Gen X women living alone; what are you doing for work?
Posted by Ok-Development2520@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 160 comments
Are you wishing you could afford to not work, or would that make you miserable? I haven’t worked since Covid and I’m bored/depressed, but I’m at that age where I can’t handle customer service.
Quilterforlife-@reddit
Family nurse practitioner. Grown son. I have about 8 yrs til retirement. Not tons saved but I think I will be ok. No real debt.
Weird-Girl-675@reddit
Accounting. I like my job enough and we are hybrid so I’m hoping this is my last job before I can retire.
SignificantTear7529@reddit
I'm not sure how you don't work? I don't have a choice. I'm in my prime. Kids raised. Still making career moves. Other people were better prepared for adulting. I showed up late and stayed for the after party...
Beneficial_Law_5720@reddit
57 yof 911 Dispatcher 21 years. Widowed. Live alone w/3 cats. Grown kiddo & is married lives close.
I have a pension & retirement investments but if I could quit I would! Getting closer. It’s so exhausting …. but … could always be worse. I’m thankful for where I’m at (or at least I try to be)! 😉 Fun question !
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
I have a million questions 🙋♀️
Beneficial_Law_5720@reddit
lol! Shoot!
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
😸 only answer if you want too..
1) What percentage of calls would you say are non-emergency?
2) Who was the youngest caller you ever dealt with?
3) Do you ever get calls about animal emergencies?
4) Have you ever saved a life over the phone?
5) Have you ever gotten a call from someone you know?
6) What was the most bizarre call you’ve ever had?
7) What call involved the most people in one emergency?
8) What call have you worried about since?
9) Have you ever met or been thanked by someone you helped?
10) Overall, do you think you make a huge difference, or do you think we’re all doomed? lol
💜
Beneficial_Law_5720@reddit
For perspective, my center is the 2nd or 3rd largest in the state. Here we go:
Roughly 30% are not an acute emergency. Apple Watch, cell phones have increased pocket dials tremendously!
For me, would say around 6 yrs old. We have a large Hispanic population that doesn’t speak English & the kids will call in for their parents to translate. Their ages are roughly from 8 yrs up.. they’re just so smart & mature for their age.
All the time! Just yesterday… Kitty stuck in a storm drain. My deputy couldn’t access it & the fire dept was sent & kitty lived to use another 8 lives! Some are hit by cars, abused, attacked etc… I hate the animal calls unless they’re happy. I love reuniting lost pets with their owners!
Yes but I like to think I have help from above & ultimately it’s not me who saves them. Several times, I’ve talked down someone with a gun to their head. After doing CPR on the phone they’ve survived..
Yes I have. I stay anonymous unless it’s an appropriate situation (there have been a couple times where I tell them who I am but it’s rare).
This is a hard one. I don’t store a lot in my memory.. I am 57! Usually it’s when a call comes in as one thing & ends up being totally different.
Several years ago a wildfire started in the foothills near a smaller city, took off quickly to the surrounding larger cities. So far .. no active shooters. Pray that I’m not working for that one!
I don’t generally worry about calls anymore. (I’m dead inside.) 😁 I have a good grasp on a letting things go BUT. . I do still wonder about the unsolved calls. A hit & run that killed a 12 yr old, who did it?
I guess the calls that will affect me are involving the elderly. Also, if I’m on the phone w/someone who has just discovered a loved one deceased (suicide, or what have you). It’s a sacred experience to share w/them. I hold it w/as much reverence & respect as possible.
Yes! That’s always a nice feeling but it’s just my job.
I don’t know that “I” make a huge difference BUT I know that I can make a difference for a second in that person’s day. When I have a caller who genuinely has a mental illness, instead of shutting them down or arguing w/them, I’ll let them to talk even if I don’t have the time. I enjoy it. At the end of our conversation they might become more coherent & present, they thank me in such a sincere manner or simply cry, from being grateful because I listened with NO judgement. Makes me feel good knowing for a second, they felt normal. 😁
In the grand scheme of things, in my beliefs only.. we are not doomed whatsoever! Some really great stuff is happening & quietly amazing people are doing amazing things everyday (just have to look). ❤️🙏
Thanks for asking my friend! Hopefully that answered some questions. My apologies for the poorly written sentences! 😬
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
Fascinating thank you for your time.
aran_maybe@reddit
IT. Been doing it for my entire adult life, aside from time off here and there during economic downturns. Working from home since Covid. Hate it but also love it because it gives me freedom. I did laundry while I was working on an app I’m updating. Which is good because I slept all day yesterday.
