Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I could retire now at 50 but I want to work on until 55 as the health care benefits improve dramatically and the pension I receive quite a bit as well. Those 5 years mean the difference between a great retirement and a very good retirement.
5 more years gets me from 75% company health insurance premium coverage to 100%.
5 more years gets me a $5K pension not a $2.5K pension
5 more years get me another $750K in income.
So the benefits of staying on are huge.
I have a very flexible job where I essentially define my own directions, but quite frankly, I've lost all motivation. Maybe its COVID but I suspect its just the feeling that the end is in sight.
Any suggestions on how to make the next five years enjoyable and not just getting up and counting down the days?
5 more years gets me from 75% company health insurance premium coverage to 100%.
5 more years gets me a $5K pension not a $2.5K pension
5 more years get me another $750K in income.
So the benefits of staying on are huge.
I have a very flexible job where I essentially define my own directions, but quite frankly, I've lost all motivation. Maybe its COVID but I suspect its just the feeling that the end is in sight.
Any suggestions on how to make the next five years enjoyable and not just getting up and counting down the days?
Last edited by MrCheapo on Mon May 10, 2021 3:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Mostly replying to "star" the thread. I'm trying to make it until this time next year (very large bonus due) before retiring. And, it is painful.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
5 years is a VERY . . LONG . . TIME.
Quit now is best.
I retired too early. Best move I ever made.
Quit now is best.
I retired too early. Best move I ever made.
"I look at a hundred deals a day. I pick one." -Gordon Gekko
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
@bawling, I hear you man. It is painful not just border.
Five years means a $5000 a month pension instead of a $2500 a month pension.
Five years means I'll earn an additional $1M in salary (about $750K after taxes).
Not to mention I'm in the prime of my earning time and at 50 have ample time even if I retire at 55 (god willing of course).
I'd like to but five years means 100% health insurance covered rather than 75%.
Five years means a $5000 a month pension instead of a $2500 a month pension.
Five years means I'll earn an additional $1M in salary (about $750K after taxes).
Not to mention I'm in the prime of my earning time and at 50 have ample time even if I retire at 55 (god willing of course).
Last edited by MrCheapo on Mon May 10, 2021 3:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
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Last edited by fatcoffeedrinker on Wed Mar 02, 2022 10:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I don't know what your work is. For me taking courses to become more proficient in my work helped me to enjoy it and overcome burnout.
John Bogle: "It's amazing how difficult it is for a man to understand something if he's paid a small fortune not to understand it."
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
You'll also be one day older each day you go into (or WFH) work. You'll never be able to retire as young as today.MrCheapo wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 3:14 pm @bawling, I hear you man. It is painful not just border.
I'd like to but five years means 100% health insurance covered rather than 75%.
Five years means a $5000 a month pension instead of a $2500 a month pension.
Five years means I'll earn an additional $1M in salary (about $750K after taxes).
Not to mention I'm in the prime of my earning time and at 50 have ample time even if I retire at 55 (god willing of course).
Golden Handcuffs.
Can you go to part time? 50-80% or something? Longer weekends? We'll be in a similar situation and it will be a question of time vs money. DW just told me that a distant work colleague suddenly passed from a heart attack over the weekend. 50s. Not overweight.
50-55 will be the youngest (AKA PRIME) 5 years you have left on this planet. Choose accordingly.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Don't look at it as 5 more years. Look at every day as One More Day. If you can survive tomorrow, do it again the day after.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I would consider a possible 40 year retirement too long. Make sure you have some activities/hobbies/interests that will engage you and hopefully some friends that are also retired. Maybe charity work? If, after careful thought, you think you will not get bored or lazy - go for it.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I'm not sure how to get you motivated. I'm less than a year away myself and have some of the same issues. I think some of it is Covid fatigue. Keep in mind that very few can retire at 50 so stop thinking about it. Five years is a LONG time to be counting down the days and at 55 having a great retirement is a worthy goal.MrCheapo wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 2:59 pm I could retire now at 50 but I want to work on until 55 as the health care benefits improve dramatically and the pension I receive quite a bit as well. Those 5 years mean the difference between a great retirement and a very good retirement.
I have a very flexible job where I essentially define my own directions, but quite frankly, I've lost all motivation. Maybe its COVID but I suspect its just the feeling that the end is in sight.
