When is it Time to Retire?

Buffalo, NY (WBEN) As the world digests the news of Pope Benedict XVI's resignation, it brings new light into the age-old question: when is it time to retire?

One man who himself went into retirement last summer, Bob Meiss, says the decision to retire varies from person to person. "When you're in your mid to late 50s, you beign to realize you just don't seem to have the energy as before. You have the same passion, but it gets harder and harder to stay on top of your game," says Meiss.
 

Meiss, who retired as CEO of Beechwood Continuing Care, says he began thinking about all the things he wanted to do but never had the time to do, "and I got excited about all the things I can do in the next phase of my life." He also knows retiring is not easy for others. "Sadly, there are employees whose work performance suffers, and they have heart-to-heart talks with their bosses, and they come to the realization that it's time (to retire)," notes Meiss.
 

As for Pope Benedict's resignation, mainly for health reasons, Meiss says it's a good reason to retire, and a great example by the pontiff. "It's best for him personally, hopefully he'll be able to recharge himself and his health will improve," says Meiss. "He apparently recognized he could not be at the top of his game, and it's a wise choice."