OldNorthBridge@reddit
I'm not a female, but I also work in IT and was sent home during COVID and will WFH for the rest of my career. I definitely love it but have become a bit of a recluse. I have to physically force myself to leave the yard sometimes.
Emergency_Rutabaga45@reddit
I’m 54, divorced, live alone, civil engineer and I feel so overwhelmed with everything they expect from me. I cannot wait to retire.
drtdraws@reddit
I'm a family doctor, same here
Key-Stick3478@reddit
Thank you for practicing family medicine. We need family doctors! My PCP is my best doctor and is always looking out for me. 🙏 I bet you do the same for your patients.
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
How bad is it right now?
revenant647@reddit
Similar, the pressure at work is annoying me more than ever. How much longer will I be able to tolerate it?
Gold_Dig2200@reddit
I am a teacher. I went back to school and got a doctoral degree in education, educational leadership however, I love teaching, so I do that and adjunct. I like working, I love what I do so I would not want to retire. I want the freedom to travel and I’d like a teacher schedule.
this_kitty68@reddit
I got laid off two years ago and I went back to school. I don’t know what it will look like when I graduate, but we may not have a livable planet by then, so why not. 🤷♀️
wyocatqueen@reddit
I definitely wish I could afford not to work. However, after losing my corporate job in 2022, I found myself becoming a direct care provider for adults with me developmental disabilities. I work hella long hours, but I'm making more now than I ever made in Corporate America.
smallwonder25@reddit
What was your corporate position? Was it still healthcare?
wyocatqueen@reddit
It was insurance
Equal_Trash6023@reddit
This is an interesting question. I am mid 50s, stable career in aerospace, and have always wanted work in the UK, specifically Scotland. I started late having kids so my youngest graduates from high school next year (2027) and oldest graduates this year (2026).
I digress. Anyway last night I had a dream I was offered a job in Scotland and took it.
So, my youngest has had many health issues including heart, immune system, and most recently was diagnosed, treated, and is in remission from cancer. She is in a very healthy place right now. Probably healthiest she has ever been. She is thriving in school and active in activities.
My oldest starts college in the fall.
I have joint custody with my ex and get along better now than we have in years.
I feel like it might be my time to scoot.
Substantial_Layer_79@reddit
Equal_Trash6023@reddit
How do you get into that? It sounds really interesting. I've been divorced for about 12. Kids are just finishing high school (we started late!).
Kkittums@reddit
Alimony. Just started last year. Thanks cheating asshole 👍
BikeInternational412@reddit
Omg so sorry but also congrats :)
Kkittums@reddit
Thanks. Was married 34 years. Biggest adjustment of my life.
Equal_Trash6023@reddit
I can imagine!
Exciting-Pie7802@reddit
48 and I work in aerospace as an analyst. It pays good. I didn't get my bachelor degree until I was 37, before I got my degree I was an administrative assistant starting at age 19 to 37. I was able to network before I got my degree finished and had an analyst job lined up as soon as I graduated. I've increased my salary by 65k more a year in 11 years. The degree was worth it for me.
Equal_Trash6023@reddit
56 and work as a analyst in aerospace. I was 37 when I got my bachelor's and 53 when I got my masters. I've doubled my salary since I started working. I think one more roll switch and I will be good to go. Im looking at doing something within my company and outside my company.
mydoghank@reddit
I manage a couple of Airbnb rentals for a busy investor. I only handle the cleanings (I hire a cleaner or I clean it myself and keep the clean fee) plus guest communication, which is very little and usually via text.
It’s a low-stress job and no one bothers me. I’m working alone 98 percent of the time, which I much prefer.
biotoper@reddit
47, no husband, no kids, live with 4 cats and a tokay gecko. I work as a retirement benefits counselor for state government. It's not perfect (no job is!), but i like it. I get paid decently for a state employee and I have opportunities to advance (which I plan to take advantage of once I have the experience) without having to go into management, which is a big plus.
