[gatorbob]

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<p><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/22/france.strikes/index.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">French Senate sets stage for final passage of pension reform</span></strong></a></p>
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<p>It amazes me that so many French people are getting so bent out of shape over this little bit of pension reform.  Is retiring at age 62 instead of age 60 really that big of a deal?  High school and college <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-10-22-franceprotests22_ST_N.htm" target="_blank">students are rioting</a> because of it??  What 18 year old kid is concerned about something that won't affect him/her for more than 40 years? </p>
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<p>Here in the States, it seems to me that teenagers today don't think about anything beyond next weekend.  Are French kids really concerned with the year 2050?</p>
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<p>Or do they just like having an excuse to riot about something because it's a social gathering?  Don't they have the internet and XBOX in France?  These kids need something else to do...</p>

 

[GaReb770]

<p>Well, if I lived in France I would be just a tad perturbed at them changing the law now.  I'm going on 58 so it would be a big deal to me if I was expecting to retire at 60 to be told I had to work 2 more years.</p>
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<p>I'm just hoping they don't change our social security laws for early retirement at 62.  Currently I don't intend to retire at 62 but just in case I wouldn't want them to arbitrarily raise the age and not grandfather me in.</p>
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<p>As for the teenagers and 20 to 30 somethings being so outraged, I'm not sure why unless they don't have something like 401(k)s to invest in until they reach 62 some many years further down the road.</p>

 

[Mrtambalynman]

<p>They abolished mandatory retirement here so you can work past 65 and nobody freaked out about it.  Of course I think some employers are probably not loving the system since they are potentially having to retain staff that are losing mental acuity.  The pension system (if you are fortunate to have one) is probably the biggest driver of retirment thinking here anyhow.  If you've managed to pay off your home, once you max out on your pension there isn't much motivation to stay in that job.   </p>

 

[4boysmom]

<p>My dad didn't want to retire before 65 but AT&T forced him to retire.  I don't see how hubby will ever be able to retire.  It's not that we're living beyond our means, it's just costs keep rising and he's not seeing any cost of living raises.  Actually, he's just glad he still has a job!</p>

 

[yar]

<p>retiring in France is kind of a fantasy for me.  not Paris - maybe Provence.  it'll never happen.</p>

 

[Tech Tee]

<p>Unfortunately, I have a feeling that I will only retire when I can't continue to work anymore.</p>
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<p>So, retiring at 62?  Suck it...I'll probably be working when I'm 80.  If they don't fire me.</p>

 

[Mrtambalynman]

<p><br>
Hell, I think I'd like to move to the south of France to work a la " Year in Provence".</p>
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<p>Per Noel anyone?  Petanque?<br>
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<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>yar</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/70781/retirement-in-france#post_1956532"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>retiring in France is kind of a fantasy for me.  not Paris - maybe Provence.  it'll never happen.</p>
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