My former boss, who is now at the museum, visited our office yesterday. I had only a few private minutes with her, but she said she wanted me to be a consultant on contract, and I could choose my hours; part-time would be fine. Holy cow! We didn't have a chance to really talk about it; there were so many other people popping in and gathering around to see her.
As much as I crave the freedom of retirement, and I really do, I know this is an opportunity I can't pass up. Not only would it give me a financial boost, but just having this on my record would ensure that I could consult just about anywhere in the future, if I chose to. This is mind-boggling!
As if the universe was saying "Do it," I went outside and found a quarter and four pennies!
(Or the universe was saying, Don't worry, I'll supply change; you don't have to work! Hard to tell what the universe is saying sometimes. 
)
So today I have to send her an email spelling out my terms. Basically, I would want to work about 20 hours, ideally on Tuesday through Thursday. The commute would be no improvement. I would have to either drive through the city (it's on the south side, and I live due north). Or, if I took the El, I would have to transfer to a bus, and it would be just as long as the commute I have now, and less comfortable. For these reasons, I would like to limit it to as few days a week as possible.
I also have to see how it would affect Social Security, but if I'm remembering right, as long as I wait to draw SS until my full retirement age (which will be in August) I can continue to work with no penalty.
I might have to get a new car (which I wouldn't have done if I retired). And I might have to buy some new clothes (more corporate atmosphere). But I'm counting chickens before they hatch!
I'll keep you posted!
The Museum Job
May 22nd, 2015 at 01:04 pm
May 22nd, 2015 at 01:16 pm 1432300565
May 22nd, 2015 at 01:16 pm 1432300602
I kind of felt you should keep the door open but that it sounded like it was going to be too much. I am so glad you kept the door open and it is turning into such a nice opportunity!
May 22nd, 2015 at 01:20 pm 1432300825
May 22nd, 2015 at 01:30 pm 1432301410
Ah, the endless opportunities presented by doors flinging open ...
Sounds like a sign from the universe that you have some interesting choices to make!
So happy for you! When is your last day?!
May 22nd, 2015 at 01:41 pm 1432302072
May 22nd, 2015 at 01:50 pm 1432302634
May 22nd, 2015 at 02:56 pm 1432306564
May 22nd, 2015 at 03:30 pm 1432308629
May 22nd, 2015 at 11:12 pm 1432336347
May 22nd, 2015 at 11:26 pm 1432337211
Did she tell you about potential salary or other benefits? Will it be a clearly spelled out contract with bench mark goals or projects for you to assist with? Will it be pure contract where you have to pay both employee and employer taxes? And don't sell yourself to low on the salary requirements. With years of experience she sought you out!
When I work on consulting projects for emergency management all my miles related to the project are tracked to report. Just something to consider as you begin your planning.
And isn't there a minimum amount of work you can do while taking SS? Not to hit above a certain threshold to impact your SS payments?
May 23rd, 2015 at 12:33 am 1432341229
May 23rd, 2015 at 01:06 am 1432343196
May 23rd, 2015 at 06:35 am 1432362936
May 23rd, 2015 at 04:21 pm 1432398096
May 24th, 2015 at 01:12 am 1432429940
"..Hard to tell what the universe is saying sometimes.." LOL!!
May 26th, 2015 at 05:26 am 1432617964
May 26th, 2015 at 02:32 pm 1432650767
Kiki, my understanding is that if you wait to draw SS benefits until you reach full retirement age, working does not impact the benefit. If you draw benefits before full retirement age, then your employment income must be below a certain level, or your SS income will be reduced.
May 31st, 2015 at 07:41 pm 1433101266