I can't afford to retire, so I consider myself fortunate to have a career I won't age out of.
JoyousZephyr@reddit
I read "4 cats and an okay gecko." I thought "oh, how sad she doesn't rate her gecko higher than that."
The-Manque@reddit
my lizard is MID yo
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
Hahaha
biotoper@reddit
😆He's a spoilt boy. I'm very fond of him.
JoyousZephyr@reddit
You are forgiven.
AngstyAF5020@reddit
I will be retiring in February. I am 60, and I just can't do it anymore. I have a side business (knife and shears sharpening) that I will grow a bit, but it won't be full time.
Turbulent-Demand873@reddit
50/married/adult children/grandchildren/ work as a Quality Assurance Specialist (Assessor) in the hotel industry.
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
What kind of things do you do? This sounds kind of fascinating.
Komaisnotsalty@reddit
I live alone, not married and no kids - by choice. Never wanted to do wife and mother.
I've worked two careers side-by-side most of my post-college life: finance and emergency services. Sometimes at the same time but usually one for money and one part-time with volunteer work thrown in because I love it.
I have about 10 side jobs I do off and on - no joke. I like being busy, so I take in little cash jobs here and there when I have time.
I host ladies only gaming night once a week at my place as well, which is always fun (and makes me drag my ass to work on Firday mornings because I'm tired as hell).
I stay busy but weekends are mine. I don't see another human on weekends if I can avoid it. That's my recharge downtime.
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
This sounds like a plan.
RuinPsychological804@reddit
we’re living the same life 🩷
AnahitaPrince@reddit
Automotive repair shop manager. I hated school, so after I graduated I didn't pursue a higher education. Turns out I didn't need it because what I do pays pretty well, and you don't need a degree to do it.
Do I wish I didn't have to work? Yeah, most of the time. I have plenty of things to keep me busy at home, and would love to travel.
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
Glad to hear you didn’t need it, I didn’t either.
Civil_Concentrate_23@reddit
Social worker: single, poor, renting and working til I die :)
Leading-Yellow1036@reddit
Teacher, and ditto! Lmk if you want to rentshare a house in Miami...
mmconno@reddit
I’d take back the blue broken heart and replace with a beaming red heart if I was tech savvy (alas, am not). The blue heart was because our society is so f***d—your work should be valued—DUH. The beaming red heart would be for doing work that you clearly love (I saw that smiley face) and for opting out of the rat race.
Civil_Concentrate_23@reddit
Thank you so much!
You are very kind person, I really appreciate your reply. I hope you’re having a great Sunday
💜.
mmconno@reddit
🥰
QueenD_1996@reddit
I work at home in my own career and exec coaching business. I have done that since 2019. I had a few years where my health wasn’t the greatest and it’s been hard to grow my business because of it, but I had surgery a few months back and am starting to do better.
I have always really liked working, though I’ve definitely had some jobs that were duds. My work kept me going the worst parts of the last few years, as I had a sense of purpose.
Illustrious-Site1101@reddit
Not living alone but supporting unemployed husband with no savings and newly graduated kid looking for work. If I lived alone, I would be retired.
rumblepony247@reddit
Geez that sounds very stressful
Illustrious-Site1101@reddit
It is. But sometimes you just have to say “This is it” and live with it.
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
😔
Rough_Condition75@reddit
I work in IT, but my customers are other IT professionals so it’s not too bad. I can’t retire now but should be ok to at 65. That’s in 15 years
GoinMinoan@reddit
Marketing. It's work and pays the bills.
StockMuffin9777@reddit
Data analyst. I wish I could retire but I will never be able to. I have student loan debt.
iloveairportsushi@reddit
Live alone, never married, no kids… I went back to school in my 30s to pursue my dream and I’ve been living it ever since. Most of the time I work from home when I’m not travelling for work. I’d love to be able to not work and just putter around the house doing Reno and playing in my garden. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to retire until I’m dead.
SlowMolassas1@reddit
No longer living alone, but was up until last year.
Was an engineer who worked remotely until February 2025, then "retired." I haven't had enough time to be bored - I've been way busier than I ever was while working. I am considering a "career" change to something I can do freelance, and will probably start the training for that this summer. Kinda nice to have the option available if I want some extra cash, but I really don't need it. I'm not sure where I'll find the time for the training/work, though - lol.
