Moving Out of the Fast Lane - Second Life Career

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Barefootgirl
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Moving Out of the Fast Lane - Second Life Career

Post by Barefootgirl »

The sticking point in my decision to return to school and train for a second career I expect to enjoy much more than my current one...is the predicted future cost of health insurance.

It pains me to think I will need to stay with my federal govt. employer for an additional 8 years to gain access to their healthcare plan in retirement. I realize this is a problem many would like to have but for me, it's key.

Given the coming federal health care programs in 2014 ("Obamacare") and the cut and slash approach to current federal employee compensation and benefits, I am having a tough time with this decision.

It's not so much of have a nest egg, rather trying to preserve it in the event of a catastrophic illness.

For any of you who retired early or went back for a second career, how did you consider this issue?

Thank you, bfg
ladders11
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Post by ladders11 »

Not for nothing, you can get coverage that leaves ordinary expenses to you but kicks in when there's a catastrophe. You can also waive pregnancy coverage if you won't be having kids. Cheaper coverage is available if you pursue it and are flexible. If you plan to enroll full-time, there will likely be some type of student coverage. You could also find a way to secure coverage through other employment while learning part-time.

As far as going uncovered is concerned, I have done this and had fine results. It wouldn't work for someone with long-term health issues and would be problematic in a car accident situation, but that is how tens of millions live in the US. Your post is vague about what you will be doing and how long it will take to learn, but I certainly wouldn't work 8 years for 1-2 years of coverage while retraining.
chaz
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Post by chaz »

bfg,, sorry you don't like your current career - so more school is a good choice.
Chaz | | “Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons." Woody Allen | | http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Valuethinker
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Post by Valuethinker »

ladders11 wrote:As far as going uncovered is concerned, I have done this and had fine results. It wouldn't work for someone with long-term health issues and would be problematic in a car accident situation, but that is how tens of millions live in the US. Your post is vague about what you will be doing and how long it will take to learn, but I certainly wouldn't work 8 years for 1-2 years of coverage while retraining.
Very bad advice.

Don't. Just don't. Unless you are prepared to go bankrupt/ be crippled with debts for decades/ deplete the savings of other family members.

My guess would be that you are under 40? Those of us over 40 have friends who have MS, cancer, accidents, freaky diseases you have never heard of.

40 is this great watershed in this one, I find. You find that people around you, that you love and care for, are *not* immortal. And not bulletproof from severe and debilitating illness, expensive medical treatments etc.

Women kind of get this, as for gynecological reasons they have much more regular relationships with healthcare. Men do not, generally, they avoid doctors like the plague until their 40s. But then bits drop off the trolley, things need fixing, minor surgery, thyroid-- you name it.

Or you have a sudden accident, almost in front of the police station, you are 100% without fault, but you wake up in hospital 12 hours later with *no memory* of the events, and in the meantime they've run an MRI scan on you for a suspected broken neck and you have an impressive hole in the side of your head. If you are presented with a bill for this which happened to you *walking on the sidewalk* then you are probably out, in US healthcare, $5-10k.

You don't want to go there.

Life is not kind, and when it hits, it hits randomly. Reread your Book of Job (or if you've never read it, now might be the time: one doesn't have to embrace the Christian religion to think the issues it raises are timeless). God does *not* just pick on those without virtue or who have sinned, whatever Job's friends may have said.
Valuethinker
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Re: Moving Out of the Fast Lane - Second Life Career

Post by Valuethinker »

Barefootgirl wrote:The sticking point in my decision to return to school and train for a second career I expect to enjoy much more than my current one...is the predicted future cost of health insurance.

It pains me to think I will need to stay with my federal govt. employer for an additional 8 years to gain access to their healthcare plan in retirement. I realize this is a problem many would like to have but for me, it's key.

Given the coming federal health care programs in 2014 ("Obamacare") and the cut and slash approach to current federal employee compensation and benefits, I am having a tough time with this decision.

It's not so much of have a nest egg, rather trying to preserve it in the event of a catastrophic illness.

For any of you who retired early or went back for a second career, how did you consider this issue?

Thank you, bfg
One would also need to keep a close eye on whether the healthcare programme you mention turns out to be constitutional and funded by the Congress. 2012 is an election year in the USA.
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JustDucky
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Post by JustDucky »

BFG,

Stay put!! I was in your same shoes about five years ago. Just as soon as I was eligible, I retired.