Any suggestions on how to make the next five years enjoyable and not just getting up and counting down the days?
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Do you need all the extra money? Or do you have enough as is?
You can always earn more money (well, until you physically can’t, but that’s not your situation). You won’t always have more time, and the early years are the good years when it comes to retirement.
You can always earn more money (well, until you physically can’t, but that’s not your situation). You won’t always have more time, and the early years are the good years when it comes to retirement.
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I was in the same boat 5 years ago and I wish I had better advice for you - it was awful, but golden handcuffs are named that for a reason.
Having a supportive spouse helped. Taking regular vacations helped. Try to make shorter non-work related milestones to look forward to ("In 2 months we'll go camping" "In December we'll go to France" etc.)
Making changes at work didn't do much. I tried new roles, down leveling, ditching management responsibilities, etc. It was still a death march - part of it was loathing for the industry in general (and how it is managed at the executive level) so minor tweaks just were not significant in how I felt about the work.
Having a supportive spouse helped. Taking regular vacations helped. Try to make shorter non-work related milestones to look forward to ("In 2 months we'll go camping" "In December we'll go to France" etc.)
Making changes at work didn't do much. I tried new roles, down leveling, ditching management responsibilities, etc. It was still a death march - part of it was loathing for the industry in general (and how it is managed at the executive level) so minor tweaks just were not significant in how I felt about the work.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Thanks.fortunefavored wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 3:42 pm I was in the same boat 5 years ago and I wish I had better advice for you - it was awful, but golden handcuffs are named that for a reason.
Having a supportive spouse helped. Taking regular vacations helped. Try to make shorter non-work related milestones to look forward to ("In 2 months we'll go camping" "In December we'll go to France" etc.)
Making changes at work didn't do much. I tried new roles, down leveling, ditching management responsibilities, etc. It was still a death march - part of it was loathing for the industry in general (and how it is managed at the executive level) so minor tweaks just were not significant in how I felt about the work.
Your comments about making changes at work not doing much is my concern. I can't see how I'm going to get through this in 5 years. Even shortening it to 2.5 years means I'm leaving $1.5K a month pension behind 15% health care benefits etc.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Is your employer open to some time off without pay while keeping the time in pension etc? If so break into 6 month blocks with a month or so off... of 1/3 year increments with 2-3 weeks in between - you get the idea.... If your employer is still work from home then I would delay that until back in office.
The interest level is hard... I get ya.... side projects that are interesting etc.
The interest level is hard... I get ya.... side projects that are interesting etc.
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Rob |
Its a dangerous business going out your front door. - J.R.R.Tolkien
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Well, one difference is I needed the money to make the plan work. It sounds like you're just wanting to optimize.. if I was in your shoes, I'd be figuring out what I REALLY needed for a secure retirement.. then aim for that date (which should be shorter) - and then every quarter/year after that is gravy. Again, break things up into small chunks of time.. 5 years sounds daunting, but a couple months at a time is not as bad (or at least, easier to mark off than counting down 1,825 days.)MrCheapo wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 4:01 pmThanks.fortunefavored wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 3:42 pm I was in the same boat 5 years ago and I wish I had better advice for you - it was awful, but golden handcuffs are named that for a reason.
Having a supportive spouse helped. Taking regular vacations helped. Try to make shorter non-work related milestones to look forward to ("In 2 months we'll go camping" "In December we'll go to France" etc.)
Making changes at work didn't do much. I tried new roles, down leveling, ditching management responsibilities, etc. It was still a death march - part of it was loathing for the industry in general (and how it is managed at the executive level) so minor tweaks just were not significant in how I felt about the work.
Your comments about making changes at work not doing much is my concern. I can't see how I'm going to get through this in 5 years. Even shortening it to 2.5 years means I'm leaving $1.5K a month pension behind 15% health care benefits etc.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Not to be a downer, but what happens if company lays you off in year 4.9?
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
If it’s not a government job how do you know that your current employer will be there to deliver on what is in fact just promise?
“Every deduction is allowed as a matter of legislative grace.” US Federal Court
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I think you are looking at it wrong, how much do you need to spend in retirement? Can you cover that expense now at a safe withdrawal rate given your current pension vested and savings? Yeah more is better but enough is enough.