I've thought about a few other career change options in the meantime, but have thrown out most of my ideas for various reasons. A big one being that I don't think I can commit my time to someone else again, after having nearly full control of it for over a year now.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit
Postal service. I never pursued an education but needed a job which would help me get to retirement and help me save for it. So I went with USPS. I’m at a processing facility which is an entirely different animal from being at an office.
Starbreiz@reddit
Absolutely. Peri is destroying me and causing performance issues in my tech job. I'm a principal eng and the brain fog and exhaustion are ruining it
moezoemie@reddit
Look into hormone replacement therapy. You don't have to suffer. Also, I find that lion's mane mushroom as a supplement (also switched from reg coffee to mushroom coffee) has been life altering in the best way. Wishing you well.
Starbreiz@reddit
Thanks. I tried lions mane last year and it did nothing for me. My doc is pretty adamant my Yaz should be working as hormones
MidnightBlueSilk@reddit
Oh hell, no. You, like many of us, have (or started out with) an incompetent doctor. Head on over to r/Menopause. (I’m in perimenopause, but that sub doesn’t seem to have nearly as much knowledge.) Those ladies will get you all set up.
Miserable-Pudding-64@reddit
What? No. Birth control pills are not HRT. Time for a new doctor. Trust us, you will feel like a new woman.
Blerggurl@reddit
If you can do HRT, give it a shot. Helped my brain fog, joint pain and occasional rage episodes. I legitimately thought I had early Alzheimer’s for a while.
Starbreiz@reddit
Thanks. My doc is pretty adamant that my Yaz should be enough hormones
thecreativegrant@reddit
Replying to Blerggurl... I went through 4 different types of BC. Finally had enough and found a different doctor that would prescribe HRT. It’s been life changing! I fall asleep—and stay asleep now.
noisyaccomplice@reddit
Look into taking Zyrtec and Pepcid together could be a game changer
Starbreiz@reddit
I already take Zyrtec and Pepcid for hives? How does that help peri
Low_Face7384@reddit
Xennial here. 43 and started on HRT last year. The worst symptom for me was poor sleep. The hot flashes/etc I could tolerate but sleep was 5 hours/night at best, and not even quality sleep. HRT has been a game changer. I’m sleeping better, which means more energy, better work performance, better mood, etc. I think we as a culture underestimate sleep. Find an OBGYN who’s less OB and more GYN and understands peri.
Just-Pen3611@reddit
56, work for a non-profit....enough said about finances.
Float_0n@reddit
Self employed jewellery designer. Widowed 4 years ago, now live alone with my two cats. I'm perfectly happy doing what I do, can't see myself ever retiring until I actually have to. Then I'll just potter in the garden and make beach art.
Allmyexesliveintx333@reddit
Sounds lovely
PepperCat1019@reddit
Engineer
Odd-Watercress-6584@reddit
Mid 40s, co-parent with ex (amicable). Nurse practitioner. I’ve lived many years now without sharing the living space with another adult. Not sure I want to do that again.
jsmoo68@reddit
twas_brillig__@reddit
52, employer of 30 years shut down so I’m two months into a new career. Never thought I’d be a 52 year old newbie.
401k folks say I’m well ahead of schedule for retirement at 65 but I could do so now if I was very careful. I don’t trust the economy that much.
StickaFORKinMyEye@reddit
Federal government IT. So far haven't been DOGEd.
I'd love to not work but the math doesn't math. 17 months until I hit MRA+20 when I hope to jump to the first remote job that doesn't suck. Once I hit 60, I'd like to find some temp jobs and maybe work half the year. Or something a couple days a week.
But right now I have to focus on pushing through the next miserable 17 months.
Tl;dr - I didn't mind my job before it was project 2025d. Now I hate itm
GenX-ModTeam@reddit
No Politics - Political posts or comments of any sort are not permitted. If you wish to have political discussions, you may do so on our other sub r/GenXPolitics.
Breaking this rule may result in bans, either temporary or permanent.
Before you make the claim: No, providing respite from political discussions does not infringe on your rights.
Also, this politics ban was put before the sub over a year ago, and members have spoken.
