[Twinkletoes]

There are only 3 of us in my little office at Justice Court. I've worked p/t for 8 years, and now the lead clerk is retiring. I haven't been offered the job yet, but would probably qualify for it.

I haven't held a fulltime job in 13 years! But, I've felt better physically and mentally the past few months than the 2 years previous (was dxd with MS 3 years ago).

We're empty-nesters, but we're hosting a foreign exchange student this school year from Norway. We've been emailing and she's okay with finding her own way home after school (1.5 mile walk).

Of course a full-time job would interfere with my impulsive traveling and visiting the grandkids. We don't absolutely need the money (most likely it will bump us into a higher tax bracket), but more money is never a bad thing (will reach retirement age in about 9 years).

My question is this: what would the financial benefits be if I were forced to quit a full-time job because of health issues? I don't anticipate this will happen, but its possible.

Last week my new neuro (MS specialist) said I might not even have MS, but rather something called Transverse Myelitis. I don't even understand what that is, other than it can still put you in a wheelchair.

Help me out, friends. Will I be sorry I've given up my freedom in exchange for money and possible exhaustion?

[Blessings2You]

I voted that I have no clue. I can't even make my OWN decisions.

What is the worst case scenario if you take the full-time and decide you can't or choose not to handle it? Can you go back to part-time? Does your boss know about your medical issues? Money aside, what makes you smile when you picture yourself--full time or part time?

[kicker]

I have only this Zen saying to offer you-

One inch of time is worth a foot of gold.

Freedom!! Don't lose it.

[Twinkletoes]

Yes, my boss (the Judge) knows about my health issues.

That's a good question, Blessings: can I go back to part-time if I'm not able to handle full-time?

Thanks for your input. I'm still mulling it over.

[Aarcyn]

I voted for you to keep the P/T.

Give up vacation freedom and visiting grandkids? For money?

nope.

[barb02]

What Cyn said! Ditto.

[Jules A]

I didn't vote because my thoughts would be to pick up another part-time job. I have always worked more than one job and I think a different atmosphere is refreshing.

I'm totally obsessed with with saving money for my pending disability, sigh, but if you don't really need it I would probably stay with your part-time gig that you know is manageable and find another one to dabble with for a little extra cash and a fresh atmosphere.

[SallyC]

I'm with Kicker and rest of the "keep the parttime job and enjoy the freedom".

[Momma's Kids]

My lil Twink, what a decision...I had a full time job, was doing very well and BAMMM!! Relapse, and a few months later I didn't have a choice.

I would consider:
Health issues taking on more responsibility
What benefits come with the position, LTD a big plus.
The extra money could go in a retirement fund.


You wouldn't travel as much but you could still do short trips.
You will be having a house guest, which no matter how neat, its still another person.


I think you should just follow what your heart tells you to do and that deep down gut feeling.

Good luck in deciding, I would take a full time/part time if I could. lol

[Riverwild]

Pro- more money for 9 years before retirement equals more money after retirement from SS.

Con- less freedom

If you want/need a bigger paycheck after retirement, take the job. If you value your freedom right now, skip it and continue PT.

I need all the $$ I can get during retirement, since the man is already on disability and has no chance of anything over that and the $200.00 a month he will get from an old pension and some $$ from a tiny 403b he left at his last job. I am putting away every penny I can and working extra to try to get ahead of the ball, especially since the downturn ate up a good chunk of my 403b... I figure that between the two of us anything I can get ahead will pay for our medical costs.