Your profile says you're 62, so three years until Medicare kicks in. If you are not descended from the robber barons and don't have a nice fat trust fund, the suggestion to retire was probably pretty unwelcome. I know exactly what that feels like- I'm the main source of income for my household and I have kids in college.

Do you have a high-stress or very physical job? Extra-long hours?

Beyond the money, what do YOU think? Do you feel like your job is detrimental to your health? If so, any chance of a different position with the same company? Cutting hours a little? Do you have commitments outside of work that are a drain on your energy? All things to consider.

Slow down may be necessary,but retiring isn't always an option when it comes to money and or needing something to do!

Hi Alto.. well, I wish I was a trust funder or had a rich Daddy but I'm just a flight attendant so.. Yes, it is somewhat physical & tiring & yes, there are getting to be times that I think about retiring NOW but to be totally realistic, 66 will be the earliest. I guess it was just a shocker to actually have those words said aloud ..because, I still think I can..!

Hi Annette.. I know!! I really can't imagine retiring.. Even slowing down is a physiological downer..

skyegirl, could you get a different job with the airline? I would think all the travel would be exhausting. Maybe something at an airport near you?

Best thoughts always. I am 'eligible' to retire at my job, but right now, the pension is only 62% of my pay, If I can hang on four more years, it will be 74%... so I am hanging on ..... some days it's hard, but I have to think long-term... oy.

Retire? None of my docs have said anything like that. Retirement is not possible. There is a website that is very helpful to me : cicoach.com. (Chronic Illness Coach). There are lots of ideas, advice and help for those who are trying to figure out how to deal with the unpredictability of our illness in a work environment.

Hi skyegirl, I am two years away from my retirement, and must hang in there...I have no choice. I think aggie had a great idea. Is there any other type of job on the ground that you can do? When I fly I notice my RA starts to flare, but that is me. The journey with RA is unpredictable. You never know what will hurt when you wake up. RA will let you know when it is time to retire. People with RA need to listen to their body. In the meantime, be creative and see what else you can do for the airlines.
Lots of gentle hugs to you!!!!! I am very interested to hear about your decision. Please let us know.

Since I'm only 42, I guess retire isn't the right word. Honestly, I don't even like the reality of my situation but I'm trying to accept it. Since my most recent testing I've had two specialists tell me work probably isn't going to be possible. Not as long as it's full time, requires cognitive thought, sitting or standing for more than 30min and stress. That kind of wipes out all of my options. My chosen career wouldn't accommodate any of those restrictions. What employer would?

I'm waiting for a consult with a spine surgeon but even that's a longshot & not a guarantee. Even if surgery is an option heal time will be extensive and may set off more issues leading to more surgery later.

So I guess disability is my only option right now. I'm hoping as time goes on I can go back to work. If not for an employer then for myself doing who knows what. I'm really at a loss right now but trying to stay positive.

Maybe changing jobs is an option for you or cutting back on your flight time and splitting it between flights and something else with the airline. If you've been with them for a while maybe they'd be willing to work with you for the next few years? You never know until you ask. But I know sometimes that's easier said than done.

I hope you find a solution!

Emerald

the flight attendant across the street from me has told me that her vertigo has crossed with worker's comp - and I am thinking that the reason this came up is that not having dizziness is integral to the performance of this career no?. there are a lot of paper pushing jobs where you can work the disease symptoms around. in your case I can see where the dialogue came up. I hope you it is being better managed this week.

my two aunts who had this disease were self employed so I never saw a clear cut line of "retirement" - just the ravages of the disease and not very good medical coping.

each of our situations are so different based on how much we can control of our work environment within the confines of how we can deal with our disease, where are support systems are, if any, and if we can live financially and what life decisions preceded the disease.

Depot

The only thing that has said that to me is my own body. I still need to work, so I slept myself in unless I just cannot do it. Also Altoclef makes excellent points. I do not get benefits from my job at age 62. I would have to pay for health care policy. If I cobra for 15 months for myself and younger son it would be $1500.00/ month. And with not making the same salary. My doctor told me 10 years ago that his goal was to keep me working as long as possible. If it gets to the point where I am out from work more than in, I will have to rethink things over.