The Class of 2011

[dessert]

Yes, its pretty easy I think if where you plan to go is attractive for tourists and vacationers. Websites like vrbo.com and homeaway.com have numerous furnished rentals by the week and month. We have already booked our Key West and Key Largo rentals. Have not yet done Savannah or New Orleans, but can see that there are many rentals that would meet our needs in those areas.

Hey thanks. I thought that was how you were doing it. I've looked into that too and will give it a try at some point.

 

[Sullidc]

A latecomer to the topic- retired 1/1/2011 at 58. Been to Manhattan, Mexico and off to Ireland this Friday. Son off to Purdue in the fall. Daughter getting married in Charlottesville this summer. Life is good. Absolutely zero regrets about leaving the grind -- but searching for the next path down the road. Jack

 

[steelyman]

Sullidc - welcome to the ever-expanding Class of 2011!

afntrn56 (55) 11/30
Arnie (55) 7/15
Beryl (56) 1/31
bizlady (55) 4/11
bob boag (55) 7/1
casky (58) 6/29
chas57006 & DW (a twofer) (57) 6/30
chinaco (55)
cj (56) 5/1
crispus (56) 2/?
dessert (60) 3/31
frugal-one (??)
gsparks2 (55) 8/1
heirloom (61½) 6/1
heyduke (55) 3/1
Jacmac (53) 1/1
Jacmac DH (56) 5/31
jimbohoward69 (41)
jerryo (61) 8/31
JJPIES60 (51) 7/15
JmfromTx (56) 1/31
KingB (62) 1/31
KingB DW (63) 4/1
kwblack (54) 1/1
martyp (55) 3/1
Midpack (57) 6/30
NeverBored (59) 6/30
norske69 (59) 6/13
NW Landlady DH (55) 5/31
OhSoClose (54) 6/6
Packman (54) 5/31
Prototype (55) 1/15
Purron DH (55) 3/1
REattempt (46) 7/30
RunningBum (49) 3/15
Sixteen Tons (57) 5/1
Skye (62) 1/1
Southern Geek (55) 7/4
steelyman (53) 8/16
Sullidc (58) 1/1
TodaysTheDay (55) 3/14
Tomcat98 (43) 7/10
zaqxsw (57) 8/12

 

[Seeking Hobbes]

Hello all, I thought I'd finally add myself to the growing class of 2011!
Not even a month into it now & I feel like I was born to live like this

afntrn56 (55) 11/30
Arnie (55) 7/15
Beryl (56) 1/31
bizlady (55) 4/11
bob boag (55) 7/1
casky (58) 6/29
chas57006 & DW (a twofer) (57) 6/30
chinaco (55)
cj (56) 5/1
crispus (56) 2/?
dessert (60) 3/31
frugal-one (??)
gsparks2 (55) 8/1
heirloom (61½) 6/1
heyduke (55) 3/1
Jacmac (53) 1/1
Jacmac DH (56) 5/31
jimbohoward69 (41)
jerryo (61) 8/31
JJPIES60 (51) 7/15
JmfromTx (56) 1/31
KingB (62) 1/31
KingB DW (63) 4/1
kwblack (54) 1/1
martyp (55) 3/1
Midpack (57) 6/30
NeverBored (59) 6/30
norske69 (59) 6/13
NW Landlady DH (55) 5/31
OhSoClose (54) 6/6
Packman (54) 5/31
Prototype (55) 1/15
Purron DH (55) 3/1
REattempt (46) 7/30
RunningBum (49) 3/15
Sixteen Tons (57) 5/1
Skye (62) 1/1
Southern Geek (55) 7/4
steelyman (53) 8/16
Sullidc (58) 1/1
TodaysTheDay (55) 3/14
Tomcat98 (43) 7/10
zaqxsw (57) 8/12
Seeking Hobbes (48) 5/13

 

[steelyman]

Don't wanna lose the alphabetical order, or we'll never find anyone in this crowd...

