18 Comments
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Kathleen's avatar

Cheers to third acts, grown up movies, Wes Anderson, and baby owls! 🦉

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Liz Hallock's avatar

Many years spent at MM. I think it’s remarkable that pre-food court there was only one Italian restaurant (with good pizza) that fed the whole place. I remember Sam Goody and KB Toys, brands that don’t even exist anymore. Good times.

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

Hi Liz! I can only think of Sbarro's. Was there another one? I forgot about pre-food court times!

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Liz Hallock's avatar

I think it was Italian Delight. Dark, cavernous hallway of a place.

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

thank sounds right!!!

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Arpee64's avatar

My first stitches in life were also at the Monmouth “Shopping” Center before they enclosed it. Took a dinger off the bench outside the SS Kresge store! Core memory! I relate to your toddler!

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

LOL you and Max share that core memory!!! xo

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Bernice Klein's avatar

As I just turned 60 I still have no clue about where I will end up. Finances have lead me to a small apartment in a town I’m not really happy with at present. Some days are harder than others so I try to as my therapist said find the joy in the little things.

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

Hi Bernice and oh, what a wise therapist. Yes, the third act is dependent upon a lot of things, like health and finances. Sending you big hugs and thanking you for reading and sharing. xo

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Venetia's avatar

As I contemplate retiring in the next few years, I keep hearing this advice: “your 60s are go-go, your 70s are slow-go and your 80s are no-go”. In other words, plan your active adventures early in retirement because health issues may impede your plans as your body ages. It also means don’t delay retirement too long!

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

I think that's SUCH good advice and something for me to remember as I think about my next act. xo

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Helene Fall's avatar

Hmm - while I am almost in my mid-sixties (WOWWWW) I don’t think I’ve considered it my third phase of like - but it is true! I had a rough plan for retirement from a very satisfying career which including moving from Bergen County - always my home base - to live on the east end of Long Island. Mission accomplished :). However, I knew in “retirement” that I wanted to volunteer and remain engaged - which I continue to do and find so much satisfaction from it, as well as enjoy being part of a multi-generational mostly women driven organization. I continue to be a work in progress - that is for sure!!

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

First, I should have shared that I got the "third act" idea from a Jane Fonda Ted Talk that really resonated with me. Second, honestly your "retirement" sounds quite lovely and most importantly, let's you stay engaged and satisfied. Kudos to you and thanks for the inspiration!

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Marcia Francois's avatar

I’ve been thinking a lot (a LOT!) about my third phase of my work life. My company’s retirement age is 60 and I’m 50 (will be 51 in Aug) with a generally long tenure at all companies I’ve worked at (this one 11 years, previous 9 years). So…thanks for the push, Amy. I think I need to get writing my list and start praying over it. I’m in no rush to move but I’m also hyper aware that it’s easier for a 50-year-old than a 58-year-old to get employed in my industry in my country.

Thanks for the movie recommendations 🩷

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

Hi Marcia and WOW 60 for a retirement age? You're right though, much easier to get hired at 51 than 58 (sadly). It's never too early, I'm learning, to start thinking about the future. Also, my birthday is in August, too! Thanks for chiming in and sharing your thoughts! xo

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Marcia Francois's avatar

What people generally do is find the few companies with a 63 or 65 retirement age, because 60 is very young!

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Marcia Francois's avatar

When in Aug are you, Amy? I’m the 6th.

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

Ooh Leo. I'm the 13th!! ;) xo

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