I retired early from my federal job and took a part-time job at TJ Maxx. I'm happier and less stressed.
Karime Masson said she's happier than she's been in a while after retiring from her federal job with the Social Security Administration. Karime Masson Karime Masson retired from the Social Security Administration in December 2025, earlier than she'd planned. Several factors, such as the removal of telework, contributed to her decision to retire early. Masson has been working part time at TJ Maxx and enjoys the flexibility and decreased stress. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Karime Masson, 59, who lives in Indiana. Masson was a federal employee with the Social Security Administration for over 20 years before retiring. She now works part-time in a retail role at TJ Maxx. The following has been edited for length and clarity. I was with the Social Security Administration for about 24 ½ years. I was a claims representative and a bilingual translator because I'm also fluent in Spanish. The last part of my career was more difficult because we ...
