I’ve worked 2 union jobs in my life and I was always in awe of how much conversational time could be devoted to the 85 factor.
The 85 factor, for you non-union folks, is a magical number where you get a full pension. It’s calculated by adding together your age and years of pensionable service at retirement. If the total equals at least 85 points, you’re entitled to an unreduced pension as early as your 55th birthday.
Retire at 55? Unbelievable!
I did.
BUT
I did not get an “unreduced pension” because my number was far from 85 and meant a VERY reduced pension. My grandsons make better money from their paper delivery than I do from my pension. (Hey guys, can you float grandma a loan?)
I have a lot of life in me yet and could have stayed on to receive a better pension, but it was time to go. There was a definite limit to the opportunities available to me at this employer and I was treading increasingly viscous waters. It was a great place to work but sometimes it’s just time to move forward.
The decision to retire was led by my heart not my wallet and that’s not entirely a bad thing.
Those folks endlessly discussing the 85 factor? Some of them died before, or shortly after, getting there. Some experienced poor health during the countdown. It was time, but they didn’t go. As an empath, their frustration was palpable to me, the air fairly thrummed with it.
I need enough money to live on and explore the world a bit. A chunk at Christmas (I don’t call myself granny18 because of my age folks.) Beyond that, money is not my most powerful motivator. When I stopped leading a purpose-filled life at work, my motivation was gone. That’s how it works for me.
Making responsible financial choices for retirement is important, and I’ve done it in other ways. My focus was more on getting TO and THROUGH retirement happy, healthy and fulfilled.
Some people are fortunate to do both, reach their money magic number AND enjoy all the time getting there. (Maybe I’ll get those happy souls to buy me lunch? You know who you are… 😉
What’s your motivator? What kept (or keeps) you working? Was it (is it) the right decision for you?
Path to Pasture 
My motivator to work is loving what I do. I work in the disabilities field as a supervisor in a group home. It’s all about waking up each morning excited to go to work. As for money, if you love what you do then the money will follow; even for a waitress. I wholeheartedly believe this. At the end of the day it’s not about the money but, making your heart sing!
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Exactly! Loving what you do is SO important! I spent 7 years in a job I adored. The difference was striking when I no longer felt engaged. I was paid more but it just didnt do it for me. So glad you are in that field, very rewarding and fitting for your beautiful soul!
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