Survey: Boomers Retiring on Time, After All

Been there, done that and now it’s time to have fun!

Retirement is coming early for Baby Boomers, according to a new study challenging the prevailing notion that seniors are postponing their workforce departures.

The MetLife report reveals that among individuals born in 1946 (the year the Baby Boom began), 59% were either partially or fully retired by age 65. Men (born in ’46) continued working, on average, until age 59.7. For women, the milestone was 57.2.

You know the famous “you’re only as old as you feel” expression? Most participants, on average, share that they won’t consider themselves old until they near 80 (age 79 to be exact). How cool is that?

Here’s one of the best findings, in my opinion: 96% of respondents are enjoying retirement at least somewhat.

Hooray! We may not have to keep our noses to the grindstone as long as we initially thought. And it’s encouraging to know that when we do bid our jobs a (hopefully friendly) farewell, the best may be yet to come.
 

Take This Job and Love It

I’ve never been a procrastinator. In fact, when I was in college, I avoided the crazed look my classmates got in their eyes as they scrambled to meet deadlines. So, it’s no surprise that at age 32, I’m already planning my retirement (I enjoy my job, but that doesn’t mean I want to work forever!). A new survey, however, is taking some of the proverbial wind out of my sails. It reveals that two out of three working Americans – while satisfied with their positions – doubt they will ever be able to retire.

Due to the struggling economy, 46% of workers polled have experienced salary cuts in recent years and 44% fear they will lose their jobs. And, 48% are concerned about reduced work hours.

But, here’s the good news: Out of 613 people surveyed, 82% are satisfied with their jobs, 80% derive satisfaction from their work and 72% look forward to coming to work each day. In addition, they report positive relationships with their supervisors and co-workers

When I begin my daily adventures (known to most people as “going to work”) and wave to my retired neighbor as he tends to his immaculate – and I mean immaculate – green lawn, it’s exciting to think that one day, it will be my turn. Even if that day is really getting further away. Since I have a job I love, at least I’ll enjoy the ride.