Hello group, I'm a 55 yr old male that's in a unique situation. I been working for the Municipal government here in Houston for the pass 28 years in the Public Works & Engineering Dept. I been in the same Dept and basically the same division the whole time. I work in the finance area. My situation is this, I been eligible to retire for the pass 6 years, I went into DROP,that's(Deferred Retirement) along about that time and been able to build up a comfortable retirement account. With my government pension and interest from my DROP account I could make several thousand dollar a year more than i'm making in salary now. Most people i talk to encourages me to take the full retirement and get out. What most people don't understand is I still enjoy what i do most day. I"m in charge of the payment of multi million dollar projects and services and have to be on my toes most of the time.
About 2 years ago most of the Upper management retired or was replaced. The new management shows little appreciation for what I do for the origanization. They trust me to take care of high dollar projects,but when it comes to promotions or good raises seems there is always some reason to leave me out. I',m not happy about that. I make a very comfortable salary but at this time being happy on the job is more important to me than the money. I have been able to build up a very comfortable retirement fund and if i leave i will continue health benefits. I will have no bills and all 3 of my children have finish college and working professional jobs. What i really need advice on is what is some things i can do to break the emotional ties i have to the job. I do very little once i get off work. I moved out into a gated community and know very few people in the neighborhood. I would like some suggestion on ways to ease myself away from a good job.