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I am 67 years old, have a good job that pays at the top of my range, is hybrid and is 20 minutes from home. I have saved for retirement but not as much as I would like and would like to max out my Social Security and work until I turn 70 as it would mean an extra $1000 per month. My issue is I'm really tired and getting burned out.

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I am 67 years old, have a good job that pays at the top of my range, is hybrid and is 20 minutes from home. I have saved for retirement but not as much as I would like and would like to max out my Social Security and work until I turn 70 as it would mean an extra $1000 per month. My issue is I'm really tired and getting burned out.

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  1. Linda Quarshie

    Some thoughts that come to mind, you are 3 years shy of your 70 mark and I’m going to assume you are in good health but if that $1k more means a lot, have you considered looking into how your SS will be impacted if you stepped back slightly in your role/responsibilites? It will surprise you what employers will negotiate for a great worker but I will say create a written plan and present it and show how the responsibilities you are stepping away from can be assumed and how much less you will be willing to take for the less role. Most importantly, put it in writing so there is no misunderstanding when you proposal gets relayed from one person to another. Good luck!

  2. Leigh Jones

    Careful with stepping back from work. That comes with a salary decrease which affects your social security calculations.

    Your social security benefit is calculated on your top 35 earning years. You don’t want to decrease your earnings so much that your benefit is affected.

  3. Anonymous

    Good advice. I am sure my company would not consider me stepping back as we are so short handed as it is.

    Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it.

  4. Anonymous

    Thanks for your suggestions. I am sure stepping back on my work responsibilities is not possible but I will try and reconsider what I can give up.

  5. Leigh Jones

    Have you calculated what your expenses are going to be in retirement? Since you’re still working, I presume you didn’t take Medicare. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, research. Not signing up for Medicare if you don’t have a current acceptable insurance policy results in a permanent late enrollment penalty that can be hundreds of dollars a month) Have you calculated what Medicare insurance is going to cost? What part of your social security is going to be taxed?

    What are your monthly expenses going to be? Where are you living? What are your homeowners and auto insurance expenses expected to be? Do you own? When will your roof and HVAC need to be replaced? How much will you need to put aside for those? What are your condo or HOA fees doing?

    really look at how much money you’re going to need. Calculate your budget. Then you can see if you can step back from your current position.

    Is a part-time position a possibility when you retire? Give you’re 67 now, your full retirement age was 65. There are no income limitations on earnings for you.

    I’m about ten years behind you and started researching retirement last year. There are way more things that cost way more money than I thought. Looking at my retirement savings and expected social security, most of my social security benefit will be taxable.

    Do your research. Unfortunately you may find you may have to power through the last 1000ish days of employment.

  6. Anonymous

    I think your right.

  7. Halima Yusuf

    Can you take a break? Maybe a mental health break for like 6 weeks. That will give you a break from work, some time to rest and recover, then go back to work feeling rejuvenated.

  8. Anonymous

    That might work. Thanks!

  9. Anonymous

    Balance the work with things that make you happy daily, weekly, and on weekends....if not you will burn the candle to a nub before you achieve this goal. Good luck!

  10. Anonymous

    if you have a qualifying reason, you can file an accommodation through HR for intermittent leaves.

    ex 4 hours every Friday. You can’t be fired for requesting an intermittent leave when it is treatment for a qualifying issue. Depends on your state rules, but might be paid or

    unpaid. It’s job protected. That’s better than taking a sabbatical.

  11. Anonymous

    I guess you would need to ask what teh extra $1000 will do for you? Invest or health?

    If you are already burnt out what will the next 3 years look for you?

  12. Anonymous

    Yes. I will take the advice here and take a holiday and think on all of this. Thankfully I am blessed with very good health and a family history of long healthy lives. I am researching where to retire, and outside the US is looking better and better.

    I have so much to consider. Thanks for your advice.

  13. Anonymous

    Find yourself a good retirement planner and get expert advice on this. Most of them will provide a first consultation for free.

  14. Anonymous

    My financial advisor favors my retirement at the end of the year but I am.really focused on the additional 1,000 per month in benefits. That would make things more than comfortable. But again, I'm tired. I think I need to consider an immediate work life balance upgrade.

  15. Anonymous

    I was laid off from my high paying role at age 63 when my job was eliminated in a restructure. I made the decision to go back to the low paying industry I loved, in a lesser role with less responsibility, rather than continue to pursue a paycheck doing work I only tolerated. Note this is an option I could financially afford to do. I make almost $35k less, but I’m doing work I love while still receiving health benefits. And I’m staying active as I tend to be a homebody and I worry about how I would fill my time not working. When I turn 65, and qualify for Medicare, my goal is to work part time. Is this an option for you?

  16. Anonymous

    4 words - You Have One Life.

  17. Anonymous

    Be flexible. I also planned to wait until 70 but situations change. Now, I am prepared to claim it at 68 because the job market sucks and I might need the added income. I am still getting more than I would have had I claimed it at 66. Situations change. Do what works best for you.

  18. surfnwrite

    Do it. 3 years goes by in a heartbeat. I intend to work to 70. Do whatever you need to do to get your mojo back. You'll be glad when it's over.