Consistent_Ad_6400@reddit
Im an occupational therapist. When I started my career I made sure I worked 7 days a week for about 8 years. Now im 26 years in this field. Took the last 10 years to help my parents out...they recently died. Im so lost. Patient care, my parents and my pups were my purpose. My identity. Im so lost. I have to figure out who I am again. Not easy. Working in the hospital during covid was absolutely horrific. I don't know what else to say. Im so depressed
BeholdBarrenFields@reddit
I’m a teacher in the same position. Therapy is helping me find ways to live for myself for a change. I can retire in 2 years but I would be lonely and bored. So I plan to keep working to fund travel and my new gardening addiction. Try to think of this a chapter of your life that you are writing just for yourself, at long last. Make it what you want.
Consistent_Ad_6400@reddit
❤️
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
🫂
HJSlibrarylady@reddit
I left a 27 yr career in education after the pandemic. I feel your words. I'm sorry you're going through this.
Consistent_Ad_6400@reddit
❤️ hugs to both of us
calpianwishes@reddit
How come we didn’t get news articles about GenX not procreating 😉
PutPuzzleheaded5337@reddit
I’m 58/male/never married or created children. This has been a fascinating read for me and I never realized how many women in our age group have the same issues as me. I love this sub and sincerely, thanks for sharing your thoughts ladies. ,
BigFitMama@reddit
Work in higher ed and am happy. Glad I put in the work at 22 to go back to CC then 4 year then grad school and make a life for myself in a rigorous program.
All those hands on real life experiences turned into my core job skills.
I love working with young people. My colleagues complain a lot but these kids are taking a risk and showing up. It's huge if you understand their obstacles.
listen2instinct@reddit
50, single, no kids, retired. I will be eight months into my retirement, and I have pretty much fixed and built everything that I’m going to need to build. I’m going to have to learn how to pace myself. I may look into working a part-time job just to get out of the house.
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
[removed]
GenX-ModTeam@reddit
No Politics - Political posts or comments of any sort are not permitted. If you wish to have political discussions, you may do so on our other sub r/GenXPolitics.
Breaking this rule may result in bans, either temporary or permanent.
Before you make the claim: No, providing respite from political discussions does not infringe on your rights.
Also, this politics ban was put before the sub over a year ago, and members have spoken.
0_IceQueen_0@reddit
54, been retired since I was 44. Former architect, former Humanitarian Aid worker, Former Consultant and grant writer. Have income from savings, investments and passive income. Living alone with 3 cats. Kids are living abroad. Volunteer twice a week.
pmbpro@reddit
I’ve been an independent/freelance graphic designer and production artist for 35 years straight out of school. Been in every industry you can think of. I’ve slowed down now, focusing on client in just one industry, setting my life up so that I can make room for hobbies or even a second smaller career to be more flexible in slow economic times. So, instead of chasing for new gigs on my own (and no more chasing down payments!), about 10 years ago I went the agency route to do it for me instead. They nailed me a few corporations/financial institutions, and I could work 6 months of the year now, or take long breaks between big projects. I have fewer clients now, whom actually pay more.
At 48, I’d used my Photography hobby and ended up in Film/TV onset as a stills photographer. The combination of these 2 types of careers actually struck a balance (working whenever) and I could still feel semi-retired! I choose to bid or apply to whichever production gigs whenever I want (or not). I chose not to go the Union route.
I intend on retiring and leaving North America within the next 5 years or so.
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
Wow, sounds like a dream.
pmbpro@reddit
Oh gawwd, it took yearrrrrs for me to to finally 'get it' and figure things out. Like other designers out there, I was busting my tail, becoming a chronic workaholic and perfectionist for so many years, screwing up my physical and mental health. I knew from the start that I never wanted to be an employee, so I had to figure out how to re-tool everything; my life. It's crazy ironic that I'd burned out chasing clients, meeting deadlines and chasing payments, yet reworking my life to have 2 careers and working even less! I'd realized the key was to not be so hard on myself, and to try and use LEVERAGE (of resources or services) to reduce my stress. That was when I decided to use the Agency idea. They already existed, so why not use them to do part the work (or marketing and getting payments) I never liked? They specialized in the Creative industry talent (designers, etc.), and they had more clout and resources than I did, to access those big companies. It was better than me trying to continue to get through their front door. Then I focused on what I was good at (creating and producing). Also, unlike the typical agencies we usually hear of in other industries (admin, health care, etc.), these agents add their own fee on top of what my (increased) fees are. So they're not taking any of my cut at all, and the corporations pay it! I invoice on a Monday, payment in my account by Thursday night/Friday morning, every week. Once I built up my reputation, they kept having projects, asking for me, so I didn't have to market myself anymore. That was such a load off!