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I was in your shoes 10 years ago. Getting up on Monday’s we’re really tough. I absolutely hated my job. What I tried to do was focus on other things. I did my job but I started exploring what I would do after I retired. I took more vacations, I structured my week ends that I had at least some time to do something I enjoyed. As my name says, I played a lot of golf as it was a stress reliever for me. Even nine holes after work in the summer was a stress reliever. It funny, after I retired golf changed, I didn’t need it to relieve stress and it became more social and more of a fun game.
I would try to hang in there and get your maximum benefits if at all possible. Think of it not as 5 years but look at it in 3 months segments. Always have something to look forward to in that 3 month segment, whether a week end away or something you enjoy. Just say, okay, I need to get to August 2021. Then continue to move the date as you reach each milestone. Best of luck, in 5 years you will not be able to stop smiling.
I would try to hang in there and get your maximum benefits if at all possible. Think of it not as 5 years but look at it in 3 months segments. Always have something to look forward to in that 3 month segment, whether a week end away or something you enjoy. Just say, okay, I need to get to August 2021. Then continue to move the date as you reach each milestone. Best of luck, in 5 years you will not be able to stop smiling.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
You mentioned in a thread last year about possible early retirement that you have:
600K in a MM account.
$100K in various bond funds
$800K in various equity accounts (i.e. SP500)
$1M in 401k retirement accounts ($100K targeted 2025 and $900K for 2035 or later accounts).
So you have over $2.5 million.
And you can retire now at age 50 with a $30k COLA adjusted annual pension and 75% employer paid health coverage or at age 55 with a $60k COLA adjusted annual pension and 100% employer paid health coverage. In the meantime, you earn $200k annually.
Is it possible that your efforts to avoid 'leaving money on the table' are having a negative effect upon your outlook, your motivation, and your drive?
Here's my suggestion: try changing your perspective. You have significant wealth, many options including the ability to retire now, and whether you retire now or later you have a pension and employer-paid health coverage. You are in a position that may not be uncommon among some Bogleheads but is not the norm for 99% of society. The average retirement savings for a person your age is about $100k and very few will be eligible for an employer pension.
So rather than waking up each morning with dread, perhaps you might think about all of the blessings that you have and face each day with a thankful attitude. I have found that counting my blessings (literally writing them down if necessary) will completely change my outlook about the situation and I can approach it with a positive and energetic attitude.
Hope that gives you food for thought!
600K in a MM account.
$100K in various bond funds
$800K in various equity accounts (i.e. SP500)
$1M in 401k retirement accounts ($100K targeted 2025 and $900K for 2035 or later accounts).
So you have over $2.5 million.
And you can retire now at age 50 with a $30k COLA adjusted annual pension and 75% employer paid health coverage or at age 55 with a $60k COLA adjusted annual pension and 100% employer paid health coverage. In the meantime, you earn $200k annually.
Is it possible that your efforts to avoid 'leaving money on the table' are having a negative effect upon your outlook, your motivation, and your drive?
Here's my suggestion: try changing your perspective. You have significant wealth, many options including the ability to retire now, and whether you retire now or later you have a pension and employer-paid health coverage. You are in a position that may not be uncommon among some Bogleheads but is not the norm for 99% of society. The average retirement savings for a person your age is about $100k and very few will be eligible for an employer pension.
So rather than waking up each morning with dread, perhaps you might think about all of the blessings that you have and face each day with a thankful attitude. I have found that counting my blessings (literally writing them down if necessary) will completely change my outlook about the situation and I can approach it with a positive and energetic attitude.
Hope that gives you food for thought!
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
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Last edited by fatcoffeedrinker on Wed Mar 02, 2022 10:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
When you wake up each day, remind yourself that you are staying for the health care benefits and the pension.
We each get to decide what is important to us. And we all gain motivation from different factors.
This isn't just my wallet. It's an organizer, a memory and an old friend.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Start by planning and then taking a nice vacation. I also find a bit of exercise after work clears my head and puts me in a different mind set, this is much better and healthier than a stiff drink.
You are probably planning some hobbies and activities in retirement, maybe it’s time to kick these off now, after work or on the weekend. Maybe some charity work.
