I turn 58 and I am over my job.

54 Comments

1. AnonymousDecember 30,2025 at 8:51PM UTC

   I'm your age and not even considering retiring in the foreseeable future. I recently met a lady who was getting ready to celebrate her hundredth birthday; 58 is not "old" and I would share your hesitation about retiring right now. Why not start applying for better jobs that also offer healthcare; leave your current job when something better comes along instead of letting it make you stop working sooner than you planned?

2. AnonymousDecember 30,2025 at 10:35PM UTC

   Because I've been an overachiever; working since I was 15, A+ student, stress stress stress and I am OVER IT. My current job is giving me stress over using allegedly "unlimited" PTO. I haven't had a real grown up vacation that wasn't a staycation in 15 years. Been at this job 5+ years and salaries are pretty much the same now but I would have to go into an office again, which I am NOT doing.

3. misskelleypDecember 30,2025 at 9:54PM UTC

   I haven't retired purely because of healthcare expenses. Buying individual policies is SO expensive.

4. AnonymousDecember 30,2025 at 10:35PM UTC

   Do you have OKish ACA plans in your state?

5. Janelle PruittDecember 31,2025 at 1:15PM UTC

   Keep your job until you get another one.

6. GirlBossanova934974December 31,2025 at 1:19PM UTC

   Go look for a job that pays better and has a better healthcare policy or policies. Stay away from companies with known histories of regular layoffs etc.. read glassdoor ratings very very carefully before u go anywhere.

7. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 1:19PM UTC

   I’m 58, will be 59 in Feb. The Friday before my 60th next year will be my last day of full time “desk work” The insurance issue is a big one, but my financial advisor says we can make it work. I have seen too many people delay retirement and then not be able to enjoy it. I have saved and lived within my means for 37 years. Time to enjoy!

8. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 1:23PM UTC

   I turn 58 next month and I still feel young! These are the best years of my life. I love working, I am physically in shape, and I love my life. I hate my job though and have been searching for something better and more rewarding. I am working on professional certifications and intend to work as long as I am able to. If I were to retire now, I would not be able to afford living expenses and also, because I enjoy working, I would probably get depressed. I have been in terrible work environments (current one included) but there ARE good jobs out there. I am currently interviewing for a position and I was delighted to see that the ladies on the team are my age. None of them are talking about retirement, but instead advancement opportunities and the nice things about the company. It was refreshing to me. I hope they offer me the job!

9. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 6:35AM UTC

   This post gives me so much hope. I, too, enjoy working and really hope to find a company as refreshing as the one you describe interviewing with. Rooting for that job offer for you!

10. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 1:34PM UTC

    I am 55. My husband retired this year at 57. When he did, I decided to leave my CEO position of a non-profit and find something less demanding and stressful, but offered health insurance. I took a job at our local hospital as a scheduler in the Cath Lab. SMARTEST move I ever made. Job pays ok, but a significantly less than I've made in past. The insurance is amazing and makes up for the cut in pay. They were hesitant to hire me because I was "over qualified" but a year later - I think they're happy they have a reliable adult in the role who shows up and cares. Think outside the box - hospitals are usually always looking for administrative roles.

11. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 9:29PM UTC

    You know, that is another great idea. I live a short walk from the hospital where I also see my GP and get most of my standard testing done, and I do have experience in doing higher-end admin stuff in a healthcare environment. Maybe something part time but with health insurance.

12. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 2:10PM UTC

    Following the discussion. I turn 64 In a few weeks Still working. Not over working but over the micromanagement, two weeks of vacation, etc with current. Would love to retire or at least work for myself. Have same concerns as poster.

13. SPQDecember 31,2025 at 3:37PM UTC

    You can always pick up contract or part time work in something you enjoy. They may not offer health coverage but perhaps it covers what you need it to, and you'll enjoy it.

14. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 3:58PM UTC

    At 55, I went through something similar. Your FA should be able to tell you if you can stop working. If you are still unsure and you decide to take some time off, I suggest you create an LLC (very easy and very cheap) and look for some part-time consulting work. Even if you do not find anything, you can always point to 'tried starting my own consulting business' in interviews. That should come across as taking initiative, and not so much as didnt want to work anymore. This way-- when you are ready --- you wont feel as much pressure to take the first thing that comes along.

15. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 9:27PM UTC

    That's actually a great idea. Also, in my field, jobs are both W-2 and 1099; if I have my own LLC is makes doing 1099 gigs less of a pain in the ass.

16. AnonymousMarch 14,2026 at 2:44PM UTC

    glad i could help!

17. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 4:18PM UTC

    I am 63 and so over my job. Each day, I pray for a layoff/let go by my employer - this way - I get a severance and insurance to carry to 65 and medicare. We just went through a downsize/right size effort and i am still there.

    I am working with my FA and even though it all looks good on paper, the insurance is the huge wildcard.

    A co-worker to early retirement but now the insurance is getting out of hand, so they have started consulting. I really like the one person's comment about setting up a LLC and trying consulting. This way it isn't a gap on your resume.

18. G MicheleJanuary 4,2026 at 3:58PM UTC

    FYI - most companies don’t give severance packages- don’t count on that.

19. AnonymousJanuary 5,2026 at 2:10PM UTC

    Oh I know that been there and saw it - see it with friends. But I also know what my company does and how they pay out. I also have the benefit of knowing a few employment lawyers who have reviewed the previous and current packages of my company. People also talk. They do offer packages and decent ones at that. Way cheaper than having someone take unemployment and also the severance package they provide prevents you from talking smack about the company. .

20. maria roseDecember 31,2025 at 5:12PM UTC

    We all reach that point of hating our job at many times in our working lives because let’s face it there’s no dream job around. But when you reach the possibility of retirement, you need to approach that consideration differently than just upending it as radically as you did when young and healthy and have a way to live financially secure. Realize the very tie reality that ageism is very real and will stand in your way of downsizing your role in the workplace or continued employment. Before you give in to those very real negative feelings, analyze your financial situation in detail because that level of income you are expecting to have is not going to increase in retirement as your income increases in your working earnings. Is your debt to income low enough that you can deal with decreasing the debt and always cover your necessity bills. If you plan to travel as a retirement goal, will your income and medical insurance cover your needs. We all have medical expenses no

    matt what age but from age 60 up, you medical expenses will rise and you will see a lot more specialists and your medical insurance costs will be higher between ages 60- 65 , when you will have to switch to a Medicare healthcare plan to continue covering your medical needs. And that’s just one difference, that you need to be aware of in planning retirement. If you’re have be contributing towards a retirement savings, know this, you can’t utilize using that money until you reach 73 unless you’re financially stable enough to deal with the tax liability of early withdrawals . In that same note, don’t assume that your Social Security benefits will be equal to your work earnings and nd unless you’re one of the lucky ones, you get a pension salary equal to your highest earnings year, most people when they retire will get either a very small pension or nothing. . I am not saying that you have to stay working in a job if you’re physically incapable of continuing work but don’t make the leap to total retirement until you understand the financial consequences which will be what you have to deal with permanently upon retirement.

21. AnonymousJanuary 4,2026 at 2:18PM UTC

    Early withdrawal us not at age 73, for clarification.

22. maria roseJanuary 9,2026 at 8:47PM UTC

    Not at all, but most people who are posting about leaving jobs before their FRA for their birth age and are not working at a company doing layoffs are discussing retiring much younger than age mentioned of 73. That’s great if one has been working at such a great jobs with massive salaries and equal massive investment savings for retirement and has no physical health limitations whatsoever that they are basically self sufficiently funded to retire while still young and healthy enough to have fun with retirement. I consider those individuals a minority not the part of majority of workers who barely get paid enough to pay necessity bills let alone save money for retirement.

23. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 6:42PM UTC

    I quit my last toxic job one year ago at 64 with nothing else lined up. Hadn’t planned to fully retire but did 6 months later. Best thing I ever did. Not a hard hit on my early vs. FRA benefit and it’s enough for me to live on incl health insurance. I can choose to work again if I want to. My improved health, peace and well-being cannot be measured by “what-ifs” and fears of the unknown. Best wishes to you.

24. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 6:45PM UTC

    If you can do it and breath without concerns about finances do it! No one goes to their grave wishing they worked one more day....

25. AnonymousJanuary 1,2026 at 4:14AM UTC

    As I age I find I have so little tolerance for most b.s. in the workplace. I finally moved to full-time remote contract work. I'm much happier.

26. AnonymousJanuary 1,2026 at 1:57PM UTC

    You know when you’re ready.