I signed up for college classes and WHAM. Expensive monoclonal antibody treatments were required costing $3,500/bimonthly.

I'm sure glad I "stayed the course".

A bird in the hand....

WD
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englishgirl
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Post by englishgirl »

Is there any option of working part-time while still retaining health care coverage? That's what I elected to do - my employer provides benefits for anyone working 30 or more hours per week, so I was lucky enough to get approval to go down to 30 hours. Having said that, it's been tough going to school full time (+ commuting, internship, studying time) while working that many hours, so it's not for the faint-hearted. Although I will say that those of us that are working and going to school seem to be doing a lot better than those of us that are not working - there's no time to procrastinate for those of us with busy schedules!

I still haven't figured out healthcare coverage for after I graduate. I hope the healthcare law changes will make it easier to get insurance but we'll have to see. Of course, I am not giving up federal govt. healthcare (nor any promised retiree benefits) so I've always had the uncertainty of working for a private employer where it could end at any minute.
Sarah
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Re: Moving Out of the Fast Lane - Second Life Career

Post by Tadpole »

Barefootgirl wrote:The sticking point in my decision to return to school and train for a second career I expect to enjoy much more than my current one...is the predicted future cost of health insurance.

It pains me to think I will need to stay with my federal govt. employer for an additional 8 years to gain access to their healthcare plan in retirement. I realize this is a problem many would like to have but for me, it's key.

Given the coming federal health care programs in 2014 ("Obamacare") and the cut and slash approach to current federal employee compensation and benefits, I am having a tough time with this decision.

It's not so much of have a nest egg, rather trying to preserve it in the event of a catastrophic illness.

For any of you who retired early or went back for a second career, how did you consider this issue?

Thank you, bfg
You don't say what your current and new career choice are so this may or may not be relevant. You should check into educational opportunities provided through your current employment. I approved an engineer returning to get advanced training in an area of benefit to our programs. Several of my colleagues were approved to go back for MBAs and, right before I retired, one of our logistics specialists was approved to go for advanced training in a more scientific oriented area. In cases of value added to the program people can often get full pay during this advanced training. The opportunity is dependent on your management's willingness to support and, sometimes, fund the training. The down side is this avenue will result in at least a two year obligation to continue to work for the federal government.
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Post by Grt2bOutdoors »

Valuethinker wrote:
ladders11 wrote:As far as going uncovered is concerned, I have done this and had fine results. It wouldn't work for someone with long-term health issues and would be problematic in a car accident situation, but that is how tens of millions live in the US. Your post is vague about what you will be doing and how long it will take to learn, but I certainly wouldn't work 8 years for 1-2 years of coverage while retraining.
Very bad advice.

Don't. Just don't. Unless you are prepared to go bankrupt/ be crippled with debts for decades/ deplete the savings of other family members.

My guess would be that you are under 40? Those of us over 40 have friends who have MS, cancer, accidents, freaky diseases you have never heard of.

40 is this great watershed in this one, I find. You find that people around you, that you love and care for, are *not* immortal. And not bulletproof from severe and debilitating illness, expensive medical treatments etc.

Women kind of get this, as for gynecological reasons they have much more regular relationships with healthcare. Men do not, generally, they avoid doctors like the plague until their 40s. But then bits drop off the trolley, things need fixing, minor surgery, thyroid-- you name it.

Or you have a sudden accident, almost in front of the police station, you are 100% without fault, but you wake up in hospital 12 hours later with *no memory* of the events, and in the meantime they've run an MRI scan on you for a suspected broken neck and you have an impressive hole in the side of your head. If you are presented with a bill for this which happened to you *walking on the sidewalk* then you are probably out, in US healthcare, $5-10k.

You don't want to go there.

Life is not kind, and when it hits, it hits randomly. Reread your Book of Job (or if you've never read it, now might be the time: one doesn't have to embrace the Christian religion to think the issues it raises are timeless). God does *not* just pick on those without virtue or who have sinned, whatever Job's friends may have said.
Excellent advice.