Focus on getting motivated for life, then let that flow into work. In five years pull the plug and walk out the door and ramp up all the hobbies you have started and the new friendship groups you created.
You are probably planning some hobbies and activities in retirement, maybe it’s time to kick these off now, after work or on the weekend. Maybe some charity work.
Focus on getting motivated for life, then let that flow into work. In five years pull the plug and walk out the door and ramp up all the hobbies you have started and the new friendship groups you created.
I studied Physics not Finance, so best to ignore anything I say about money.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
"Any suggestions on how to make the next five years enjoyable and not just getting up and counting down the days"
When you wake up,
Treat the day as though it is your last day on Earth.
Act Accordingly.
When you wake up,
Treat the day as though it is your last day on Earth.
Act Accordingly.
"One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity" –Bruce Lee
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
When I had five years left, I made table with 60 boxes. Every month I would fill one in. Then, I would use my accumulated leave to take every Wednesday afternoon off...really it was just three hours since I came in at 7:00 and would leave at 12:00.
But I also liked the folks I worked with so that helped. It also helped that having been there for over two decades when I got bored, all I had to do was wait for someone to bring me a problem to solve or work on. Being willing to help and share knowledge helped me get onto special projects; I was eventually asked to handle a special project that no one wanted - I loved it and it carried me for the last two+ years.
But I also liked the folks I worked with so that helped. It also helped that having been there for over two decades when I got bored, all I had to do was wait for someone to bring me a problem to solve or work on. Being willing to help and share knowledge helped me get onto special projects; I was eventually asked to handle a special project that no one wanted - I loved it and it carried me for the last two+ years.
Last edited by Mr. Rumples on Mon May 10, 2021 5:11 pm, edited 2 times in total.
"History is the memory of time, the life of the dead and the happiness of the living." Captain John Smith 1580-1631
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
This is really common in the government. I've seen people with countdown counters years ahead of time. I'd suggest not think in terms of years but just take a week at a time.
Any chance to transfer to a new office?
I'm not sure how this could be applied here but I used to ski a lot but wasn't good and didn't like heights. At times from the top of the slope I'd look down at the trail and the village at the bottom and would go "Oh, geez." Then I would just keep my attention to 20 or so yards in front of me (enough not to cause any accidents) and before I knew it, I was at the bottom.
Can you reduce your schedule? I'm currently working three 9 hr days and it is great. By the time work really aggravates me, it is my weekend. And since my weekend is now 4 days, it is easy to forget everything annoying and start fresh the next week. Obviously I'm losing some pay but since I have no debt right now, I can still max out my savings and have enough to make do.
Any chance to transfer to a new office?
I'm not sure how this could be applied here but I used to ski a lot but wasn't good and didn't like heights. At times from the top of the slope I'd look down at the trail and the village at the bottom and would go "Oh, geez." Then I would just keep my attention to 20 or so yards in front of me (enough not to cause any accidents) and before I knew it, I was at the bottom.
Can you reduce your schedule? I'm currently working three 9 hr days and it is great. By the time work really aggravates me, it is my weekend. And since my weekend is now 4 days, it is easy to forget everything annoying and start fresh the next week. Obviously I'm losing some pay but since I have no debt right now, I can still max out my savings and have enough to make do.
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If you think something is important and it doesn't involve the health of someone, think again. Life goes too fast, enjoy it and be nice.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Any work is a lot more bearable for the person who does not need to work.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
OP I am nearly in the same boat as you. I am bit older (51) and my retiree health benefits are all or nothing at 55 but otherwise we are two peas in a pod so to speak on this. I have 3.5 years left more or less and my motivation has really left me. I personally haven't found a solution yet but I am considering changing teams to mix things up as I have been doing the same thing more or less for 10 years while also possibly downshifting some. I am also considering some external development as mentioned my others which has helped me get motivated in the past but work is pretty intense of late and I have a kid heading to college which I am doing a lot of work with on the side to get him prepped and all that.
I think part of my recent issues is the lack of vacation in two years. I have been doing 2-3 international trips a year and that has kept me going but none since June 2019. This fall is looking up however and that is helping some now.
I think part of my recent issues is the lack of vacation in two years. I have been doing 2-3 international trips a year and that has kept me going but none since June 2019. This fall is looking up however and that is helping some now.