27. Melissa WatersJanuary 1,2026 at 4:59PM UTC

    YES!!! I retired at 56 and didn't look back. I planned to retire at this age after 35 years of active duty and federal service and never looked back. I kept my BCBS. I volunteer, spend time with my grandson and travel. If you're able to do it, and feel comfortable, do it.

28. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 6:02AM UTC

    If I may ask ,how did you keep your Blue cross Blue shield?

29. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 4:39AM UTC

    I left a toxic workplace without another job lined up. After 9 months, I am realizing that at 55, it is very likely to be an early retirement. You are right to be concerned about the state of the global economy and healthcare costs (they have skyrocketed). But what I also found is that I really miss the mental stimulation of my career, and it is lonely. My friends and partner work full-time, my kids have their own lives, and my hobbies/volunteering dont fill my entire day.

30. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 1:34PM UTC

    I would err on the side of caution, honestly. You may not want to throw employer healthcare away because you're over the job (which I totally get). At our age (ahem), both chronic and acute health risks and issues tend to compound, and I'm not even going to put the big C word out there. I would honestly suggest remaining employed (with your current company or another) until Medicare kicks in and then retire.

    I was "lucky" to be laid off from an extremely stressful startup job at 56 and maintained my side hustle (which gave me full health insurance) until I was able to find a job that lets me do what I have always loved doing, without having to deal with much of the political cr*p, and with great benefits. That took over a year of searching and networking and evaluating job ads carefully, but it's been totally worth it.

31. Nancy CincottaJanuary 2,2026 at 1:53PM UTC

    Early retirement does not always mean completely stopping work. Sometimes, it’s taking a less demanding job that you enjoy. These typically pay less, but you say you are underpaid anyway. Search salaries of jobs you want to do first and take steps to one of those jobs before leaving. Or change companies in your current line of work. Each month you continue to work is a month of being more ready financially to retire. Good luck! Come back and let us know what you decide and how it plays out! Cheering you on!

32. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 9:25PM UTC

    Thanks so much! I wish I could just cut back to a few days a week at my current job and just pay a little more each week towards my healthcare. That would be the ideal situation.

33. G MicheleJanuary 4,2026 at 3:56PM UTC

    This is my goal. I need a less stressful job and willing to take a loss in pay but very conscious of my 401k contributions. I wish I could retire tomorrow.

34. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 3:58PM UTC

    I know a lot of people that "medically retire" or take a traditional "early retirement" that start their own small business where they are doing something that they feel passionate about and that gives them the complete freedom to control their own schedule. I'm disabled and was wrongfully terminated several years ago, I eventually got some help from the EEOC to get a small settlement from my former employer as an out of court settlement and I took part of the money to start my own bookkeeping firm. I've had additional significant health challenges since then that officially no longer allow me to work traditionally but now also leave me in a strange position that a lot of us that are disabled find ourselves in which is that social security disability also considers me to not be disabled enough to receive disability.

    So, for me working for myself has been very beneficial. I just recently turned 50, and my husband found out right before Christmas that he will be taking medical retirement at 56 and is not able to drive at this time. This means I'm now the only driver in the house, and we are fighting to get his short-term disability reinstated, until we can get him approved for social security disability. So, it's a good thing I have a very flexible schedule and an awesome client base, as it also allows us to go to play cards at the local Senior Center twice a week as well as go and participate in other things at the Senior Center when there are things we are interested in doing and that fit into our schedule of many medical appointments for him.

35. BarbaraJanuary 2,2026 at 5:03PM UTC

    Yes! Healthcare is the thing before you can get on Medicare. I don’t think I’d retire so early for that reason and also to boost your social security. We are in uncertain times right now and will be weird at least for the foreseeable future. Job hunting after 50 is an issue these days. If it were me I’d do what I could to stay put, take a vacation and figure out how best to manage staying employed and getting paycheck and benefits for as long as possible.

36. Danielle JensenJanuary 2,2026 at 7:09PM UTC

    ... if there even is a thing called Social Security after this administration

37. BarbaraJanuary 4,2026 at 7:55PM UTC

    There will be. Don’t buy into the fear mongering hype and educate yourself about personal finance. It’s very good to learn how things really work.

