OP here, back from a long absence on DCUM. Thanks for all the great suggestions PPs. Mostly I think I need to:

-- Step up my community involvement outside of work
-- Take better care of myself (sleep, exercise, etc., the usual)
-- Look for a new gig that, while it may be lateral, offers something new and interesting. Perhaps the simple act of looking around to see what else is out there will be enough to help me snap out of my funk.

It's reassuring to see that I've got so much company. Sorry for all those who are going through this "stuck and tired" feeling, too.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pay off your house. Make this your number one financial priority. Once you own your home you can retire.

13:58 here. Our house will be paid off next spring, and that's great, but we still have to save for retirement and finish getting our kids through college.

A paid-off mortgage is not the solution to all of life's financial obligations.

+1

I have 10 more years till I can retire with full Social Security at 67, and I still have at least four more years of college to help pay for for DC. So I'm slogging it out because I don't see an alternative. I have a pretty demanding job, but I've been doing it for a long time, so I'm pretty efficient (and hence check DCUM a few times a day). So there's really no coasting for me, but at least I'm not working 50-60 hours a week like I did in my 20s and 30s.

One big concern is health care. Without the ACA and even with it as you age, paying for health insurance without an employer paying a portion is a major concern. Since Medicare doesn't kick in until you're 65, consider yourself lucky if you can ride it out till then on a spouse's plan. That is not an option for me.

Anonymous wrote:OP you have a lot of company, it seems to me. Where I work folks are flying out the door at 55-60, but between a divorce at 50 and children still in college, I do not see leaving until at least 65-67, and I actually like my job. I am sandwiched between my children and my mom, and the only respite I get from care taking duties is at work. Until the situation presents that it is more advantageous not to be in the office here I stay.

Know what you mean buy taking a break by going to work.....in similar situation, better to work even if you dont need the money...

I feel you, OP. I'm turning 50 this year and have a 6 year old, so I won't be retiring anytime soon. I'm in a mid-level job in the public sector, with 20- and 30-somethings getting supervisory jobs above me. It is what it is.

I think a lot about leaving and finding something else, but I have great benefits and get good pay with regular raises. There's a lot to be said with stability and good health.

I've (only) been working for 15 years and I feel the same way.

Buy a powerball ticket. You most likely won't win but the $2 investment is a cheap distraction while you are slugging away in the office

OP you have a lot of company, it seems to me. Where I work folks are flying out the door at 55-60, but between a divorce at 50 and children still in college, I do not see leaving until at least 65-67, and I actually like my job. I am sandwiched between my children and my mom, and the only respite I get from care taking duties is at work. Until the situation presents that it is more advantageous not to be in the office here I stay.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:47?. I started my Fed job at 25. I can't get full retirement until 62. My minimum age of retirement (born in 1979( is 57 with 30 years of service.

I have 15 and I feel like I've been working forever. I started in a science lab job at 21 out of college--until grad school degree when I started Fed job.

Born in 1970. Not '79.

Seems like my agency offers a VERA almost every year. Draw your pension early with no penalty and keep your health insurance, sounds like a win to me.

Telecommute as much as you can. Being in the comfort of your own home without the commute should help.

I'm 47, and eligible to retire at 55 in my current job. I'd like to pick up other part-time work (consulting, teaching, etc) after that and we can live mainly on DH's income. It's feasible at this point, but nothing is guaranteed. Will have to reassess every few years.

Is there any chance your company may sponsor (or allow) you to do some type of mid-career management / leadership development program? Assuming a true sabbatical isn't in the cards, a mid-career option like this could give you some some perspective, a kick in your step so not just feeling that sense of coasting just to retirement??

We are sandwiched between kids and aging parents who will continue to require very expensive care. They live in a community where most are in the 90's. With thought that we will likely have their life span, I don't believe we will be able to afford retirement ourselves at a "normal" 65. Back when, people retired at 65 and funded a retirement of approximately 10-15 years plus the health insurance was pretty good compared to what's out there now for us. Forecasting that retirement may be "never" is actually energizing. We feel that we have plenty in time in front of us to explore augmenting our income in a new way or even change careers. I think it is the mental exhaustion of repeatedly doing the same thing that makes us tired. We're not our parents' 50 and there aren't any good options than taking each step at a time. I don't know if it'll work to continue to refuse to feel or act old but that's all we can do. House is paid off, we live simply and save.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:51 male. Think of all who have more serious issues like failing health. Working is a blessing because so many who wish to work are unable to. Like could be a whole lot worse...

and that is a reason to do nothing?

I think the point was to appreciate what you have, while you have it.