  19. Anonymous

    Fill up your well (ie burnout) externally. Find something that makes you feel less burned out because that’s a lot of money. You’re gonna need it. And three years does go by quickly. You can’t get that money opportunity back once it’s gone. I’m almost 60 and I plan to work until the last possible minute. I don’t suspect I’ll be able to live off of Social Security though.

  20. na1102

    Speak w your accountant and financial advisor. Is it worth working an additional : yrs to accumulate the added income? It might not be worth the wait.

  21. GirlBossanova934974

    To be blunt, are you confident you are going to make it another 3 years at the current rate? It is time to be asking the tough questions. Maybe a job with less stress or company with less stress is the way to go? Better management of the assets you have already saved for retirement? If you live in your own home, time to sell it now while prices are still quite high and then downsize into a much smaller apartment or townhome?

  22. Anonymous

    First step would be to get a professional money manager's opinion. Many of them have remarkable calculators that can determine how long your money will last depending on a lot of variables. You may be surprised!

    Getting burned out is different from truly being burned out. It really comes down to how much longer you need to work. If you speak to a financial advisor and they tell you it is a couple years (or less!) then I'd suggest plowing through. If it is more than a couple years, then perhaps get something paying less that would not be as painful and you could do for several years.

  23. CMT

    You need to weigh your options at this point quality of life is starting to sufferyou need to weigh your options financially, and see the pros and cons of your situation.Could you downsize ? If so will your house make you money ? Even downsize could save you $$ in general including overhead and pocket that $$ for retirement??
    could you retire now get a part-time job and that would compensate for some of the extra money that you’re getting with Social Security later on because you don’t have to take Social Security right away?

  24. Anonymous

    Congrats on your milestone and I am going through the same thing - feeling too young with too much to offer, but the anxiety i feel when thinking of staying on my present field is overwhelming. I’m really considering looking for a low-paying role

    just to be active and social and try to squeak through until I’m 70. I’m curious to hear what you decide so keep us posted and good luck. Also a tip, I’ve been going to the free dinner seminars on retirement facts and how to manage your money. Don’t sign up for any of them until you’ve heard many different companies and investigated them thoroughly. I went to one that I was liking and upon investigation on the IAPD site, I found some unsavory stuff. But they are very insightful. Best of luck!

  25. Anonymous

    Keep in mind that SS $$ is based on your income, so it may be to your detriment to take a lower paying job before collecting SS. However, you can take a lower paying position and still collect SS. Though you need to work within SS guidelines to be able to still work PT and collect full SS.

  26. Anonymous

    I've seen some great answers here, but I thought I would ask one thing: Is it possible to take an extended vacation or a short sabbatical? These won't affect your retirement as you have likely worked long enough that any short time off without pay is inconsequential to your SSA benefits. Some downtime may be all you need to refresh and gain perspective. You can also use the time for some of the things suggested, such as seeking other, less stressful, or part-time work, starting a new hobby, and working through your plan with a financial advisor.

  27. Kitty

    I am 55 and have a ways to go- I get up at 4:30 and walk for an hour a day before work and take plenty of time for me- self-care is so important- we will get there! Be strong- you can do this!!

  28. Anonymous

    I'm 68 1/2 and will hopefully work til 70 or longer. Like you, I arise early and work out for 45 minutes!! I also take my full breaks at work and go outside. So Calif always able to walk outdoors. Sets the tone for my day and keeps me feeling young, strong, fit, healthy and energetic.

  29. Anonymous

    Try to stick it out if you can! I turn 67 in a couple of months. I left a well-paying job two years ago when it was eliminated and the alternative they offered was not appealing. I have a small business and did pretty well in 2023, but 2024 has been slower. I am not yet drawing Social Security for the same reasons you state. But wow! The expenses really pile up. Health insurance, property taxes, groceries. Money is tight. My plan had been to work until 70. I'd grit my teeth and do it if you can.

  30. Anonymous

    1. Seek financial advisor to go over retirement and social security.

    2. Take care of yourself physically. Do all recommended medical and dental tests and procedures while you have insurance.
    3. Move your body every single day. Take walks outside during your work breaks. Sunshine does wonders for feeling burned out.
    4. Take your vacation time in small chunks like long weekends. Use the time to do local outings that don't cost a lot. Or enjoy taking some community classes.
    5. Become more involved in your church. Or volunteer in your community. Helping others helps us too! Best way to take focus off self is to be useful and serve others in need.
    6. Clean out your home and downsize if needed. Sell or donate item and clothes, etc. to worthy cause.
    7. If able, decrease your hours but just enough that it won't affect your SS benefits.
    8. Praying it works out for you.

  31. Anita Satkiewicz

    This is the most perfect reply I have every read here. I am praying with you.

  32. Tami L Cannizzaro

    This! One of the keys to managing or avoiding burnout is to make sure to engage in outside activities that you enjoy. I also agree - from experience - that physical activity is the best medicine. Her vacation is advice is good too. If you prefer longer vacations, that’s fine. I read once that we should have our next vacation planned before we leave for the current vacation. Theory is that rather than being sad about our vacation ending, we can return to work knowing we already have something to look forward to. I think my “fun” activities do that for me. The friends I’ve made at the gym are anxious to see me and I’m ready to get back in my groove for a while.

    if you haven’t already, find those outside sources that make you happy!

