It’s not a dress rehearsal ... tell your getting out of the rat race story

[Kal Rubinson]

I had a brother-in-law who was afraid to retire because he said he had no hobbies. That's not something that anyone around here has to worry about.

EDIT: He never retired and died last year. Sorry story.

[doggiehowser]

My wife kept her career on back burner while I was charting out mine. She took a hiatus from her job when I was posted to Manchester and elsewhere. But she always wanted to continue learning

8 years ago, she decided to pursue a Masters in Education in Brisbane and later a PhD. I was getting high blood pressure and in hindsight, heading towards an early grave in my corporate job. I was always on the road and if not, I was in conference calls, morning day and night coordinating with Asia and the US.

As luck would have it, there weren’t many jobs at my level in the city and I passed the time working on odd jobs I never expected to be doing at my age but really enjoying my stint in building speakers for a small manufacturer in the Gold Coast.

I ended up in a retail HiFi store in Brisbane and haven’t looked back. It’s great sharing the hobby and passion with similar minded people.

Pay’s not great but we get by and my blood pressure is manageable. And my wife noticed my grey hair was turning black again I swear I don’t color it.

All in all, fair trade.

[W9TR]

Originally Posted by EfeTe

So glad to read nobody has been bored or idle or anything. Just sheer joy, activities and exploration every day instead!

Holy buckets I’m far from bored. I’ve fired half my customers and the ones I have left are a joy to work with. I have a great balance of work (which is now really fun) and play. To paraphrase Ferris Bueller; “if you have the means, I highly recommend it”

[Mikado463]

I guess I'm blessed, being 45 years into a career I truly love(senior management in the railroad industry) I am just now thinking about 'pulling the pin' , maybe 2021. I'll be 67 and yes it will be somewhat difficult trying to keep up with grandkids, but I'll do my best.

[Formerly YB-2]

Wife & I spent today in Monte Carlo as part of our trip to Nice. I bailed into retirement 10yr ago this past 12/31 and could not be happier. Wife did so the following 1/31, but only lasted a few months until she was convinced to take on the French Lit program at the local state U. She has told them this is her last semester. This time I believe her.

[ptman]

I retired in January 2018 after 35+ years in the IT consulting industry, the last 27 in roles of sales, client relationship and delivery oversight.

About 18 months before retiring, I was able to downshift to 3 days/week, about 30 hours, retaining health benefits, etc. It was awesome, but didn't last. One year after going back full time I pulled the plug.

Since retiring, I've lost 30 pounds, dropped 1 of my Diabetes Type 2 meds and cut one injection in half, and cut my cholesteral medications in half.

Taken vacations without worrying about e-mail, phone calls or texts.

As I led to my final day, I worked hard to transition knowledge and responsibilities, and made sure everyone knew they could contact me with any questions...never received a call or an e-mail. The train just keeps on rolling when you leave.

The one interesting thing I've noticed is that in the first months after retiring, you feel the need to tell folks how you're occupying your time...after a few months you find that life comes to you and the days happen as they will. There's always lots to do.

Retirement is the best job I ever had, with a boss that I like.

Pay could always be better, but that's what you work to have in place prior.

My one advice is to check out the cost of medical insurance prior...it can be an eye-opener.