That hypothetical example will cost you a heck of a lot more than just $5-$10K, unless you claim poverty. Do not go uninsured, at the very minimum you will want hospitalization coverage.
neverknow
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Re: Moving Out of the Fast Lane - Second Life Career

Post by neverknow »

Barefootgirl wrote:It pains me to think I will need to stay with my federal govt. employer for an additional 8 years to gain access to their healthcare plan in retirement.
...
For any of you who retired early or went back for a second career, how did you consider this issue?
It pains me that people are enslaved to employers for fear of possible future illness. This is not the life of the free, but then again - it requires bravery to be free (or not knowing any better).

I didn't know any better. Wouldn't change a thing (now 15 years ago). 40 million people have no health insurance. They are not afraid of loosing something they do not have. One adapts to the notion that you are going to live sicker and die younger. And for 40 million people, that is just the way it is.

Presently have no insurance. This is not a choice. It just happened. I hope to straighten it out, but I've seen this kind of mess before -- it is possible, it won't be straightened out.

It would be impossible for me to spend 8 years doing something I could barely make myself do, for the sake of health insurance. It is not the life of the free.

Dying can not be prevented, it can only be delayed.
neverknow
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Post by prudent »

Valuethinker wrote:Or you have a sudden accident, almost in front of the police station, you are 100% without fault, but you wake up in hospital 12 hours later with *no memory* of the events, and in the meantime they've run an MRI scan on you for a suspected broken neck and you have an impressive hole in the side of your head. If you are presented with a bill for this which happened to you *walking on the sidewalk* then you are probably out, in US healthcare, $5-10k.

You don't want to go there.
A data point on this subject... I have a 25-year-old friend who right now is in ICU with severe head injuries, in an induced coma due to brain swelling. He was found unconscious in his backyard by his roommate. My friend left work at around 10PM, his roommate returned to the apartment at 1 AM and found him. My friend still had his wallet and cash on him, nothing is missing from the apartment. No reason to think he fell (they have the 1st floor apt). My friend cannot communicate at all so they can't find out anything, neighbors heard nothing. Nobody has any idea what happened.

Another friend who works in health insurance claims told me this is likely to end up being over a half-million dollars. (They have insurance).

The risks are just too high to go without insurance. I compare it to making a bet with your entire life savings, where if you win you only get to keep what you started with, and if you lose you lose it all.
at ease
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Post by at ease »

...you have a job.....
...it has good health insurance....
...in only 8 years, you can have/take it with you wherever you go...
...in 8 years school will still be there, IF you still want to try something new
...or, you can walk away from a JOB, Health Insurance for life, and hope everything works out ok ....because you are____ ???

..if you asked 100 adults..... what do you think they would do....??? good luck with your decision....
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Barefootgirl
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Post by Barefootgirl »

or, you can walk away from a JOB, Health Insurance for life, and hope everything works out ok ....because you are____ ???

because I just turned 50, am considering the implications of my age & stage of life - and the idea of staying in a career I chose for financial reasons - and never trying the career I actually prepared for in school many years ago - one of those you do for passion, not money. At this point, to get licensed requires going back for a 2 year Masters program.

At the same time, I do have a nest egg and could in theory retire early (if I lived a spartan lifestyle with adequate health coverage).

In theory, we're all living longer and it's a typical middle aged fear that life is growing shorter by the day.

I am healthy now, (no conditions, no medications) yet, there are certain conditions that run in my genetic family.

bfg
ladders11
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Re: Moving Out of the Fast Lane - Second Life Career

Post by ladders11 »

neverknow wrote: It would be impossible for me to spend 8 years doing something I could barely make myself do, for the sake of health insurance. It is not the life of the free.
I agree. I can't imagine 8 years of work is a good tradeoff for a couple of years coverage while going back to school. At least price it out - does 24 months individual coverage cost 8 years wages? Not possible.

Like I said, aside from paying individual rates, there's other ways to get coverage and still do school.

But, the OP was too vague with their story for further comments to be useful. I can't imagine fully changing careers only 8 years from retirement either.
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Post by Valuethinker »

Barefootgirl wrote:or, you can walk away from a JOB, Health Insurance for life, and hope everything works out ok ....because you are____ ???

because I just turned 50, am considering the implications of my age & stage of life - and the idea of staying in a career I chose for financial reasons - and never trying the career I actually prepared for in school many years ago - one of those you do for passion, not money. At this point, to get licensed requires going back for a 2 year Masters program.

