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My Re-Birthday
Old 05-14-2011, 07:15 AM   #1
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My Re-Birthday

Well... today is my birthday AND my first day of "Retirement"...

I put that word in quotes because, at 48, I'm left wondering if I'll be content not working again. You see, two weeks ago I gave notice... I couldn't think of a better birthday present to myself.

While I've posted my particulars in a previous thread... since I am officially retired, now, I'll offer a summary...

Personal: 48, single, never married, no kids, one great dog
Basic expenses: 25K annual
Debts: None
Finances: 2.2mm (stocks/bonds) + 600K (IRA) + 350K (approx. Home Value)
Additional: expecting approx. 1.5mm - 1.8mm to come in later this year

There are so many emotions that flood a person's mind when leaving a 20 year career (all with the same company)... the primary ones, for me, were..

- YIKES!... I'm leaving a (fairly) secure job and can't return!
(Not true, I'm on good terms with so many people w/i my industry... I could probably find another job pretty quickly)

- OH NO!... What if my next-egg isn't enough?
(Yes, I know... ALL the calculators say that I'll be fine - If I don't party like Lindsey Lohan on a Saturday night)

Sooo... I'll consider my 48th birthday a "Re-Birthday" and try to find, then satisfy, my inner child. After all, it seems like the last 25 years were spent trying to satisfy OTHER people with varying degrees of success.

Perhaps this forum can help me along the way...
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Old 05-14-2011, 07:26 AM   #2
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Congratulations to both your birthday and ER.
You are really ER. Could you disclose a bit more how you have achieved it?
How are you planning to spend your time and to find social interaction in your new phase?
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Old 05-14-2011, 08:19 AM   #3
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Welcome and congratulations.

Take some time to just smell the roses and decide what would make you happiest. You have freedom now and lots of opportunities, which can translate into idleness (my preference), a new business, a new career or any combination - depending on what makes you feel fulfilled.

For me, the key word is you - not other's expectations.
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Old 05-14-2011, 08:23 AM   #4
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Congratulations and Happy Birthday! I'd love to see a pic of your dog. Bet he/she will be happy to have you around more
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Old 05-14-2011, 08:24 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chris2008 View Post
Congratulations to both your birthday and ER.
You are really ER.
Thanks! While it might seem "Early" from the outside... my career was pretty stressful at times... so "Early" seems "just in time" to me

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris2008 View Post
How are you planning to spend your time and to find social interaction in your new phase?
That's a good question... House projects and "decompression time" will take up much of the immediate future. Some traveling is planned for. Home Center classes (for those needed house projects). And perhaps some "just for fun" classes.

Honestly, this is what scares me the most. After working so many hours... 6 days a week... I'm worried about adjusting to a slower pace. Still... I think I'm up for the challenge. As I told people in my office who questioned me on this... "I think people vastly underestimate my ability to do nothing." I hope that's true...

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris2008 View Post
Could you disclose a bit more how you have achieved it?
- 20 years of hard work with one company can earn a lot of equity. Unfortunately/fortunately it can also lead to...
- Being single (w/no kids) which can REALLY reduce expenses.
- LBYM and consistent Conservative/Growth Investing certainly helps

(All told, this got me 3/4 of the way there)

- A generous inheritance, however, pushed me through the finish line.
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Old 05-14-2011, 08:37 AM   #6
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Big Congrats! That is a pretty amazing RE nest egg for someone your age!
Enjoy your Decompression!
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Old 05-14-2011, 08:40 AM   #7
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Quote:
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Congratulations and Happy Birthday! I'd love to see a pic of your dog. Bet he/she will be happy to have you around more
Who wants to play!
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