Conundrum
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So - I've spent years managing my money, along with a like-minded and cooperative Mrs. Between that and some pensions, eventual social security, and savings, I can retire whenever I want. Point: I still have lots of fun coding and seeing the software being used year after year. I am, as I often put it, paid to play. Spent a whole lifetime doing that. Counterpoint: I'm healthy enough now to get lots of traveling in, but am severely limited by employer vacation limits (unpaid leave is not gladly given). I have lots of things I need to get done that have been put off too long. So, the question is "what am I waiting for?", or perhaps "do I wish to jump headlong into the abyss?"
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
I agree with DEJ. Went through that some 25 years ago. Took it. Contracted to an outfit setting up (wired) networks and systems at trade shows, Comdex, Internet World (big in those days) as well as a lot of small shows. Did some programming for support stuff, lead generation, etc. mostly scripts. Slung 17-20" CRT monitors, argued with W95, OS/2 and such. Traveled the US, took time to see stuff after shows packed up. Paid my way (including MRS) plus some spending money. Did that for about 5 years. Later hooked up with a couple of outfits that I could support remotely using VPN to hardware firewalls. If nothing else was available, I used a MiFi. Quit one, still do the other. Written lots of small programs/scripts to support them. One failed adventure into a retail program (earned almost $.05 an hour from sales). BEWARE: Some companies will offer to hire you "part time". That, to me, should be 20 hours a week or so. For them, it was 60 hours a week for 4 weeks. Maybe. Make sure you retire TO something, not FROM something. Watching the grass grow in the back yard sucks. :)
Arguing with a woman is like reading the Software License Agreement. In the end, you ignore everything and click "I agree". Anonymous
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So - I've spent years managing my money, along with a like-minded and cooperative Mrs. Between that and some pensions, eventual social security, and savings, I can retire whenever I want. Point: I still have lots of fun coding and seeing the software being used year after year. I am, as I often put it, paid to play. Spent a whole lifetime doing that. Counterpoint: I'm healthy enough now to get lots of traveling in, but am severely limited by employer vacation limits (unpaid leave is not gladly given). I have lots of things I need to get done that have been put off too long. So, the question is "what am I waiting for?", or perhaps "do I wish to jump headlong into the abyss?"
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
Well you got 2 choices, 1. work at a well paid job and save lots for your dreams - only to find despite having the funds you're too old and decrepit to do those things (for instance, like walk the great wall) 2. seeing as you're OK enough to retire do them now while you can still walk. You mention you would find something to go back to, even if at the community centre teaching for less money - you can't take it with you so if less money is still enough then great, so that's what you do when you get back. As others also mentioned never retire to 'do nothing,' it's 100% a sure way to shorten your life. (seen it with my own eyes - my parents, their friends, my friends parents... way too many times to believe it's a coincidence).
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W∴ Balboos wrote:
do I wish to jump headlong into the abyss?
Jump. It sounds like you'll be able to enjoy the abyss with a nice parachute. ;)
Latest Article - Class-less Coding - Minimalist C# and Why F# and Function Programming Has Some Advantages Learning to code with python is like learning to swim with those little arm floaties. It gives you undeserved confidence and will eventually drown you. - DangerBunny Artificial intelligence is the only remedy for natural stupidity. - CDP1802
Yeah - in a sense my considering it means I think the parachute's in good shape. It's so tempting - the paranoia is maintained in that, at my age, re-employment as a developer is an unlikely possibility. If I make it through into 2018, I'd like to put in at least the first 1/3 year so I have what Social Security refers to as 'substantial income'. Social Security, for that matter, is still off in the future a bit. Yet - as you observed - I sort of defined the situation with a built-in answer.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
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Well you got 2 choices, 1. work at a well paid job and save lots for your dreams - only to find despite having the funds you're too old and decrepit to do those things (for instance, like walk the great wall) 2. seeing as you're OK enough to retire do them now while you can still walk. You mention you would find something to go back to, even if at the community centre teaching for less money - you can't take it with you so if less money is still enough then great, so that's what you do when you get back. As others also mentioned never retire to 'do nothing,' it's 100% a sure way to shorten your life. (seen it with my own eyes - my parents, their friends, my friends parents... way too many times to believe it's a coincidence).