At the same time, I do have a nest egg and could in theory retire early (if I lived a spartan lifestyle with adequate health coverage).

In theory, we're all living longer and it's a typical middle aged fear that life is growing shorter by the day.

I am healthy now, (no conditions, no medications) yet, there are certain conditions that run in my genetic family.

bfg
I feel for you -- 8 years is a long time. Only one life.

Is part time requalification possible?

Don't live without health insurance at 50. When you are 50 you *cannot* predict what might go wrong.

Find a way to get affordable health insurance for those 2 years, then do it.

I
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Barefootgirl
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Post by Barefootgirl »

Maybe I am not explaining myself well enough. I am not so much worried about going without health insurance for two years - presumably as a student, I could get coverage.

I am concerned about not staying with my employer long enough to qualify for healthcare in retirement (currently, program allows access to healthcare for retirees, at the same rate that employees pay).

My goal, once graduating is to become self-employed - my assumption is over the rest of my projected lifetime, this could make a significant difference in my financial security and I guess I was hoping to get someone to gut check me to see if I am missing something in this analysis, particularly in light of the forthcoming Obamacare programs.

bfg
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Post by Kashi »

Barefootgirl wrote:I guess I was hoping to get someone to gut check me to see if I am missing something in this analysis, particularly in light of the forthcoming Obamacare programs
I think you are hitting your own nail on the head here. You are exchanging the safety and security of a job you don't like for the opportunity of a more intrinsically rewarding job/life.

The risk for that potential reward is the unknown of medical costs. It could bankrupt you if you choose to abandon life insurance. However...the risk could potentially make the pre-'golden years' and after truly golden.

Like so many other questions asked here, individual circumstances and motivations will have to dictate the answer for you. This site will, likely, overwhelmingly choose the safe, secure option (but you knew that...).

Personally, I've gotten what I wanted before and still been unhappy, so I will stick with the pension and insurance.

Edit: I really am turning in to an old (30ish) codger. It sounds like there is a high likelihood that you will be able to transition from one phase to the next without incident. Beware the risk, but everyone deserves to be happy.
Last edited by Kashi on Mon Aug 22, 2011 12:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
neverknow
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Post by neverknow »

Barefootgirl wrote:particularly in light of the forthcoming
bfg
No body knows what is going to happen in the future. No one. You can guess, but never know.

It was 1996 when I walked away from the job with the health care coverage. Can anyone even guess at all the changes in the past 15 years? I certainly couldn't have guessed the future, back in 1996.

Wouldn't change a thing. Life is to be lived, until it no longer can be lived.
neverknow
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Post by RebusCannébus »

Barefootgirl wrote:(currently, program allows access to healthcare for retirees, at the same rate that employees pay).
That is one sweet deal. And eight years is one hell of a long time. Some thoughts:

1. Does your job merely suck, or is it generating levels of stress that are damaging your health? If the former, consider hanging in and, as much as possible, filling your off time with things you really really care about. If the latter, well....
2. My father dropped dead at 62 while working; my mother retired at 65 and lived until 90. You may be my father; you may be mother; you may be anywhere in between.
3. Your decision may come from the left brain, based on financial and actuarial considerations; or from the right brain, i.e., following your gut and your heart (yeah, I know, I mangled the anatomical metaphor).
4. Personally, I'll be retiring in 18 months at 57 with medical benefits. And I'll need them thanks to the physical and mental illnesses I've developed after years of working in a corporate environment I detest. But had I left sooner, the fear of economic insecurity might have done the same number on me. I look around me, see friends and relatives on the edge of financial ruin due to recent events, and am grateful to have a job.
5. I know three guys who quit Ivy League schools prior to graduation, two to become monks, the other for spiritual pursuits in India. One is still a monk; one has bounced back and forth between the "secular" world and other alternative lifestyles; the third now writes software for a living--and also devotes serious effort to his spiritual training. Which one chose the right path?