afntrn56 (55) 11/30
Arnie (55) 7/15
Beryl (56) 1/31
bizlady (55) 4/11
bob boag (55) 7/1
casky (58) 6/29
chas57006 & DW (a twofer) (57) 6/30
chinaco (55)
cj (56) 5/1
crispus (56) 2/?
dessert (60) 3/31
frugal-one (??)
gsparks2 (55) 8/1
heirloom (61½) 6/1
heyduke (55) 3/1
Jacmac (53) 1/1
Jacmac DH (56) 5/31
jimbohoward69 (41)
jerryo (61) 8/31
JJPIES60 (51) 7/15
JmfromTx (56) 1/31
KingB (62) 1/31
KingB DW (63) 4/1
kwblack (54) 1/1
martyp (55) 3/1
Midpack (57) 6/30
NeverBored (59) 6/30
norske69 (59) 6/13
NW Landlady DH (55) 5/31
OhSoClose (54) 6/6
Packman (54) 5/31
Prototype (55) 1/15
Purron DH (55) 3/1
REattempt (46) 7/30
RunningBum (49) 3/15
Seeking Hobbes (48) 5/13
Sixteen Tons (57) 5/1
Skye (62) 1/1
Southern Geek (55) 7/4
steelyman (53) 8/16
Sullidc (58) 1/1
TodaysTheDay (55) 3/14
Tomcat98 (43) 7/10
zaqxsw (57) 8/12

 

[casky]

okay I have been retired for three months and I have taken to it rather well - living in a motorhome, traveling and now headed to the florida keys for the summer...

ahhh life is grand!

Sounds excellent. I am also thinking about the motorhome route. A question for you:

It seems all the Florida travellers leave that state in the summer and head west. However you head for the Keys. Any reason for that? Just curious

 

[REWahoo]

It seems all the Florida travellers leave that state in the summer and head west. However you head for the Keys. Any reason for that? Just curious

You'll find a detailed explanation here: On the Road of Retirement

 

[casky]

Thanks so much REWahoo, that explains it. I did not know he had a blog and I will follow their adventures

 

[steelyman]

Oh my - we have another greenie: norske69

afntrn56 (55) 11/30
Arnie (55) 7/15
Beryl (56) 1/31
bizlady (55) 4/11
bob boag (55) 7/1
casky (58) 6/29
chas57006 & DW (a twofer) (57) 6/30
chinaco (55)
cj (56) 5/1
crispus (56) 2/?
dessert (60) 3/31
frugal-one (??)
gsparks2 (55) 8/1
heirloom (61½) 6/1
heyduke (55) 3/1
Jacmac (53) 1/1
Jacmac DH (56) 5/31
jimbohoward69 (41)
jerryo (61) 8/31
JJPIES60 (51) 7/15
JmfromTx (56) 1/31
KingB (62) 1/31
KingB DW (63) 4/1
kwblack (54) 1/1
martyp (55) 3/1
Midpack (57) 6/30
NeverBored (59) 6/30
norske69 (59) 6/13
NW Landlady DH (55) 5/31
OhSoClose (54) 6/6
Packman (54) 5/31
Prototype (55) 1/15
Purron DH (55) 3/1
REattempt (46) 7/30
RunningBum (49) 3/15
Seeking Hobbes (48) 5/13
Sixteen Tons (57) 5/1
Skye (62) 1/1
Southern Geek (55) 7/4
steelyman (53) 8/16
Sullidc (58) 1/1
TodaysTheDay (55) 3/14
Tomcat98 (43) 7/10
zaqxsw (57) 8/12

 

[NookWine-n-Tinker]

Add me to the list

Greetings All,
I was invited to join this list as I will be turning in my notice tomorrow. Proud to be a memeber of the class of 2011.