Format Success. Welcome to your new signa&*(gD@@@:beer:@@@@@@*@x@@
That's paranoia #2 - keeping my mind stimulated. I've actually started a list of what I'd be doing (much more positive than a bucket list). Practicality is part of it. For example - the teaching - it would not surprise me if the only people who get those gigs are connected (which I am not). The list serves the duel purpose of being an eye-opener to what do I do with myself and simultaneously a series of fall-back plans. Of the later, there must be sufficient items purely in my own control to prevent that lethal disaster.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
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Well - I already did the contractor thing - most of the time with my current employer. If looking into work, I was thinking about trying to get involved in teaching some of the CED courses they give in the community. Pay isn't that great, but it it could be stimulating. Since all of the students are paying because they want to learn it shouldn't be bad. Or (although I wouldn't be the first CP'er to do so) I could get into local politics.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
Well, if money is not an issue then teaching is a viable option. They do get lots of time off. Do you have the credentials to teach at the university level or were you thinking about teaching at a technical school?
if (Object.DividedByZero == true) { Universe.Implode(); } Meus ratio ex fortis machina. Simplicitatis de formae ac munus. -Foothill, 2016
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Well, if money is not an issue then teaching is a viable option. They do get lots of time off. Do you have the credentials to teach at the university level or were you thinking about teaching at a technical school?
if (Object.DividedByZero == true) { Universe.Implode(); } Meus ratio ex fortis machina. Simplicitatis de formae ac munus. -Foothill, 2016
I've the credential to teach Chemistry at the university level - but not a likely option. The plan was relaxing CED courses - not a big money maker. A thing to do to keep busy that'd stimulate keeping up with the field(s).
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
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So - I've spent years managing my money, along with a like-minded and cooperative Mrs. Between that and some pensions, eventual social security, and savings, I can retire whenever I want. Point: I still have lots of fun coding and seeing the software being used year after year. I am, as I often put it, paid to play. Spent a whole lifetime doing that. Counterpoint: I'm healthy enough now to get lots of traveling in, but am severely limited by employer vacation limits (unpaid leave is not gladly given). I have lots of things I need to get done that have been put off too long. So, the question is "what am I waiting for?", or perhaps "do I wish to jump headlong into the abyss?"
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
I currently take 2 months unpaid leave a year, and it is still not enough for the things I need to do.
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH
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I've the credential to teach Chemistry at the university level - but not a likely option. The plan was relaxing CED courses - not a big money maker. A thing to do to keep busy that'd stimulate keeping up with the field(s).
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
Well, if you don't mind moving to small town U.S.A.†, there are dozens of small universities that would hire you to teach computer science even with the chemistry background. Depending on the size, you might be able to do both. At the university here, one of my computer science professors also taught physics. The smaller universities are a little more lenient with professors crossing curriculum boundaries since they lack the staff. †population < 150K
if (Object.DividedByZero == true) { Universe.Implode(); } Meus ratio ex fortis machina. Simplicitatis de formae ac munus. -Foothill, 2016
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Well, if you don't mind moving to small town U.S.A.†, there are dozens of small universities that would hire you to teach computer science even with the chemistry background. Depending on the size, you might be able to do both. At the university here, one of my computer science professors also taught physics. The smaller universities are a little more lenient with professors crossing curriculum boundaries since they lack the staff. †population < 150K
if (Object.DividedByZero == true) { Universe.Implode(); } Meus ratio ex fortis machina. Simplicitatis de formae ac munus. -Foothill, 2016
Foothill wrote:
moving to small town U.S.A.
Been there (eleven years worth). Absolutely no way!
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
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Foothill wrote:
moving to small town U.S.A.
Been there (eleven years worth). Absolutely no way!
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
I can understand. The internet out there is sort of crappy. It's pretty quick here but I've been waiting years for Google to expand their fiber network to here so that I can get off of cable and jump up to 750MBS+ and say good-bye to HD video buffering.
if (Object.DividedByZero == true) { Universe.Implode(); } Meus ratio ex fortis machina. Simplicitatis de formae ac munus. -Foothill, 2016
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So - I've spent years managing my money, along with a like-minded and cooperative Mrs. Between that and some pensions, eventual social security, and savings, I can retire whenever I want. Point: I still have lots of fun coding and seeing the software being used year after year. I am, as I often put it, paid to play. Spent a whole lifetime doing that. Counterpoint: I'm healthy enough now to get lots of traveling in, but am severely limited by employer vacation limits (unpaid leave is not gladly given). I have lots of things I need to get done that have been put off too long. So, the question is "what am I waiting for?", or perhaps "do I wish to jump headlong into the abyss?"