38. Danielle JensenJanuary 5,2026 at 5:13PM UTC

    After 56 years of living and experience, I definitely know how things work. But thank you for your unsolicited fun stuff.

39. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 5:22PM UTC

    Why not just search for a better job/new career?

    most people eventually regret taking early retirement, mostly because of the situation that you’re in now. Don’t let a sucky job ruin your career and retirement plans. Good luck.

40. AnonymousJanuary 3,2026 at 3:37PM UTC

    Who regrets early retirement? I'm part of a FIRE community, and people are loving their lives

41. froerden@yahoo.comJanuary 3,2026 at 5:41PM UTC

    A lot of FIRE people have returned to work after a few years of early retirement. Check it out before you do.

42. Christine Derby-CuadradoJanuary 2,2026 at 6:20PM UTC

    How do I do that?

43. Helen M JonesJanuary 3,2026 at 1:19PM UTC

    Healthcare

44. Laurie ZerrienJanuary 3,2026 at 5:07PM UTC

    Why can I not see the comments on this post?

45. Kelly CranfordJanuary 4,2026 at 6:26PM UTC

    Click on the comments then scroll down past the ads.

46. AnonymousJanuary 3,2026 at 5:55PM UTC

    Stop! Get out. You can always start a side hustle later.

47. AnonymousJanuary 4,2026 at 1:27PM UTC

    I had 20 years in at a large company and felt the same way. I was 57 had been passed over for promotion and my new manager was afraid of me because I had more experience. I felt like she was trying to find ways to fire me. With 20 years of service I actually had a really nice retirement plan I didn’t want to lose.

    I was lowkey looking for another job when something I was really interested in popped up on zip recruiter. I applied on a weekend and got the call for an interview on Tuesday. I got the job, retired from my old job and deferred taking my retirement benefits. It was the best thing I could have done. I can easily see myself staying in this job for 7 years until I can retire and get Medicare. I’m still putting money into my 401k and getting benefits. But most importantly I’m respected by my coworkers and have a manager who isn’t out to get me.

    My point is, even in a tough economy it is possible to find the right job and have a better life. I wouldn’t quit yet, but I would start looking for a new job.

    Best of luck to you.

48. AnonymousJanuary 4,2026 at 6:31PM UTC

    You can take early retirement - but I encourage you to keep working somewhere, at least part time. My aunt retired at 52 after 30 years as a college professor. She consulted a financial advisor and it looked like she could live comfortably off her pension. Fast forward 20 years, and she barely has enough to pay HOA fees (and lives in a condo my dad bought). The $$ from the sale of her home are her nest egg. Inflation, tax increases, and the stock market aren't predictable.

49. AnonymousJanuary 4,2026 at 9:20PM UTC

    I turned 59 last year. If I could retire I would. I have worked in IT for 35 years, and I am so over it. My current job is so toxic, male dominated. With more males being hired on the team with little to no responsibilities. Even the client questioned why they are paying for these certain people? But all I receive is toxicity and rumors that I’m going to be forced out so one of these inexperienced “men” can take my position. I’ve applied for dozens of jobs over the past weeks. Tailored my resumes and cover letters. Now I know I’m experiencing ageism. I’m alone after a divorce. I worked hard all these and I am tired. Sick of toxic work places and people now telling me I’m too old to be useful. Why is our culture so toxic? If you can retire or work in a part-time job, go for it. Don’t hesitate. Don’t listen to these naysayers.

50. Danielle JensenJanuary 5,2026 at 5:11PM UTC

    ^ What she said!

51. Heather Stewart BrownJanuary 4,2026 at 9:24PM UTC

    Take the time to find what you love and find a way to make it a job.

    I am 56 and started with a company where I help the elderly. Not top pay but I am working AND doing what I love!

52. AnonymousJanuary 6,2026 at 12:45AM UTC

    My hubby and I are in the same boat. I'm 55, he's 56. We were planning on retiring this year but worry about healthcare costs sky rocketing.

53. florence fasanJanuary 6,2026 at 7:01PM UTC

    A deeper question would be what would you be doing after early retirement. I have see people regret this decision because they made a decision from emotions rather than deeply thinking of the after.

54. AnonymousJanuary 17,2026 at 2:47PM UTC

    Letting a job go then regretting it since you don't have that income anymore, then facing age/gender discrimination of you quit and try to get another job, would best be avoided. Have you already tried looking for another job?