Suggestion: Do your left-brain homework (the easy part), then go rent a cabin somewhere for a week. Don't think much about this decision; just putter around, hike, be in nature. At the end of the week, ask yourself what you should do. Then do it. And don't look back.
Peter
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Re: Moving Out of the Fast Lane - Second Life Career

Post by CaliJim »

..
Last edited by CaliJim on Sun Sep 25, 2011 8:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Barefootgirl
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Post by Barefootgirl »

I truly appreciate all of the thoughtful, thought provoking feedback.

I've boiled it down a little further...I figure that in some fashion, as a student, as an early retiree or self employed professional - I will find some access to healthcare arrangement, particularly now that the Govt will become involved in the next few years.

So I suppose the real question is the value of being able to obtain healthcare in retirement with the same pricing, terms and conditions as if I were still working - I am struggling with understanding the value of that.

As far as the rest of my life - this all plays in. Over the past 18 months, I have systematically shed most of my possessions to the point where all I have left is books, clothing, pots and pans and almost no "valuables" in the traditional sense. It is truly something of a spiritual quest to simplify. I am almost at the most liberating point of my life - nothing left to lose - except that far off promise of healthcare.

So I'll throw this one out - are middle aged and beyond Americans not truly wage slaves, but rather slaves to obtain health care?

bfg
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slave to healthcare

Post by raisin mountaineer »

Barefoot girl, I understand your concern. I am a slave to health care, as (also) a fed with a family member who has a "pre-existing" condition. I feel that leaving my position would put me in a situation where I might or might not be able to get coverage for him. Luckily, I like my job well enough to feel like the commitment is not onerous-- at least on most days!

Here's a thought though: if you've been a fed for long enough to be looking at 8 years to retirement, you likely have lifetime re-hire status, which gives you a leg up on lots of jobs. In addition, the Fed is a big place. I work in a fed job that allows for flip-flops and shorts at work, in the kind of town that other people consider a vacation destination.

I guess what I"m saying is: don't make the choice "either-or." Can you go to massage school (for example) for two years, figure out where you want to live, and then see what the fed is hiring for there? Can you find a subject-to-furlough or part-time job that would allow you to attend school and keep your health insurance (and keep piling points toward retirement?)

Good luck-- don't let this one fear derail your dream-- but you are wise to think it through.
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Barefootgirl
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Post by Barefootgirl »

Hi there, thanks for the comments. I have not been with the fed. govt that long - it's just that I come to this job after 20 years in private industry and I came looking for something a little less stressful - and it is less stressful, just perhaps not as much as I had hoped for, lol.

I did think of what you had considered. The field that interests me - psychotherapy - would allow me to work for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, at least as an intern, maybe longer.

I guess I kept thinking that if I looked at this from many angles - answer would appear - much like a Magic 8 ball, lol.

bfg
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Post by neverknow »

Barefootgirl wrote:Over the past 18 months, I have systematically shed most of my possessions to the point where all I have left is books, clothing, pots and pans and almost no "valuables" in the traditional sense. It is truly something of a spiritual quest to simplify. I am almost at the most liberating point of my life - nothing left to lose - except that far off promise of healthcare.
bfg
I never had any valuables (in the traditional sense) in the first place. Socks. I love socks with no holes in them. My car, and a sleeping bag. I didn't simplify. I never grew into my wealth.

I have no idea what you are looking for, but as with everyone else -- I am sure we hope that you find it.

I'll leave you with this: "Nothing left to loose" means you don't want, expect, or depend on anything, that you can not provide for yourself (all by yourself - self sufficiency, not any program or group of others).

You can't get there wanting, expecting, depending on health care - whether in the form today, or promised, or whatever the politicians or charities or who ever else thinks up. You have to let it go, and live the way you were made. For good or ill.

I'm a stickler for freedom and sunshine. You can take everything away, but don't take my freedom or sunshine. If you do, you might as well shoot me.

edited to fix formatting
neverknow
Last edited by neverknow on Mon Aug 22, 2011 6:48 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Post by epilnk »

Barefootgirl wrote:So I'll throw this one out - are middle aged and beyond Americans not truly wage slaves, but rather slaves to obtain health care?

bfg
Yes of course we are. By tying healthcare to employment, and by tying the terms of healthcare to the employer's negotiating strength, we have designed a system that favors large employers, penalizes small businesses, and makes entrepreneurship and individuality extra risky. Some people can afford to take such risks, others cannot. Our family can never risk losing group healthcare - that's just the way it is for us. It doesn't really matter whether we'd prefer something else because we won't roll the dice on our older son's health.
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Post by hicabob »