That load-off (no more self-marketing, or 'chasing'), was what gave me room to breathe -- have hobbies and then use it for that second casual career at such a later age. Built my reputation there, and that was that. Ironic I have 2 careers now, and yet not over-stressed.
All I can suggest to people, especially women, is to try and leverage any other services or whatever exists if it fits your goals. I didn't listen to those who said to 'not use agencies'. There's more than one way to leverage things to help grow our existing (or new) skills or hobbies even as part-time or casual, then build a reputation in just that one thing you like to do. It was a lifesaver.
Blankbetty11@reddit
Early/mid 50’s. I became unemployed last summer in a downsizing. The company continued to pay me and provide medical insurance at a cheap rate, so I did a trial retirement. It was nice to have so much free time, but hard to resist blowing money I was trying to be careful with and try to stay busy at the same time.
cdalkire@reddit
Former bartender, then warehouse forklift operator and team lead for 5 years. Currently taking care of my dad and working in a scale house. Lot of ads for forklift drivers, but no one answers.
Academic-Bar5300@reddit
Spent 20 years at a university in admin (basically souped up clerical work)
Now im office manager at a archaeological firm. I dont love administrative work, but it pays relatively well, I dont work weekends, and the tasks dont require much of me.
LondonIsMyHeart@reddit
Archeological firm?? That sounds fascinating! It's not academic?
Academic-Bar5300@reddit
Nope, private sector. Small firm. Very different from my life in academia culture wise, but the tasks are the same (so much email and excel, lol)
LondonIsMyHeart@reddit
Archeology was always a fantasy career for me.
Academic-Bar5300@reddit
They are extremely cool people. :)
FedHillGal76@reddit
Almost 50, single with no kids. I am full-time social worker on a crisis team with most of my work in the community. I work 3 12 hour shifts a week. I'd love to retire and go live on a beach somewhere and not be bothered. But, I don't think that is happening any time soon.
Eponack@reddit
Self employed, horse trainer. Wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
Oh nice.
EnjoyingTheRide-0606@reddit
I work FT on a 4x10 schedule so Fridays are non-work days. I have funded my retirement well and will have a pension, too. I’m learning how to live retired over the next 8 years and 6 weeks on Fridays. So golf, billiards, bowling, resting, long walks, bird watching, sitting by my backyard pond to enjoy pet box turtles who call it home.
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
🤯
StJmagistra@reddit
I teach, and absolutely love it. I’ll probably teach until I’m 70, if my mind and body are able.
in-a-microbus@reddit
I'm a dude.
But my tax accountant is a widow who works with her mom (who is also a tax accountant). Up until two years ago her adult sons were living at home, but they moved out and now she lives alone.
She's hilarious. I showed up with my paperwork on April 3rd, and she's shoeless and braless and got me $10,000 in my return
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
😹
W0nderingMe@reddit
50, divorced, no kids.
Left a toxic job the beginning of this year. Currently focused on volunteering but will probably start working part time in a few months.
I own my car and home outright.
The only people I'll ever live with again are dogs.
And not because my husband was hard to live with! I just am REALLY enjoying not having to consider anyone else when it comes to plans, bedtime, meals, etc.
Ok-Development2520@reddit (OP)
Wow, same! (47, divorced, no kids, own my house and car). Agree about not living with anyone again. I have 2 elderly ankle-biters now..chih and a weenie.
Amen to your closing statement.
EverythingScrolling@reddit
47, single, no kids. I'm a corporate event planner. I have to work, hope I'll have enough to retire at 65. But I'm so burned out and depressed I don't think I'll make it, honestly.
salamandah99@reddit
I recently got my class B driver's license and I drive a propane delivery truck. I used to work in the office of the propane company. The work of delivering can be rough because you are outside in all kinds of weather. but I really enjoy it. I spend most of my days driving the backroads. I get to meet our customers and their dogs but most of the time, no one is home when I deliver. The worst times are when we get a major weather event. Because snow and ice is pretty rare where I am from, we will get 3 times the normal amount of calls in the time before the weather comes. and it is just physically impossible to get to everyone before the weather sets in.
