Here is short context to where I am at and why I am unsure how to proceed. I am just looking for a sensible exit strategy.

I am 60 and looking to retire at 63. I have significant deformities to both hands, spine, feet(one of which is amputated), 30 years of field engineering and frankly age has taken its toll on me. My body in general just hurts….up unti 53 ish I was pain free…..arthritis has set in my hands and other joints. I don't recover very well.

I am still working and I am ready to cash it in and call it a day.

Question #1: Do I try to get disability at 60 years old to take me to till retirement age?

Question #2: if I do file for disability now, should I hire a lawyer that specializes in the applying for disability and lawfully understanding the process.

Question #3: Do I find away to keep working till 63. and then retire ?


I do feel my trajectory fading quick. Yeah it sucks. But I do have freedom of movement and I want to keep working. Maybe tactically the smart thing to do is lock in on my short 5 years of working for DoW. (Formerly DoD)
Hire a lawyer to map out an exit strategy.

Thanks for your help in advance!

Man, I am so sorry for your situation. I will gather my thoughts. Praying for you, though.

What is your 401k/IRA situation? Pension? Anyone have a claim on that money (like an ex spouse)?

In the course of my daily activities, I review about 200-250 medical charts every morning. Every day I shake my head at the number of young able-bodied people on disability.

You sound like you have a very legitimate claim for disability so I would go ahead and pursue it and not feel the least bit bad. A lawyer certainly would not hurt. Age is undefeated so make the most of your time here. Good luck and sorry to hear about everything going on.

You should cross-post this on the Finance/Investment board.
That said, I'm pleasantly surprised that the replies here have been kind and helpful so far.

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In the course of my daily activities, I review about 200-250 medical charts every morning. Every day I shake my head at the number of young able-bodied people on disability.

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You should do this in a VA clinic and it will blow your mind

I would get on disability now and go ahead and retire if financially able. Prayers to you as well

Ghost91 said:

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You should cross-post this on the Finance/Investment board.
That said, I'm pleasantly surprised that the replies here have been kind and helpful so far.

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I just saw this and have not finished my coffee. Give me a little bit please.

Step 1: Stop working
Step 2: ???
Step 3: Profit

Seriously, though, I hope you are able to get on disability. That sounds awful

Making some assumptions about your employment situation...

You are probably of great value to your company. I wonder if they would allow you to take a step back from the field work and allow you a position where you are training a successor for the next 1-2 years. It would allow a more comfortable transition while still providing some income (if that is a concern).

Also, I second the comment about disability. I am aware of many people who could work but don't and instead draw disability. And they aren't dealing with some of the physical, limiting factors that you described. I think your claim is sensible and justified.

Hope things get better. Like my grandpa used to tell me (and I feel it more everyday), "getting old ain't for sissies!"

My only advice is this.

Carry a pimp cane and whenever you are in Walmart use it on the "entitled folk" using the motorized cart.

You deserve it and they don't.

Also it's for the frail and not the whale.

If you pursue disability, yes hire a lawyer.

Whatever you do, retire or not, do not stop moving. Because once you do, the deterioration of your body will accelerate. Find some method to keep your body moving.

A couple of thoughts from someone who is not an expert.


-Yes apply for disability now. My FIL (65) was severely injured during a medical procedure last year and has never fully recovered. He has struggled to find a job that he can do without physical pain and has truthfully been unable to find anything. Even if this next procedure is successful he will never be at the level of ability he was before. If you are experiencing these things now, I doubt will get better. I would be worried that something might happen or the general toll of the next 3 years will make retirement not as enjoyable for you.

-Hire a lawyer for you own sanity if you can afford to. The disability process and transition to Medicare can be a nightmare mentally and very taxing. It's not worth the additional stress and feeling that you've gone and ****ed something up that it very important.

-You have a ton of experience in your field that is practically a goldmine for a company. My dad was a polymer chemist working in R&D when he retired. For the first several years of retirement they tried to get him to come back full time and he refused. They eventually settled on hiring him as a consultant for specific project. It was really a win-win because my dad made a little extra money, got to select which projects he worked on, and still enjoyed the work. The company was happy because they got his experience and work without having to pay for benefits, office space, etc. You might be able to work out something with your current employer.

-No matter what, make sure you center your decisions on yourself. You only have this one life and no job is really worth being miserable and in pain for.


I really hope you figure something out. I can't imagine being in your shoes and it must be awful at time, chronic pain is a real *****.

If you can make it to 65 then you are Medicare eligible. That makes a huge difference.

I have nothing helpful to add that hasn't been said, but you will be in my prayers.

Best wishes on a pleasant outcome.