Counting on "Obamacare" - whatever that is - would appear naive - coming from someone that would willingly pay for and support a Canadian type system.
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Post by Valuethinker »

Barefootgirl wrote: I guess I was hoping to get someone to gut check me to see if I am missing something in this analysis, particularly in light of the forthcoming Obamacare programs.

bfg
I am sorry I have to sketch out the politics, THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL OPINION it is intended simply to spell out as clearly I can why it is not reasonable to just say 'Obamacare is coming up'- -and in fact I have only a limited understanding of how US government works:
Scenarios

- Obama reelected, GOP takes Senate. With 67 votes they can overturn presidential veto. In 2013 session, or after 2014 election, they overturn Obamacare

- Obama not reelected. Successor significantly amends or abolishes Obamacare

- Supreme Court finds Obamacare unconstitutional, enough states refuse to implement it, system becomes unaffordable or unworkable, it collapses

- House of Representatives defunds Obamacare in some fashion -- to avoid casting presidential veto, Obama agrees a deal as part of general budget cuts programme

I think most would agree one or more of these is a significant possibility?

Don't bank on its existence, certainly not before November 2012.
Last edited by Valuethinker on Tue Aug 23, 2011 11:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Valuethinker »

Barefootgirl wrote:Hi there, thanks for the comments. I have not been with the fed. govt that long - it's just that I come to this job after 20 years in private industry and I came looking for something a little less stressful - and it is less stressful, just perhaps not as much as I had hoped for, lol.

I did think of what you had considered. The field that interests me - psychotherapy - would allow me to work for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, at least as an intern, maybe longer.

I guess I kept thinking that if I looked at this from many angles - answer would appear - much like a Magic 8 ball, lol.

bfg
You can train for psycotherapy part time?

It's a hard place to earn a living as, I believe, insurance companies often don't cover it?

I would try to undertake part time education in the field if I could, then look to see the lay of the land post 2012.

With the budget cuts, US government might well have some kind of employee buyout programme which would allow you to leave the Civil Service with a payout?
Valuethinker
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Post by Valuethinker »

Barefootgirl wrote: So I suppose the real question is the value of being able to obtain healthcare in retirement with the same pricing, terms and conditions as if I were still working - I am struggling with understanding the value of that.

bfg
OK you cannot just be a slave to healthcare in life.

But doing without at 50 is very different from doing without at 30-- believe me.

What I would counsel is not jumping both boots into this, particularly not betting on one course of political outcome-- not when by waiting until November 2012 you would have a better fix on things.

keep exploring options etc. But don't just rashly jump until you can get more fix on this.

A year.

The thief was brought before the King to beg for mercy. He was sentenced to die. He then said to the King

"Give me one year. I shall teach sire's favourite horse to sing hymns"

The King was amused by this and granted a one year leave of execution. Each morning, the guards would take the prisoner up from the dungeon, to the stables, and the beggar would sing hymns to the King's horse which of course appeared to pay no attention.

The guards laughed at him, and finally one kindly guard asked the beggar 'why do you bother'?

To which the begger replied

'A year is a long time. In a year the King may die. I may die. Or the horse may learn to sing hymns'.

A year. The horse might learn to sing hymns.

(Herodotus)
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Re: Moving Out of the Fast Lane - Second Life Career

Post by expat »

Barefootgirl wrote:
For any of you who retired early or went back for a second career, how did you consider this issue?
I purchased a high-deductible health plan while in good health and intend to keep it indefinitely.
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Post by DTSC »

Valuethinker wrote:
Barefootgirl wrote:Hi there, thanks for the comments. I have not been with the fed. govt that long - it's just that I come to this job after 20 years in private industry and I came looking for something a little less stressful - and it is less stressful, just perhaps not as much as I had hoped for, lol.

I did think of what you had considered. The field that interests me - psychotherapy - would allow me to work for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, at least as an intern, maybe longer.

I guess I kept thinking that if I looked at this from many angles - answer would appear - much like a Magic 8 ball, lol.

bfg
You can train for psycotherapy part time?