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
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I can understand. The internet out there is sort of crappy. It's pretty quick here but I've been waiting years for Google to expand their fiber network to here so that I can get off of cable and jump up to 750MBS+ and say good-bye to HD video buffering.
if (Object.DividedByZero == true) { Universe.Implode(); } Meus ratio ex fortis machina. Simplicitatis de formae ac munus. -Foothill, 2016
No - you misunderstand - it's not the internet - if it were the internet, one could presume that even a small college/university would cause installation of decent speed. At home, I'm content with 25Mb - and it's more than I ever use. It's the small town. The lifestyle, the people, the whole hellish snake pit. If you've grown up that way it's probably wonderful. To me, a nightmare.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
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Duncan Edwards Jones wrote:
Find a company that will let you work remotely, travel the world and hotdesk. (Most cities in the world now have daily/weekly hotdesk spaces to rent)
Doing that legally needs work visas not tourist ones. If you try flying under the radar you're only 1 ooops from being deported or jailed. :doh:
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, weighing all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt
Man - not being a member of a single market (with intrinsic freedom of movement) is a pain. OK - step 1 - become European.
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So - I've spent years managing my money, along with a like-minded and cooperative Mrs. Between that and some pensions, eventual social security, and savings, I can retire whenever I want. Point: I still have lots of fun coding and seeing the software being used year after year. I am, as I often put it, paid to play. Spent a whole lifetime doing that. Counterpoint: I'm healthy enough now to get lots of traveling in, but am severely limited by employer vacation limits (unpaid leave is not gladly given). I have lots of things I need to get done that have been put off too long. So, the question is "what am I waiting for?", or perhaps "do I wish to jump headlong into the abyss?"
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
Talk to your company. See if they will let you go part time, take sabbaticals. If you are useful, they will say yes. If not, they will tell you something else, unrepeatable in the Lounge. :)
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No - you misunderstand - it's not the internet - if it were the internet, one could presume that even a small college/university would cause installation of decent speed. At home, I'm content with 25Mb - and it's more than I ever use. It's the small town. The lifestyle, the people, the whole hellish snake pit. If you've grown up that way it's probably wonderful. To me, a nightmare.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
For the sake of clarity, what do you consider a small town. For me, I have classified a small town as between 100 and 150 thousand ever since I lived in Chicago and San Diego.
if (Object.DividedByZero == true) { Universe.Implode(); } Meus ratio ex fortis machina. Simplicitatis de formae ac munus. -Foothill, 2016
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Talk to your company. See if they will let you go part time, take sabbaticals. If you are useful, they will say yes. If not, they will tell you something else, unrepeatable in the Lounge. :)
That option would likely be in their interest. I generously comment my code but pretty much half the business is running on frameworks I built. They'll run a long time - but if they want to make changes - good luck to that. If I go that route and they say 'no', I'm a rather expensive per diem contractor. But, then, that's if they perceive me as useful. The place has changed over the years, especially recently, and "vision" isn't what I'd call a specialty.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
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For the sake of clarity, what do you consider a small town. For me, I have classified a small town as between 100 and 150 thousand ever since I lived in Chicago and San Diego.
if (Object.DividedByZero == true) { Universe.Implode(); } Meus ratio ex fortis machina. Simplicitatis de formae ac munus. -Foothill, 2016
No number in particular. I put down five years in Chicago - what I referred to, then, as "a small town of two million". It's all a matter of cultural norms.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
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That option would likely be in their interest. I generously comment my code but pretty much half the business is running on frameworks I built. They'll run a long time - but if they want to make changes - good luck to that. If I go that route and they say 'no', I'm a rather expensive per diem contractor. But, then, that's if they perceive me as useful. The place has changed over the years, especially recently, and "vision" isn't what I'd call a specialty.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
You never know how they will respond, but letting you go part time saves them money, so it is attractive, provided they get the work done when they need it. And as you know, as a permie, a lot of time is spent doing not much. Part time you would be more focused, like a contractor, on problem tasks. So ask them, sounds like win win to me.
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No number in particular. I put down five years in Chicago - what I referred to, then, as "a small town of two million". It's all a matter of cultural norms.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
"If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010
Not going to argue with that. I don't much care for the predominant cultural norms of my current area of residence but I don't exactly have the ability to pick up and leave. There's a lot of good people here but the religious crusader minority has borrowed from the NRA playbook and is very politically active while the rest of us are too busy working to even follow what's going on in the state legislature. So, we get a lot of laws passed that are not supported by the silent majority so we have shifted to a revolving door legislature for the last couple of elections.
if (Object.DividedByZero == true) { Universe.Implode(); } Meus ratio ex fortis machina. Simplicitatis de formae ac munus. -Foothill, 2016
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Man - not being a member of a single market (with intrinsic freedom of movement) is a pain. OK - step 1 - become European.
moving around like that, how long do you get before you're expected to register locally for tax purposes? That could turn into a cluster :elephant: fast.
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, weighing all things in the balance of reason? Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful? --Zachris Topelius Training a telescope on one’s own belly button will only reveal lint. You like that? You go right on staring at it. I prefer looking at galaxies. -- Sarah Hoyt