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I am in the same place as many others in this thread. Maybe not 5 yrs away but hopefully <2yrs. Glad to see other perspectives and coping strategies.
As others have suggested, I tend do better when I can break things down in smaller increments or have something to look forward to. My wife says work in between vacations.
As others have suggested, I tend do better when I can break things down in smaller increments or have something to look forward to. My wife says work in between vacations.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Thank you. That was very insightful and I agree counting blessing is a great idea.
As to why I continue to work? Because as an immigrant I have no family here so if god forbid I need extended care in my old age I'm going to have to pay for it. I don't want to be a burden on my children so I hope to make enough to write away that situation.
As to why I continue to work? Because as an immigrant I have no family here so if god forbid I need extended care in my old age I'm going to have to pay for it. I don't want to be a burden on my children so I hope to make enough to write away that situation.
galawdawg wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 4:49 pm You mentioned in a thread last year about possible early retirement that you have:
600K in a MM account.
$100K in various bond funds
$800K in various equity accounts (i.e. SP500)
$1M in 401k retirement accounts ($100K targeted 2025 and $900K for 2035 or later accounts).
So you have over $2.5 million.
And you can retire now at age 50 with a $30k COLA adjusted annual pension and 75% employer paid health coverage or at age 55 with a $60k COLA adjusted annual pension and 100% employer paid health coverage. In the meantime, you earn $200k annually.
Is it possible that your efforts to avoid 'leaving money on the table' are having a negative effect upon your outlook, your motivation, and your drive?
Here's my suggestion: try changing your perspective. You have significant wealth, many options including the ability to retire now, and whether you retire now or later you have a pension and employer-paid health coverage. You are in a position that may not be uncommon among some Bogleheads but is not the norm for 99% of society. The average retirement savings for a person your age is about $100k and very few will be eligible for an employer pension.
So rather than waking up each morning with dread, perhaps you might think about all of the blessings that you have and face each day with a thankful attitude. I have found that counting my blessings (literally writing them down if necessary) will completely change my outlook about the situation and I can approach it with a positive and energetic attitude.
Hope that gives you food for thought!
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I think this is excellent advice.galawdawg wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 4:49 pm You mentioned in a thread last year about possible early retirement that you have:
600K in a MM account.
$100K in various bond funds
$800K in various equity accounts (i.e. SP500)
$1M in 401k retirement accounts ($100K targeted 2025 and $900K for 2035 or later accounts).
So you have over $2.5 million.
And you can retire now at age 50 with a $30k COLA adjusted annual pension and 75% employer paid health coverage or at age 55 with a $60k COLA adjusted annual pension and 100% employer paid health coverage. In the meantime, you earn $200k annually.
Is it possible that your efforts to avoid 'leaving money on the table' are having a negative effect upon your outlook, your motivation, and your drive?
Here's my suggestion: try changing your perspective. You have significant wealth, many options including the ability to retire now, and whether you retire now or later you have a pension and employer-paid health coverage. You are in a position that may not be uncommon among some Bogleheads but is not the norm for 99% of society. The average retirement savings for a person your age is about $100k and very few will be eligible for an employer pension.
So rather than waking up each morning with dread, perhaps you might think about all of the blessings that you have and face each day with a thankful attitude. I have found that counting my blessings (literally writing them down if necessary) will completely change my outlook about the situation and I can approach it with a positive and energetic attitude.
Hope that gives you food for thought!
You have the freedom to retire when you want to. By working a job electively for the next five years, you are providing yourself a much more secure financial future with a higher financial quality of life. And a feeling of control with your job, knowing that you can quit when you want.
It seems that with this backloading of benefits, the company values their competent, experienced employees. My son in law, a software engineer for a FAANG, is feeling pressure from his company as it continues to bring in young replacements for his colleagues who seem encouraged to leave. And he is in his mid 30 s. Realize how important it is to be valued at your job.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
When do these start? ie if you retire today, do they start today? That's 5 years of extra pension and healthcare.
However, if they both start later no matter when you retire, then estimate how many years of collecting (eg 30 years) and multiply out the difference to see how much you are giving up. If that number is big enough, you will find motivation.
