Your e-mails: Life after work

(CNN) -- As part of the "Life After Work" special, CNN.com asked its readers about their post-retirement years. Here is a selection of the responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity:

Elaine Miller of Taylorsville, North Carolina
Due to a major corporation's downsizing five years ago, I took early retirement from my career as the corporate meeting manager. With 18 years of dedication to this company, retirement was never on my agenda. But having to do so gave me the opportunity to do what I love. ... I design and hand-make greeting cards that are original pieces of art. They have had artistic success in upscale retailers ... and many fine stationery stores. What a great second career life has thrown my way. ... [It] goes to prove "when one door closes, a window will open."

Karen Pittman of Kansas City, Missouri
We receive $1,945 a month in Social Security. We pay $1,200 a month for health insurance and long-term care insurance. Guess how worry-free our retirement is?

Buc Alboucq of Lacey, Washington
Phooey on retirement. I like to work; I think it helps to keep my brain active. The only real talent I can speak to is my ability to work.

Sue Brooks of Mechanicsburg, Illinois
I am 65, and while not retired yet -- I have 97 days, 15 hours, but who's counting? -- I have planned for the next phase of my life for the past three years. I have taken on another part-time, home-based business job that I've been actively involved in for 2½ years. It's been really tiring and a struggle at times to maintain my schedule, but I knew I needed to have something in place that I loved and that would generate additional income -- in addition to my retirement annuity. ... I'm active and intend to stay that way as long as I can. And I am so looking forward to retirement from my current administrative job in a medical school.

Peter Olsen of Flagstaff, Arizona
My wife and I both tried to retire in 2004 after moving from California to Arizona. I was 69 and she was 67. After two weeks, we decided we couldn't take the retired life. ... We just had to return to the 8-5 environment, even though we have lots of other activities to take all our time. So we both now have full-time careers again. Are we crazy? Maybe, but I'll try again in three years when I'm 75, and my wife will decide again for herself.

Jane Erickson of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota
I just retired on April 6, 2007, from a position I held for 26 years. Now I work as a "casual" employee for that same company, meaning they call me when they need me and I can work or turn them down as I see fit. I also have another job as an independent contractor. That job also I can do or not as I desire. Finally after all these years my time is mine to do as I please. I'm planning to enjoy all the fun of summer, and when I want to feel productive, I'll take on one of my jobs. What a life. E-mail to a friend