ErNz77@reddit
I'm 49, work for a storage company & am a licensed propane dispenser. I always enjoy seeing the bob tails come by & fill our tank. You guys are the heart of the propane business.
cosec00@reddit
59, divorced 32 years. Two adult children. Work in env. health. Will retire in 2 years, but if things keep on going the way they are will leave sooner. Over the whole career thing.
ammitsat@reddit
I’m a sales rep. I do wish I could afford not to work. Well I wish I could afford a ‘hobby job’ or volunteering. I live in a HCOL area so I’ll be doing what I’m doing for the foreseeable future.
Little-Armadillo732@reddit
45 this month. Recently let go. I used to be a Director for the PMO. Before that a PM. Before that a BA. Before that…a temp data entry specialist. That was 20+ years at one company. I took a job in early 2025 after the (also) early 2025 layoff. It was a mistake, and here I am looking for a job again a year later. I’m still doing it alone, but surviving on my savings and other odd gigs. Lord give me a role at a garden center that will sustain me until I can actually retire.
Techchick_Somewhere@reddit
Special lecturer at my University but heading back to tech in the fall. Yeah I wish I was able to retire.
Nkengaroo@reddit
Gen X teaching English internationally. I love it!
lagrandefille@reddit
Do tell. I’m retiring soon, and I need a new adventure.
Nkengaroo@reddit
It's getting harder to get into, but if you don't have to make a lot of money I'd strongly suggest Latin America!
liand22@reddit
I’m a data scientist, 2 grown kids, divorced, living alone - I have a partner of 8 yrs but we have our own homes.
I wish I could retire and just spend all my time on my hobbies, but not there anytime soon.
Final-Definition-512@reddit
Widow Gen X here 54 years old just trying to survive every day
Consistent_Ad_6400@reddit
🙏💛
palequeen42@reddit
50 here, wish I could retire every day, sadly will have to deal with corporate bs for as long as I can. I’m hanging on to corporate life by a thread, only because I have to.
Auferstehen78@reddit
Project management is the best way to describe what I do. Worked for the same company for 21 years in two countries.
I work from home. Hope to retire before 70.
I bought a house last year, pay off my car next year.
Professional_Use8237@reddit
greenwoodgirl11232@reddit
Shout out to the higher ed peeps! This is my 25th year in the field, doing work I love and actually getting paid extremely well for it. Would I love to pack it all in and move to Paris hell yeah 😎 Is the rest of my life…lacking in parts? Also yes, but trying to stay grateful and keep moving forward - at the end of the day all we can ever really choose is how we react to what lands in our path. FWIW, daily meditation has been a true game changer.
Shell-Fire@reddit
Product Analyst for an edu adjacent company.
66Lightning650@reddit
56, divorced over 25 years, no kids. My job went remote during the pandemic and stayed remote. I work in data privacy for a big tech media company. I have a dog, so he is my company. I hope to stay at my company another 10 years (I've been there 20) and grow my nest egg enough to retire on it.
CounterHead8523@reddit
Separated 58F, working on a govt contract that should get me to retirement. I’m hopeful for 62 but might work until 63. Will most likely work a PT job just to keep busy but can see myself volunteering quite a bit. We’ll see….
limi2018@reddit
I could retire at 55 with benefits - but I’m not sure I could afford it financially or mentally. I’m going to stay until she graduates college or until they fire me. The pay is good. I’ve been there almost 30 years so I know the people and the politics. It’s a short commute. My boss is awesome and flexible when I have to run because of the teen or my elderly parents.
I am looking forward to the teen heading off to college. I miss her when she’s gone but I enjoy doing my own thing.
Lily_V_@reddit
I wish I made the salary of a mediocre man. I work in a library.
furbalve03@reddit
50 swf. Teacher in a union state with a dog.
Affectionate-Map2583@reddit
I took an early retirement buyout at 49, then realized I didn't want to work full time or have a long commute anymore. It took a while to find a part time job close to home which wouldn't suck to do. I eventually found it, and have been working part time for the last 5 years. I'm definitely giving it another year, but at that point I might be ready to reduce my hours even further, or just stop working. I have plenty of other things to do. I was "retired" for two years before finding this job, and I was never bored.