  33. Anonymous

    Is giving yourself a bit of a break an option? Either a long vacation or a short sabbatical?

  34. Anonymous

    On the other side think about expenses you have now that you may not have once you retire (gas, wear and tear in vehicle, lunches out, takeout when you're too tired to cook, work wardrobe, etc).

  35. Janice Sutherland

    There are some great responses here - I'm almost 60 and semi retired but planned to get to this point over 5 years ago. Now I work with other women to create their escape plan. Be clear on your goals. Do your financial research ( trust me there are things you can live without) and create a plan. You want to be in control of what happens and not be forced to leave when you're not ready or able to enjoy retirement.

  36. Anonymous

    Very timely for me. I'm expecting a recruiter call, yes or no on next steps.

    I'd rather stay in my currrent job but think this other job could get me closer to 65 more financially securely. But ... you never know. I'm 60 now and would love to work to 67, with nice people, preferably from home and for lots of money. Oh well! Wish you all the best!!

  37. Hella Willis

    You are inspiring. I wonder if, say, you get an additional $500 monthly retiring now. That’s +$500/m for 3y or +$500/m*36m. Or +$18,000 you aren’t collecting at all.

    You and a financial advisor could run your actual numbers as an excercise to see what benefit you aren’t earning as you opt to work.

    Good luck!!

  38. Anonymous

    Hi there,

    You and I are in the same boat. I will be 67 this year and have saved for retirement but not as much as I would like or to at least have my home paid for. I'm trying to make it to 70 or at least 69, I have enough in retirement to live for a year or 2 in order to delay claiming Social Security before the max kicks in, which for me is an extra $800 per month. I work fully remote and some days are better than others. Everyday I say to myself, hold on for one more day. It makes it easier.

  39. Anonymous

    It helps when the year is flying by. It makes me believe that it is going to be manageable.

  40. Kris Wolfram

    Maybe see if you can work 4 days a week. In some companies you can still be considered benefit eligible at 32 hours.

  41. Anonymous

    This is a great idea. Thank you

  42. Ruth Robbins

    Hang in for the time left if the future bump up in monthly SS payment is worth it to you. Which it is. BUT can you ask for one more day of work at home? What things on the outside of work can ease the heat of working at this demanding position? Massage, yoga, meditation. Hire a coach to help you tide this out in terms of working smarter and easier.

  43. Anonymous

    Thank you!

  44. Leader135412

    Hang in there the best you can. It's 36 months, take one month at a time and start counting down. You can do it. Don't let them get to you.

  45. Anonymous

    That's actually a great way to look at my plan or strategy. Thank you.

  46. Anonymous

    Try dividing your PTO by quarter if you get 4 weeks and request it in advance so you have a regular break to look forward to.

  47. Jessica Kahan

    Have you considered looking for a job where you can work remotely/ online? That might be a good option.

  48. Anonymous

    I’m your age and still working. I’m taking my social security along with my salary which is grand as I bank the social security and live on my salary… actually I bank a good

    portion of that as well. My job is crazy and stressful but not working, psychologically for me is more stressful. I suggest you treat yourself to some time off and make your leisure time a priority instead of your job or worrying about making extra $$ a month in social security at

    the expense of your happiness and mental health. Things happen and you may regret making sacrifices like this for a teeny bit of money.

  49. Anonymous

    I'm 40 and am planning to work until I'm 70 for this very reason. I never imagined having another 30 years ahead of me at this point in my career.

  50. Soph

    You say the job is good, pays well, and it's easy to get to. What do you feel burned out over? Are you just over working in general? Maybe take a vacation or rediscover things about your role or outside of work that energizes you. You're in the home stretch and you might miss that additional $1K if you stop before 70.

  51. Anonymous

    The government is hoping you don’t live until you are 70 or 71. Take the benefits now while you are alive.

  52. Anonymous

    My family all live until late 90s early 100s. We are a healthy stock ? I have never had any health issues and unless I'm hit by a bus I'm looking at conservatively 25 years of retirement. Everyone in my family lived in their own homes and still drove into 80s so I my chances of a long happy life are pretty good. I'm just tired of working and the grind of dealing with corporate politics. So while the $ is great, I am weary of working since I was 16.

  53. Anonymous

    My parents are both in their mid 80's and still living and doing well. At age 59, my dad accepted an early retirement deal that was "too good to pass up." Mom was about the same age when she retired as well. Now, after 25 years in retirement, they feel like they are outliving their retirement savings. If you ask my dad, he'll tell you that his biggest regret is retiring too early from a job that he would have been OK staying at another 10 years. Then again, someone who is 67 might already have some health problems and live another five years. To that I would say, way keep working at a job that is unfulfilling and causing burn out? The challenge is that is such a numbers game and nobody can predict how many years they will need their retirement savings to last or if they will regret gutting it out at a job they loathe instead of enjoying a few extra years in retirement.

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