(IMO don't count item 3 though, since after all you are working for those 5 years of wages. It's the benefits that count as the bonus)
How to take a mini retirement
I may do a separate thread about this with more financial details. I have twice in my life taken mini-retirements. First, I quit my job after saving up some money and cashing out PTO. Then I rented out my apartment by placing an ad and drawing up a sublet agreement. I stored my belongings in boxes a friend’s basement while keeping the apartment furnished. Then I traveled for three months. The second time, I did this I quit my job, and gave up the lease on my apartment, and traveled for 1.5 years. Anyone else?
Last edited by mvitulano on Mon May 10, 2021 8:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Galawdawg offers valuable comments and direct response to the question.
Not responding directly to your question on how to make the next five years enjoyable but will note that when I retired eight years ago at 53 I did not let the insurance tail wag the dog, and I was completely comfortable with giving up the revenue from my peak earning years in exchange for my time.
Not responding directly to your question on how to make the next five years enjoyable but will note that when I retired eight years ago at 53 I did not let the insurance tail wag the dog, and I was completely comfortable with giving up the revenue from my peak earning years in exchange for my time.
Last edited by J295 on Mon May 10, 2021 9:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I'm in a similar situation and have had a really hard time motivating myself at work. I appreciate some of the suggestions offered here - keep them coming! I recently dropped my hours from 40/week to 32/week and am hoping that will help but it's a little too early to tell. Another option could be a role where you can mentor younger people and get some sense of accomplishment from their success. I know my feeling of accomplishment from completing tasks/projects is um....waning.
I think the only real answer is just coming to an acceptance and appreciation that for most, a job is a means to an end, and you could easily have one that is worse. Easier said than done....
I think the only real answer is just coming to an acceptance and appreciation that for most, a job is a means to an end, and you could easily have one that is worse. Easier said than done....
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I'm not seriously considering quitting but financially it's almost certainly possible. I'm a fed, so I do still think about the golden handcuffs over a decade in the future, but I increasingly think about non-financial reasons I keep putting up with the work frustrations, such as:
Setting an example for my young kids.
Confidence that people need what I can do, and I do it pretty well.
Lack of confidence that I would not resort to being lazy (I'm in my mid 40s and don't know who we'd hang out with during the week).
Enjoying the workplace camaraderie / work friends.
Perhaps you can find some non-financial reasons as well. If not, I wouldn't wait 5 more years to get perhaps an extra $25k/year ($30k - taxes, plus a few k extra for the additional health insurance subsidy) if you're already set.
Setting an example for my young kids.
Confidence that people need what I can do, and I do it pretty well.
Lack of confidence that I would not resort to being lazy (I'm in my mid 40s and don't know who we'd hang out with during the week).
Enjoying the workplace camaraderie / work friends.
Perhaps you can find some non-financial reasons as well. If not, I wouldn't wait 5 more years to get perhaps an extra $25k/year ($30k - taxes, plus a few k extra for the additional health insurance subsidy) if you're already set.
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I've lost quite a bit of motivation, and I think has a lot to do with losing the social aspect of work over the last year.
I've spent over a year in my basement, managing employees and having meetings on Zoom/WebEx , working in isolation, and really seeing almost nobody but my wife and kids.
The lack of casual conversations which are not completely work related can easily lead to burn out.
If you're vaccinated, I'd suggest visiting people, and a vacation to clear your head. You may come back with a better sense if purpose.
My family is organizing a reunion in a little over a month, and I am really looking forward to it.
I've spent over a year in my basement, managing employees and having meetings on Zoom/WebEx , working in isolation, and really seeing almost nobody but my wife and kids.
The lack of casual conversations which are not completely work related can easily lead to burn out.
If you're vaccinated, I'd suggest visiting people, and a vacation to clear your head. You may come back with a better sense if purpose.
My family is organizing a reunion in a little over a month, and I am really looking forward to it.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Are you not motivated because you have other things you want to be doing? Or because you don't see anything at work that needs to be done? Or because you can see things that need to be done but don't feel capable of doing them? I worked at my last job for ten years, and until the last few months I felt I was pretty motivated. Certainly I felt motivated five years out. We can't know your work situation to provide any insight as to why you're not motivated, so you have to provide some idea of that.MrCheapo wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 2:59 pm I could retire now at 50 but I want to work on until 55 as the health care benefits improve dramatically and the pension I receive quite a bit as well. Those 5 years mean the difference between a great retirement and a very good retirement.
