If I had been in charge of World War Two, the Allies would still be waiting to invade Normandy.
I mentioned in when is a sunset a sunrise?, at the end of October, that I was considering changing a small part of my moving to Mexico plan.
You all know the basics. I am planning on retiring around the end of March and heading to Melaque to take up residence in late April or early May.
The outline is the same, but I am thinking of altering a very important detail. I may not retire. Or, more accurately, I may retire, but take part of my job with me.
If I were to forgo retirement, I would be working on one large project during 2009. The project still needs to be done, and most of it could be completed through telecommuting (a really ugly word).
I have not presented my full plan to my boss -- yet. And the details may not work out. But I thought it would be an interesting transition from working full-time to working part-time while living in Mexico.
Of course, by next month, I will have modified my plan -- again. At this rate, we should be in Normandy somewhere around the summer of 2022.
I mentioned in when is a sunset a sunrise?, at the end of October, that I was considering changing a small part of my moving to Mexico plan.
You all know the basics. I am planning on retiring around the end of March and heading to Melaque to take up residence in late April or early May.
The outline is the same, but I am thinking of altering a very important detail. I may not retire. Or, more accurately, I may retire, but take part of my job with me.
If I were to forgo retirement, I would be working on one large project during 2009. The project still needs to be done, and most of it could be completed through telecommuting (a really ugly word).
I have not presented my full plan to my boss -- yet. And the details may not work out. But I thought it would be an interesting transition from working full-time to working part-time while living in Mexico.
Of course, by next month, I will have modified my plan -- again. At this rate, we should be in Normandy somewhere around the summer of 2022.
I am sure you will make it work out Steve. The only draw back is the sometimes spotty internet connection in Mexico. That puts your invasion of Normandy out a few more years!!LOL
ReplyDeleteInteresting. My thoughts are too long to type here. Watch your email.
ReplyDeleteIslaholic Trixie -- The Internet, of course, is going to be a central part of the plan. But we shall see.
ReplyDeleteWayne -- I look forward to the analysis.
I'm guessing lots of potential retirees go through similar machinations. I know La Dulce and I still are. Everytime she mentions continuing to work from Merida by telecommuting I remind her, "You can call it something else like telecommuting but it's still work. Haven't you had enough of that yet?"
ReplyDeleteOur new goal for permanent life in Mexico is to "beat Steve there" so please keep the pressure on us.
I suspect such decisions are particularly difficult for we contented types, since we are happy wherever we are.
I don't know Steve...first being retired is part time work.
ReplyDeleteSecond part time work is like getting kissed on the cheek on a date - who needs it.
Don't need no stinkn' job!
First question - what's the point? Do you need the money?....Are you afraid that you won't have enough to do? (You will) Are you afraid to break the ties? Are you sure you're ready to retire? Cause if you're telecommuting, you won't be retired.
ReplyDeleteThe French are probably grateful you were not in charge, although they would never admit it.
ReplyDeletePaul -- Yeah. It is still work. And all the reasons I want to retire will simply follow me to Mexico.
ReplyDeleteJohn -- Good point. Retirement certainly is doing something. Maybe that "something" will be enough. Just as long as it does not get in the way of doing "nothing."
Babs -- I have always had a dream of writing The Great Business Plan while sitting on a Mexican beach. Not buying that? How about, I did all the preparation work for this project, and I would simply like to do it. That argument has the great advantage of being the truth. You raise a good point, though. Maybe I just need to let go. The money will be nice, but it is certainly not the reason. And a chunk of it will simply get taxed away in any event.
Anonymous -- I am grateful that the French are forgiving enough to let me back in their country now and then.
I am doing what you are planning except I work/telecommute full time.
ReplyDeleteIt can work but as others pointed out it is still work. (feeble attempt at a pun)
Our internet and vonage have worked pretty well. BUT - uploading files to internet can be challeging due to bandwidth so do not know if your project includes that sort of activity?? Husband went all over town in search of bandwidth yesterday to load up web design files to a site he is programming.
I have also found international flight costs to be more than if I was just telecommuting from another US city so make sure you discuss this part with your employer.
Good Luck!
