early out or stay late?

Retirement: Early out Brad Curtiss retired at age 55 in 2005, after working for Blackfoot Telephone for 30 years. Photo by Tom Bauer/ MT 55

GWEN FLORIO Montana 55

Who: Brad Curtiss Occupation: worked for Blackfoot Telephone Retired: 2005, at age 55 Retired when he did because … of the “Rule of 85” – my time served was 30 years and my age was 55. … That was full retirement.

What he’s done since: I went to

work as a volunteer at (Providence) St. Pat’s hospital. I’m down at the Broad way desk, and I tell people that I finally get to tell people where to go.

Best thing about retirement: I go out with friends and stuff, just kind of relax. (Friends have a cabin in the Swan Valley/Condon area) and we go up to the cabin for a weekend or something. … The cabin’s a real nice (place) to sit and rest your weary bones. Worst thing: I don’t think I could

say anything bad about being retired — except for that I don’t do enough exer cise. You gotta stay somewhat healthy in order to enjoy retirement. Advice: Just have in their mind what really they want to do. And enjoy it. My dad got a little license plate for his rig, and it says “No phone, no boss, no this, no that – RETIRED.” MT55

Retirement: One who waited Barbara Theroux, founder and former owner of Fact & Fiction bookstore, on her last day at work before her retirement in 2017. She says the best thing about her life since is being able to say yes to all of the things she enjoys. Photo by Kurt Wilson/ MT 55

GWEN FLORIO Montana 55

Who: Barbara Theroux Occupation: Bookseller, Fact and Fiction

Retired: June 2017, just shy of age 70

Retired when she did because … I chose June so I would be free to do some travel. I had it plotted out so I could get paid through the end of the year and then my Social Security would kick in.

What she’s done since: I’ve got ten involved in my community. I’ve stayed involved with the Montana Book Festival, and as president of Friends of the Missoula Public Library. I’m very active in the exciting building project. I’ve had some wonderful opportunity to travel, both exotic trips as well as traveling within the United States, even within the state of Montana, reconnect ing with old friends or being able to be on hand for family occasions.

Best thing about retirement: Being free to say ‘yes.’ Yes to a trip, yes to go ing to a movie, yes because you can go. You can be spontaneous. Worst thing: (The loss of) some of that daily contact with people. … As a former retailer, you were in it. You were in it. There was a constant group of people who came in, some you knew or who became good friends. I … still see them, but in a different context. Advice: If you’re thinking that now is the time, make sure your finances are in order, that you have enough to live on, perhaps have something tucked away. I had a travel fund tucked away. Do it before you regret your job. Do it before your body doesn’t allow you to do things. Do it while you’re healthy in mind and spirit and body. You need to enjoy it.” MT55