5 more years gets me from 75% company health insurance premium coverage to 100%.
5 more years gets me a $5K pension not a $2.5K pension
5 more years get me another $750K in income.
So the benefits of staying on are huge.
I have a very flexible job where I essentially define my own directions, but quite frankly, I've lost all motivation. Maybe its COVID but I suspect its just the feeling that the end is in sight.
Any suggestions on how to make the next five years enjoyable and not just getting up and counting down the days?
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I'm 54 years old and will be retiring next Spring. looking at this question in a cold hard light, for me, I reached the point on the corporate ladder around age 46-47 where it became apparent that I had reached my potential in terms of influence and level of authority in my organization and subsequently gradually and steadily lost interest.
I've been LITERALLY counting the days until retirement for the past 7 years.....every.....single.....day.
In a perfect world, I would have pivoted into a new company or even a new career. The reality is that companies build mechanisms (golden handcuffs) that economically incentivize you to stick it out and then inertia sets in. I take full responsibility for this and do not blame anyone or my employer. This proved to be a great decision financially speaking as my net worth doubled in the last 4 years of my career even as my job effectiveness dwindled due to increasing pay, stock options and RSUs buoyed by a huge and fortunate timing of my company's stock price.
I've been LITERALLY counting the days until retirement for the past 7 years.....every.....single.....day.
In a perfect world, I would have pivoted into a new company or even a new career. The reality is that companies build mechanisms (golden handcuffs) that economically incentivize you to stick it out and then inertia sets in. I take full responsibility for this and do not blame anyone or my employer. This proved to be a great decision financially speaking as my net worth doubled in the last 4 years of my career even as my job effectiveness dwindled due to increasing pay, stock options and RSUs buoyed by a huge and fortunate timing of my company's stock price.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
I can completely relate to this. I’m 60 and realistically those last few years will make things much more certain - no pension or retiree healthcare, just another $800k or even $1m in brute savings if I can stay disciplined. My ex and I were pretty set but divorce happened. So now it means the difference between an acceptable retirement and a really nice one. But my career has peaked, and I’m burned out. No idea how long I’ll actually be able to make it.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
In addition to LawDogs prescription, I would add that it is a great time to start advancing personal interests that will lead to a happy retirement. Someone with great success is likely to have dedicated time and effort to their work and may have had under-developed interests due to their work focus. A friend of mine just hit the stage in his first guitar concert, another just had their first art show, some people will start to deepen faith or a meditation practice. All of those can happen while working and over the next few years you can build capacity and a network for having fun in retirement.
Fortunately, for you, you could also retire
Fortunately, for you, you could also retire
I own the next hot stock- VTSAX
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
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Last edited by Zeno on Sun May 16, 2021 4:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Find something that brings you joy and be doing it/engaged in it.MrCheapo wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 2:59 pm I could retire now at 50 but I want to work on until 55 as the health care benefits improve dramatically and the pension I receive quite a bit as well. Those 5 years mean the difference between a great retirement and a very good retirement.
5 more years gets me from 75% company health insurance premium coverage to 100%.
5 more years gets me a $5K pension not a $2.5K pension
5 more years get me another $750K in income.
So the benefits of staying on are huge.
I have a very flexible job where I essentially define my own directions, but quite frankly, I've lost all motivation. Maybe its COVID but I suspect its just the feeling that the end is in sight.
Any suggestions on how to make the next five years enjoyable and not just getting up and counting down the days?
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Your answer is in there. Do you want a great retirement or a really good retirement? Is five more years worth the increase in the quality of retirement?
On one hand it's only 5 years. You'll be surprised at how fast it goes. Especially if you are taking concrete steps towards retirement. From 50-55 was just like 35-50. After 55 a stated to feel the years a little bit but not enough to change my lifestyle.
We plan. G-d laughs.