It's always good to consider alternatives. However,if you're ready for a new life--you can probably go to Melaque and soon feel relieved that you don't have to finish the big project.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in Normandy/wherever.
I've continued to lurk after my last puckish comment. Time for another: Please don't retire. Telecommute from Mexico so I can continue to pester, I mean "collaborate", with you on a regular basis......
ReplyDeleteThere, I've given you the strongest reason yet to reconsider your reconsideration.
American Mommy -- Thank you for some additional factors to consider. I get mixed word from Melaque on how reliable the internet is. I will need to get that detail sorted. Most of the work will be collaborative online. And the cost of air fare will be real factor -- especially with the limited flights from Manzanillo.
ReplyDeleteGlenn -- There is that. Leaving the project in the capable hands of others may be the best reason to retire.
Bruhof -- Welcome back from Lurkland. Tomorrow I will know much more about my alternatives.
My vote is - just do it - retire! To hell with telecommuting. It's going to be a big pain in the booty.
ReplyDeleteBUT, you know what's best for you... so good luck in choosing!
Next thing we´ll be reading is that, well, perhaps you´ll just telecommute from your house in Salem.
ReplyDeleteSerious waffling is setting in here, folks.
A special project here or there, I say go for it. But regular scheduled stressful work, no.
ReplyDeletePaul has had both working for his former employer for the last couple of months, and the special project side has been enjoyable while the normal work stuff has been a pain.
He has had no problems with bandwidth, etc, but he has to get into their network using VPN, which has its own set of problems.
Also, don't forget if you are going to be drawing social security there are annual limits to what you can earn before you have your ssi reduced. And also issues if you are classified as retired at work and drawing a pension if you work for them again it may have to be as a consultant. Which means paying your own taxes, etc.
Fun stuff.
I wouldn't do it because you will find that gettting yourself established here is work also, of another kind. Having a high pressure project (if that is what it is) hanging over your head is the last thing you need. Finish the project there. The posters above must remember you are coming alone without really knowing what you are doing (the preferred method I believe).
ReplyDeleteSteve, I gave at least three thoughts to doing what you are suggesting. Those three thoughts lasted a few nanoseconds, and then on to my new life. I have never looked back and even though I do visit the old company 1 time a year to turn in my insurance papers, I do not miss not playing it "safe" and trying the part time route. Knowing you as I do, I suspect it is much harder for you to leave a project unfinished, but I found I WAS really dispensible! Best wishes on weekend, looks like you can get some dirt and rock work done. Alan
ReplyDeleteI agree with much of what is said here. I am teaching in Honduras, and truthfully, it is hampering my ability to minister to the poor. I am looking to do full-time mission work next year. I thought I wanted a part-time teaching job to keep busy, but instead it is draining me from doing what i wanted to do most here: help the poor. I didn't come here to fill out report cards, or have recess duty or listen to long-winded principals. But I have to do all of that. Everday. On the other hand, you may need slow transitions. I know I do better with gradual change in my life rather than abrupt change.
ReplyDeleteSteve - Have to agree with my compadre in grousing Michael Dickson - I am amazed by the people that are bored in retirement - they must have been badly brainwashed with a ridiculous work ethic. I continually wonder how I EVER found the time to work in as much as I have so much to do completely away from it - I can barely remember what I did for a living - WORK!...as Maynard G. Crebs would say.
ReplyDeleteYou are an attorney and never been married at that - one has to assume your net worth is satisfactory to enjoy life and not take on little projects to 'supplement' your retirement - come on dude lets move on from this entire train of thought.
Wow! I see where the vote is going on this topic.
ReplyDeleteCairelle -- Wait until you sdee the next post.
Michael -- That wiould be a good idea, but I think I may have a better one coming up soon.
Nancy -- I am 7 years away from social security. Otherwise, I would not even think of doing what I am proposing. It is not so much a transition as doing something I enjoy.
Anonymous -- You make a good point about the amount of time it takes just to get things done in Mexico. I am going to think this option through carefully before I take it. But it sounds very good.
Al -- Wait until you see the details. You may have been even more tempted.
Laurie -- This offer may turn out to be something of a dream job.
John -- You are correct. I do not need the money, and I would not take on the project. But, as you would say, stay tuned for the details. Maybe it will sound better.