So one of the more interesting things, now that we have a daughter bound for college, is that we are entering a new life phase. Not just watching them all fly off - which will happen (one way or the other) over the next decade. It is also the realization that with that and other situations, our life will change somewhat dramatically.
The question is, how do we manage that change?
If you are wondering what the plan is (so glad you asked), I am working on a number of assumptions which may or may not be true (but frankly, I cannot plan for the End of Civilization War that may or may not start tomorrow or next week or never):
1) The locale in which we are currently living will rapidly price us out of the market to live here. Just on the property tax assessment alone will mean at 45% increase (if the average holds true). Add to that all the other costs of living in an urban area and suddenly "long term" becomes a meaningless phrase
(The Ravishing Mrs. TB and I were talking about this the other night. We are both ready to move: She because of the traffic and crowdedness, I because of the traffic and cost and people. Frankly, I am not 24 anymore: paying for the privilege of living in "A Cool City" is not really attractive).
2) This leaves us with two choices: either to relocate to another large urban area (because that is where the jobs in my industry are) or figure out a way to make do on a vastly reduced income.
That is a hard truth, but it is truth. Or it could happen a third way: laid off again with no job to be found. I am starting to reach the point where, due to my oncoming age, this is a real possibility.
(It has happened to The Ravishing Mrs. TB's manager's husband: 20 years with a company, laid off, and now cannot find a job in the high tech industry. He is battling an age barrier (mine or almost there) and the fact that he does not have a college degree in IT because he started before there was such a thing. His only job offer was a job paying half of what he previously earned. Sobering stuff.)
So hard and true - but this can be planned for and managed.
3) The world will be very different. I am not sure how (even I cannot pierce that veil) but sincerely doubt it will not be for the better. If the trends I wrote of yesterday are any indication, even just getting by could be infinitely harder.
4) Interests and desires will change - for example, it is more than likely that Na Clann will all live somewhere than where we currently reside. I am sure someone (The Ravishing Mrs. TB) would like to go travel to see them.
4) All of that said, what skills, attributes and (frankly) assets does 10 year older TB have to have to be ready for that moment?
That, of course, is something that I am working through and on. But I have a couple of thoughts:
- He is not going to want a house payment - or really debt of any kind.
- He is likely to do some of the things he does now but perhaps not all of them.
- There is going to need to be a higher level of self reliance.
- He will have to plan for a life without the current career of his choice (which may not be all bad).
Still a work in progress, of course. But there is a transition occurring as I write. I have missed some of the ones that happened before. I cannot afford to miss this one.
Indeed; I'm "aging out" of my job as well. Every day I walk into the office I wonder how much longer this will go on. Being in my latter 50's, I know my next job, if found, will be markedly different and will pay markedly less than the one I have. I can't kid myself; the industry I work in can pay someone half my age half the wage, and that person will have the all-important, decades-of-experience-eclipsing college degree. My path to the future is a mystery. Therefore I prep, and cling to God. Good luck with your journey...
ReplyDeleteThanks Pete. We share the same reality, I see. And yes, my path is not nearly as clear as I desire it would be. Part of the mystery and a reason for faith.
DeleteOur transition from 2 rather good incomes to living off one (more or less) was a difficult one for the first few years. It was easier for me because I have lived in bad poverty before and made do. For my boyfriend, he wasn't used to such simplicity but there is always a period of adjustment for everyone! Now that he's adjusted, we are slowly trying to get going with our plans to buy a property in the woods. It won't be an expensive place, you've seen the real estate prices here TB...and we will make do with my disability income again. We've had many discussions, and for us, location and a quiet lifestyle is the most important thing to us and we're willing to give up a higher income for it.
ReplyDeleteI love transitions! Change is good sometimes. :)
Change can be good Rain, and I am looking forward to it - well, as much because of the fact that is coming whether I like it or not as an sort of real anticipation.
DeleteFortunately, I think both The Ravishing Mrs. TB's desires and my own have changed over the year. Heading into this life phase with the same kind of need for things that I had 20 years ago would a fruitless endeavor indeed. Now, hopefully, we can plan the transition instead of stumbling into it.
Mr. H & I have had the same issue of being aged out, too. The magic number seems to be at 50. I think some of it is because of workmans comp insurance. He had an employer tell him that when he turned 50 that the cost of insurance went way up.
ReplyDeleteBut it still absolutely amazes me that all the skills and experience we have are just not good enough. Now you need to have certificates, degrees or your own tools, vehicle, and be willing to do multiple positions for the measly pay of one. And most of the positions available you now have to apply online and take (psych??) tests, answering questions about whether or not you stay up at nights worrying about money or if you like to argue with fellow employees.
Best wishes to you and the family!
~hobo
That is a problem Hobo. I can get more certificates and certifications in my industry, but ultimately I question the return on investment when I am sure that cost of employment is the ultimate factor (or an ultimate factor.
DeleteThe on0line thing, alas, seems here to stay. Most times (as I am sure you know) you never even hear a response. And I fear Pysch tests are here to stay as well, although they yet to penetrate my industry.
Sigh. Just need to plan. It will only get more difficult, not less.