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
It is natural, I think, to begin to feel tired and looking forward to the next phase of life when approaching the ability to retire or the desire to do so. It is a mixed bag of greater awareness of all the things you no longer want to do and the beginning of planning for what comes next. One important aspect is to overwhelm the increasing desire to get away to something else and recognize that you can do the physical work without the same emotional commitment to it. Moving to PT, if possible, is one option, but begin to plan for the next phase, implementing it in ways that are possible, including things as simple as leaving work somewhat earlier, purchasing fewer work clothes or other things that might not even be noticed by colleagues. Others have made more immediate suggestions regarding actual retirement, but it is also important to have a general idea of what you are going to, not just what you are getting away from.
Tim
Tim
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
This. 110%.fortunefavored wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 3:42 pm Try to make shorter non-work related milestones to look forward to ("In 2 months we'll go camping" "In December we'll go to France" etc.)
If you could retire now, then everything you save and earn month-by-month is gravy.
Eat some of the gravy and spend some of the gravy.
Buy an e-bike and go ebiking every weekend for the next month.
Join some vaccinated MeetUp groups.
Help get people with no car to vaccination sites.
Book a GREAT weekend somewhere within 1-3 hrs drive for each of the next 6 months TOMORROW.
Buy a pressure washer today.
Go kick the tires on an RV that you aren’t going to buy yet.
Basically, act as much like a retiree now as you can.
"So, what would have been so terrible if I had a small fortune?"
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
Not in your situation today, but if you are already FI, what are you going to spend the extra $ on? First class travel? Vacation house? Hobbies? If the answer is 'you dont know', or 'nothing', you should consider retiring now. Money is useless, unless you spend/enjoy it.
If I was close ish to retirement, WFH, and needed to keep the motivation... I would rent a beach front condo, or something in the mountains, to keep it fresh and interesting
If I was close ish to retirement, WFH, and needed to keep the motivation... I would rent a beach front condo, or something in the mountains, to keep it fresh and interesting
Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
You may have up to 40 or more years of retirement after 55, and I think it’s worth 5 more years on investing in work to make it a great retirement. In the next 5 years you can plan for 40+ years of financial and physical health, and pick up a few hobbies for before and after retirement, and/or whatever makes you happier. If I were in your shoes I would count my blessings and keep working for 5 more years.MrCheapo wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 2:59 pm I could retire now at 50 but I want to work on until 55 as the health care benefits improve dramatically and the pension I receive quite a bit as well. Those 5 years mean the difference between a great retirement and a very good retirement.
5 more years gets me from 75% company health insurance premium coverage to 100%.
5 more years gets me a $5K pension not a $2.5K pension
5 more years get me another $750K in income.
So the benefits of staying on are huge.
...
John C. Bogle: "Never confuse genius with luck and a bull market".
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
sorry can't help you
I just informed my boss I'm outta here at the end of the month. (early 50s...been with this megacorp 20+ years)
every day I wake up I'm a little bit happier. every time I think of some stressor I remind myself : 'not my problem anymore...'
finances look good -- wife is 110% on board so we'll figure it out. good luck --
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I just informed my boss I'm outta here at the end of the month. (early 50s...been with this megacorp 20+ years)
every day I wake up I'm a little bit happier. every time I think of some stressor I remind myself : 'not my problem anymore...'
finances look good -- wife is 110% on board so we'll figure it out. good luck --
-----------------------------------------------------
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Re: Losing Motivation in Work - 5 Years To Go - Suggestions?
You are in a good spot overall OP.
I am 50 and losing motivation. But I have no choice but to keep going until 65. My finances got wrecked in a divorce. Just to get your level of wealth it will take me until 60 (if markets perform). If not I have to push it until 65. But I still have it good, could be worse. My parents brought us here as immigrants when they were 50. They had no money to speak of and had to work in tough jobs for 15 years to make it. There was no choice.
In my opinion 5 years will fly by! Enjoy life when not at work, and work to the best of your ability during work hours.
As some said earlier - enjoy each day and take it one day at a time.
I am 50 and losing motivation. But I have no choice but to keep going until 65. My finances got wrecked in a divorce. Just to get your level of wealth it will take me until 60 (if markets perform). If not I have to push it until 65. But I still have it good, could be worse. My parents brought us here as immigrants when they were 50. They had no money to speak of and had to work in tough jobs for 15 years to make it. There was no choice.
In my opinion 5 years will fly by! Enjoy life when not at work, and work to the best of your ability during work hours.
As some said earlier - enjoy each day and take it one day at a time.