That means delaying retirement could incidentally hurt another of China’s goals: getting younger women to have more children .

“There’s a lot of resistance to changing retirement age,” says Ye Liu, a sociologist and senior lecturer in international development at King’s College London. “People want to retire earlier. One of the main reasons is to look after their grandchildren…the women of the one-child generation really rely on parental and in-laws’ support for child care.”

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World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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For the sake of all of us, Sonia Sotomayor needs to retire from the US supreme court

She’s been described as the ‘conscience of the supreme court’. That’s why it pains me to write this

F orget Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It is Sonia Sotomayor who is the greatest liberal to sit on the supreme court in my adult lifetime. The first Latina to hold the position of justice, she has blazed a relentlessly progressive trail on the highest bench in the land.

Whether it was her lone dissent in a North Carolina voting rights case in 2016 (“the court’s conclusion … is a fiction”); her ingenious referencing of Ta-Nehisi Coates, James Baldwin and WEB DuBois in another 2016 dissent over unreasonable searches and seizures; or her withering observation at the Dobbs oral argument in 2021 (“Will this institution survive the stench that this creates in the public perception that the constitution and its reading are just political acts?”), Sotomayor has stood head and shoulders above both her liberal and conservative colleagues on the bench for the past 15 years.

And so it is with good reason that she has been called the “conscience of the supreme court” ( the Nation ), “the truth teller of the supreme court” ( New York Times ) and “the real liberal queen of the court” ( Above the Law ).

I happen to agree 100% with all of those descriptions. But – and it pains me to write these words – I also believe it is time for Sotomayor to retire.

Okay, now it is time to remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg. To recall how RBG, who had survived two bouts of cancer, refused to quit the court despite calls to do so from leading liberals during Barack Obama’s second term office. To hark back to her insistence, in multiple interviews, that it was “ misguided ” to insist she retire and that she would only stand down “ when it’s time ”. To recollect how, on her deathbed in 2020, she told her granddaughter that her “most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed” – and how it made no difference whatsoever! Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett as RBG’s replacement just eight days after her death, and Senate Republicans confirmed Barrett to RBG’s vacant seat just eight days before election day.

With Joe Biden trailing Trump in several swing states and Democrats also in danger of losing their razor-thin majority in the Senate, are we really prepared for history to repeat itself? Sotomayor will turn 70 in June. Of course, only Sotomayor knows the full status of her health, still it is public knowledge that she has had type 1 diabetes since she was seven ; had paramedics called to her home ; and is the only sitting justice to have, reportedly , traveled with a medic. To be clear: she could easily – and God willing – survive a potential Trump second term and still be dishing out dissents from the bench come 2029.

But why take that risk? Why not retire now? Why not quit the bench at the same age that justices in Belgium, Australia and Japan are forced to do so?

Let’s deal with the three most obvious objections.

First, wouldn’t a replacement for Sotomayor that Senator Joe Manchin has to approve be less progressive, and more centrist, than our sole Latina, super-progressive justice? Perhaps. But, again, consider the alternative. Would we rather Biden replace Sotomayor with a centrist in 2024 … or Trump replace her with a far-right Federalist Society goon in 2025? Or, what if Trump doesn’t win but the Republican party takes control of the Senate and blocks a second-term Biden from replacing her between 2025 and 2028?

Second, is there really any difference between a 6-3 conservative majority on the court and a 7-2 majority? Isn’t all lost already? Not quite. The damage to our democracy from a 7-2 hard-right court would be on a whole other and existential level. Yes, 6-3 has been a disaster for our progressive priorities ( Dobbs! Bruen! Kennedy! ) but there have also been a handful of key 5-4 victories ( Redistricting ! Razor wire at the border ! Ghost guns !) in cases where Roberts plus one other conservative have come over from the dark side. None of that happens in a 7-2 court. The hard-right conservatives win not just most of the time but every single time.

Third, how can anyone on the left dare ask the first, and only, Latina justice to quit the supreme court?

It’s simple. Women in general, and Latinas especially, will suffer most from a 7-2 supreme court. It is because I am so worried about the future of minority rights in this country that I – reluctantly – want Sotomayor to step aside.

This has nothing to do with her race or her gender. Forget RBG (again). Consider Stephen Breyer. You remember Breyer, right? The bookish and bespectacled liberal justice who quit the supreme court in 2022, at the age of 83, in part because of an intense pressure campaign from the left.

The fact that he was a white man didn’t shield him from criticism – or from calls for him to stand down. In 2021, the progressive group Demand Justice sent a billboard truck to circle the supreme court building with the message: “ Breyer, retire .” I joined in, too. “Retire, retire, retire,” I said in a monologue for my Peacock show in 2021. “Or history may end up judging you, Justice Breyer.”

So why is it okay to pressure Breyer to retire but not Sotomayor? This time round, Demand Justice isn’t taking a position on whether an older liberal justice should quit while a Democratic president and Senate can still replace them and, as HuffPost reports, “on the left, there is little open debate about whether she should retire.”

Democrats, it seems, still don’t seem keen on wielding power or influence over the highest court in the nation. In 2013, Barack Obama met with RBG for lunch and tried to nudge her into retiring, but as the New York Times later reported, Obama “did not directly bring up the subject of retirement to Justice Ginsburg”.

Compare and contrast with Donald Trump. The finance journalist David Enrich, in his book Dark Towers, reveals how the Trump family carried out a “ coordinated White House charm offensive ” to persuade Justice Anthony Kennedy to retire in 2018. Trump himself, according to Vanity Fair , “worked for months to assure Kennedy his legacy would be in good hands”.

The offensive was a success. Out went self-styled moderate Kennedy, in came the hard-right political operative Brett Kavanaugh.

If there is to be a change to the supreme court in 2024, Biden and the Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, have only a few months left to make it happen. And yet they don’t seem too bothered about Sotomayor’s age or health. Last week, the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, called it “a personal decision for her to make”.

A personal decision? The prospect of a 7-2 conservative supreme court, with a far-right Federalist Soceity apparatchik having taken “liberal queen” Sotomayor’s seat on the bench, should fill us all with dread.

Biden, elected Democrats , and liberals and progressives across the board should be both publicly and privately encouraging Sotomayor to consider what she wants her legacy to be, to remember what happened with RBG, and to not take any kind of gamble with the future of our democracy.

If insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results, then I’m sorry but a liberal supreme court justice about to enter her 70s and refusing to retire on a Democratic president and Democratic Senate’s watch is nothing short of insane.

Mehdi Hasan is the CEO and editor-in-chief of Zeteo

• Sonia Sotomayor
• US politics
• US supreme court

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