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I have a question I thought of while looking at the results of the pig poll. All of you who are working half time: When did you feel comfortable enough to ratchet back the hours and why? Once you worked fewer hours, did it change your mind about early retirement? Or do you consider yourself retired?
I went to half time a year ago. I had been researching early retirement for a few years. I was feeling overwhelmed by juggling my work life with my family--I have two school-age children, one with a learning disability. When we received a substantial inheritance (about $650,000), I was tempted to quit entirely. However, I didn't feel that our investments were sufficient, so I requested and received a reduction of work hours instead.
Now I feel like I can work on for another 10 years, until I am eligible for full retirement benefits at age 58. Most weeks I work four 5-hour days a week, plus I get almost 6 weeks of vacation a year. I now have sufficient time to volunteer at my kid's school, run errands, visit the gym, go to the doctor, whatever I need. And for the first time in about 25 years, I have time for my self.
My husband works full time still. He feels like he can hold on for another 7 years until he is 58 and eligible for the full retirement package. He's glad that one of us had the time to do the household stuff.
Anyway, I consider myself semi-retired. If my investments hit $1,000,000 before my retirement date, I would feel secure enough to fully retire, but for now, work is no longer so onerous.
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