Effervescent-sloth@reddit
58, divorced, no kids, I'm a scientist and will retire no later than 65. Maybe 63 if I can pull it off. Maybe do some consulting after that and definitely volunteer work.
aquariagerl@reddit
I’m in accounting, 53, divorced. I’ll work at least another 10-15 years, then probably something online part time.
rocklockandsock@reddit
Im 55. Work fir financial services company. Make a decent salary, just bought a house a few years ago. My daughter and her boyfriend live with me. I was a single mom, couldn't save vert much, my 401k balance isn't great. Will work as long as I can.
TracyVegas@reddit
I’m not living alone, but my husband travels frequently but I thought I could post here anyhow.
I’ve been a registered nurse for 36 years and I’ve always worked full-time with extra jobs. I still work two extra jobs at university teaching online, but I finally got a job where I could work only 32 hours a week and still keep my benefits.
After three weeks, I was working full-time again. My dream of laying out on Friday at my pool quickly disappeared.
palequeen42@reddit
50 here, single, no kids, I wish I could retire every day. Sadly I’ll have to deal with corporate bs for as long as I physically can. I’m hanging on to corporate life by a thread, only because I have to, but it’s miserable.
Brilliant-Trick1253@reddit
I’m a farmer, run a food truck, and manage a small farm supply co op. I’m exhausted always.
Formal_Plum_2285@reddit
I’m a social worker. And I started doing doordash deliveries cause I love riding my electric scooter (I’m European). However I only do it when I’m bored.
VicDough@reddit
I’m a chemistry professor at a public state university. I also teach online to make extra money. Plan to retire in ~five years. 🤞
emryldmyst@reddit
I have to work as I'm still in my 50s
MissDisplaced@reddit
I work in marketing for a security electronics company and I work remote. It’s a good job and I like it. I have six more years until I can think about retiring. Hopefully I keep this job until then.
BraveRefrigerator552@reddit
GenX working at an AI research lab. 100% one of the oldest at the company but love it.
newwriter365@reddit
GEnX female, divorced over ten years ago. Kids are grown and flown. Working a government job to bridge me to retirement.
Life is good.
LuceLeakey@reddit
I work in IT. I mostly enjoy my job, but I am so looking forward to retirement! I have so many things I want to do in my life and having to go to work really cuts into that.
stillgot1111t@reddit
I'm single with also help support my senior mom since my dad passed away. I WFH in tech. It's not something I ever foresaw after spending most of my working years in retail management or sales. But it's been about 7 years, and I love it. I have great benefits and make solid income.
Distinct_Disk_1610@reddit
Full time, program management in pharma. I never took any time away from my career. I give fewer fucks now so I’m not stressed out anymore.
crazycatomma@reddit
GenX female physician working full time. No kids.
Mycatreallyhatesyou@reddit
Working as a nanny since my husband passed at 47 eleven years ago.
allaboutaphie@reddit
Genx female still working, husband died years ago, but I go on. Have a son (grown) and work in manufacturing, son is doing great and so am I. Working tell I can retire proper, which is another 8 years with pension, 401k, and full SS.. but I do dream of doing earlier if truth be told. Will see?
marge7777@reddit
I work a hybrid schedule. I had planned to retire this year, but I enjoy my work. I could afford to retire any time. My one kid is at university and is back for the summer working.
I have another adult kid at home now, so I’m not exactly alone, just single.
I do stay working partly out of fear I would become depressed, lol.
BionicMum@reddit
I work full time and volunteer for a non-profit whenever I can. Now that my kids are grown, I’m looking forward to retiring over the next 10-12 years and, hopefully, taking care of some grandbabies. Until then, I plan to continue doing what I do now. I don’t think I’d be staying at home, even if I had an opportunity to do so. I think my mental and physical health would take a great dip if I would to do that. I understand that everyone has different priorities and options, but this is what works for me for now.
catespice@reddit
How are you able to not work? I’d be homeless in about a month if I didn’t have a job.
CrimsonDawn1970@reddit
I work full time. Retirement isn’t currently an option. How have you spent your time since COVID?