While most of us are becoming empty nesters and thinking of retirement, downsizing, adventures, hobbies, healthcare, estate planning, grandchildren etc., others are getting married, changing careers and raising toddlers.
I would like to know how do you really feel about it? What are the pros and cons? |
Who is raising toddlers in their mid to late 50s??? |
People who have custody of their grandchildren? |
Turning 55 this year and my younger kid is 9. Don't feel like I have anything to be downsizing or winding down. It's full steam ahead in our house. I'm happy about that. Long retirements were unhealthy for both my parents and my ILs. THey lost all sense of purpose. |
I am comfortable with my life's path. Have no desire to do anything crazy or different. |
Really? I'm 58 and I'm exhausted! Got three kids through high school and college and successfully launched and I wish I had the energy to travel the world, etc. but instead I've got crotchety aged parents and an elderly cat and a job that doesn't even resemble the one I was doing five years ago (education -- with all its politics, etc. ) and I feel like I am barely hanging on. I'm ready to retire now! Wish i could afford to! |
Middle 50s. Youngest entering high school. Feeling a little impatient. I am not ready to be an empty nester. But, also feeling like I just want to get there already. Also, some days worry it won't be all that different and others that I have forgotten how to fill my time. |
I am 55 and have two out of college and one about to go to college. I'm feeling pretty ok and ready for the empty nest. Although I am still very connected to the kids and see them somewhat often. But for now, things are ok including health and money (especially with two already out of college). I realize that can change down the road, but I'm going to take the calm for now. |
I can't wait for the youngest to go off to college in 3 years. I'm going to retire then.
I will be free to do whatever I want, whenever I want. Go where I want on vacation, and when. No longer restricted by the school calendar. Honestly can't wait. I will, of course, miss my children. But, I also want them to fly and live their own lives and enjoy their young adulthood. |
I am also wary of long retirement. People tend to age quickly once out of the workforce |
Two friends and their second wives. |
55 and have a middle schooler. We just bought our dream house a few years ago and I’m already over it. As soon as our DD is finished with college, we’re getting an apartment in a high rise with a ton of amenities.
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Seem to be traveling a lot more. Still working, and still going to be working for several more years. Children becoming launched (one finished school and has a job, the other has one year of college left). It's exciting to have adult relationships with them both. I'm working on investing more in my relationships, but that is a slow process. It feels like a transition from primarily parenting to something else that hasn't quite fully taken shape yet. |
Only the ones who define themselves and their self worth by their job. |
If that’s true, I wonder how it affects SAHMs, who are empty nesters. |