Special day

[smfcpacfp]

I am retiring today after 32 years as a university professor (teaching income taxes in the college of business). As a matter of fact, I am composing this while giving my last exam - 5,000+ class sessions and 6,000+ students over those years. It is only my second real job (first as CPA for a big firm for 5 years (Arthur Andersen in NYC)). My health is good, my finances are set and hopefully I will have a good dozen years or so at age 60.

It has been a good job in a great location, but it is a job and after 32 years I have had enough fun doing it. Admittedly teaching income taxes has not been easy, and some of the students think that I am 鍍oo hard? but I have somehow managed to survive and prosper despite the criticism. My employer has failed to find a replacement despite a year of effort, and I did give them an option to employee me on a limited basis, but I really hope they find a replacement.

After this it will be more traveling and greater pursuit of my two new avocations (SCUBA diving and kayaking) with my wife. Perhaps I can also make a meaningful contribution as a volunteer doing something, but certainly use my tractor more!

 

[Phils]

Congratulations Steve!

That's a long time doing one thing. You are obligated to make up for that now.

Phil

 

[bigshovel]

Good for you!!! May your retirement be enjoyable, filled with fun and good health.

Brad

 

[kenmac]

you've made all that money. Now, it's time to enjoy it. Congrads.

 

[smfcpacfp]

Thanks to all for the words of encouragement.

I have at least one memory from the day I graduated from undergraduate school. It was a beautiful summer day in June in Ohio and I had to take my cap and gown back to the bookstore. Rather than getting a ride with my family I decided to take a long walk back by myself. I guess I was a little melancholy and thought to myself, this last four years was great, and now I have 40 years of working ahead of me.

Well that 40 year period is finally over.

 

[jinman]

Lots of us are approaching retirement. I have 1-1/2 years to be able to retire at the SSI minimum age of 62. I'm also retired from the US Navy and my wife has a city municipal retirement. With those and our savings, we hope to be financially secure with only my working part-time or not at all. It's a big step and you should be proud of doing it at a relatively young age. I don't understand those who work into their 70s and become disabled before they retire. I know situations are different, but I don't want to work until I die. I hope you have the time to become thoroughly tired of having fun. ...not likely. Congratulations!

You could always do tax prep a few months out of each year. We have a good friend who sets up an office only from Feb-April and makes a nice income just doing tax prep. The rest of the time, she and her husband build farm fences all over N. Texas. He's a retired fireman.

 

[ronjhall]

Congratulations on your retirement.
I have been retired since August 2004.
Couldn't be happier. We bought a Motorhome in 2006 and spend some of the winter months traveling in warmer weather. One of the best benefits is visiting TBN members. Hope you get out and travel. Look up some of the members here on TBN. They are the nicest people.

 

[Egon]

Retirement; isn't that the time of life when you really start working??

 

[MossRoad]

Congratulations!

I just crossed the hump.... 21 done and 20 to go!

 

[ToadHill]

I know how you feel I've retired 3 times and this time I think it's for real. With your background if your looking for something to do after 8 months or so, get in touch with the local aarp they offer a great program for retirees to help seniors with their taxes.