It's a hard place to earn a living as, I believe, insurance companies often don't cover it?

I would try to undertake part time education in the field if I could, then look to see the lay of the land post 2012.

With the budget cuts, US government might well have some kind of employee buyout programme which would allow you to leave the Civil Service with a payout?

I'm sorry you're stuck in a job you don't like. Having said that, remember why they call it "work". You're not necessarily supposed to enjoy it. If you did, it'd be called "play". IMHO, unless your work just sucks your soul dry, enjoy the benefits while you pursue your second career at night and on weekends. My wife is a psychologist and there are quite a few programs (online or brick & mortar) designed for working professionals who might go to class one whole day per week, or on weekends and nights only. Once you get trained and credentialed, you can work nights - many people want to see their therapist after work anyhow and working only 9-5 in private practice is really not an option (if you want to eat). As an aside, the psychiatry/ psychology jobs at the VA are highly regarded and actually quite competitive getting them is certainly not a given. It's also hard to start your own private practice and have enough clients, at least initially, unless you have a large warchest (or another means of supporting yourself) - another reason to keep your current job, even after you complete your psychotherapy training.
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VictoriaF
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Post by VictoriaF »

I strongly support Valuethinker's advice. A reliable medical insurance is too much to risk for an indeterminate benefit of the second career.

Alternatives exist such as going to school part-time, moving to a Federal agency where jobs are more aligned with your interests, studying on your own to qualify for educational funds, etc. There could be some volunteer opportunities, e.g., in Afghanistan, upon completion of which one would become eligible for education.

Victoria
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joe8d
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Post by joe8d »

I strongly support Valuethinker advice. A
reliable medical insurance is too much to risk for an indeterminate benefit of the second career.
Certainly and also I can't believe anybody,who is lucky enough to have a Federal job in this day and age, would even consider leaving it.
All the Best, | Joe
astondb4gtz
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Post by astondb4gtz »

Barefootgirl -

I think that if you look at your heart you will know the answer to your question and it will take care of itself.

I am in a similar boat. I have tried to avoid my impractical passion and do the "responsible thing". I have managed for 20 years while raising a few kids along the way. I am very likely going to take, at age 42, an even more ridiculous path than you - toward a PhD that I was too scared to pursue when I should have.

Absolutely you should be aware of what you may be sacrificing by pursuing your passion. But I am thinking about it this way:

Which would I prefer:

1. Spending the rest of my working life miserable and having a very comfortable retirement after holding on to my unloved career for as long as I can.

2. Going back to school (which I love and excel at) to forge a life that I am passionate about and probably is what I would do if I won the lottery tomorrow and could "retire". They may have to retire me before I retire myself.

Number two is a pretty obvious choice to me - now to figure out how to make it work and minimize the financial pain.......
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Tortoise
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Post by Tortoise »

Barefootgirl wrote:So I'll throw this one out - are middle aged and beyond Americans not truly wage slaves, but rather slaves to obtain health care?
Yes, I am a slave to maintain health care.

I used to really enjoy my work, and still don't mind it, even with many more management tasks that have come with advancement.

I cannot entertain the idea of quitting my current job now that I have a pre-existing condition. I was healthy and felt fine up until two years ago. I was 52. Now, chemo once a week keeps things manageable.

My wife works part time, but not enough hours to have health care. Mine covers our entire family. Even if my wife increased her hours to gain health care, there are questions of whether hers would cover me.

Basically I feel stuck with no prospects of anything changing for 12 more years until I get to Medicare, assuming I last that long and that the program is still available.

Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful for my job and thankful for top quality medical care. I am also thankful I did not have the attitude that I was healthy, so I could take my chances without health care.
"Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest." --Mark Twain
neverknow
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Post by neverknow »

astondb4gtz wrote:at age 42 ...
I was 42. I walked off the job with it's benefits and went into business for myself. It was not well thought out. It was simply the only thing I could do. I could not stay, not a moment longer.

(note: 10 years later the CEO went to jail, where he remains today, and the company folded)

Valuethinker is correct. Not just about the present proposed health care looking to go into effect in 2014 -- but any proposed, or existing anything ... the world changes with time, and one can not know the future.

I certainly did not know that CEO would go to jail. But I did know better then to own it's stock.
neverknow
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