NookWine-n-Tinker (50) 07/29

 

[Midpack]

Another member...now 46 strong and counting!

afntrn56 (55) 11/30
Arnie (55) 7/15
Beryl (56) 1/31
bizlady (55) 4/11
bob boag (55) 7/1
casky (58) 6/29
chas57006 & DW (a twofer) (57) 6/30
chinaco (55)
cj (56) 5/1
crispus (56) 2/?
dessert (60) 3/31
frugal-one (??)
gsparks2 (55) 8/1
heirloom (61½) 6/1
heyduke (55) 3/1
Jacmac (53) 1/1
Jacmac DH (56) 5/31
jimbohoward69 (41)
jerryo (61) 8/31
JJPIES60 (51) 7/15
JmfromTx (56) 1/31
KingB (62) 1/31
KingB DW (63) 4/1
kwblack (54) 1/1
martyp (55) 3/1
Midpack (57) 6/30
NeverBored (59) 6/30
NookWine-n-Tinker (50) 7/29
norske69 (59) 6/13
NW Landlady DH (55) 5/31
OhSoClose (54) 6/6
Packman (54) 5/31
Prototype (55) 1/15
Purron DH (55) 3/1
REattempt (46) 7/30
RunningBum (49) 3/15
Seeking Hobbes (48) 5/13
Sixteen Tons (57) 5/1
Skye (62) 1/1
Southern Geek (55) 7/4
steelyman (53) 8/16
Sullidc (58) 1/1
TodaysTheDay (55) 3/14
Tomcat98 (43) 7/10
zaqxsw (57) 8/12

 

[SomedaySoon]

I forgot about this thread. I've been enjoying the first month of FIRE so far! Add me to the list

(53) 5/10/2011

 

[jackontrack]

Congratulations!

 

[Alan]

afntrn56 (55) 11/30
Arnie (55) 7/15
Beryl (56) 1/31
bizlady (55) 4/11
bob boag (55) 7/1
casky (58) 6/29
chas57006 & DW (a twofer) (57) 6/30
chinaco (55)
cj (56) 5/1
crispus (56) 2/?
dessert (60) 3/31
frugal-one (??)
gsparks2 (55) 8/1
heirloom (61½) 6/1
heyduke (55) 3/1
Jacmac (53) 1/1
Jacmac DH (56) 5/31
jimbohoward69 (41)
jerryo (61) 8/31
JJPIES60 (51) 7/15
JmfromTx (56) 1/31
KingB (62) 1/31
KingB DW (63) 4/1
kwblack (54) 1/1
martyp (55) 3/1
Midpack (57) 6/30
NeverBored (59) 6/30
NookWine-n-Tinker (50) 7/29
norske69 (59) 6/13
NW Landlady DH (55) 5/31
OhSoClose (54) 6/6
Packman (54) 5/31
Prototype (55) 1/15
Purron DH (55) 3/1
REattempt (46) 7/30
RunningBum (49) 3/15
Seeking Hobbes (48) 5/13
Sixteen Tons (57) 5/1
SomedaySoon(53) 5/10
Skye (62) 1/1
Southern Geek (55) 7/4
steelyman (53) 8/16
Sullidc (58) 1/1
TodaysTheDay (55) 3/14
Tomcat98 (43) 7/10
zaqxsw (57) 8/12

I forgot about this thread. I've been enjoying the first month of FIRE so far! Add me to the list

(53) 5/10/2011

Congratulations. I added you.

 

[nvestysly]

Leaving on July 8th

Megacorp is offering a very lucrative voluntary severance package. I just turned 52 and DW is 48. We're going to give this FIRE thing a try! It may turn out to be more of an ESR but anything beats the daily grind.

DW downshifted from megacorp four years ago and went to 20 hours per week. As of January 2011 she's enjoying the life of a free spirit - not working at all. She says it great and I should join her.

Just over two weeks till July 8th.

 

[Packman]

Greetings All,
I was invited to join this list as I will be turning in my notice tomorrow. Proud to be a memeber of the class of 2011.

NookWine-n-Tinker (50) 07/29

Congratulations Nook. The dues for joining this elite club is a bit more info. How/when did you decide to ER? Are you excited? Worried? Apprehensive? Any others in your family that have shared in this decision? Come on, we are all waiting.

 

[zaqxsw]

Congratulations Nook. The dues for joining this elite club is a bit more info. How/when did you decide to ER? Are you excited? Worried? Apprehensive? Any others in your family that have shared in this decision? Come on, we are all waiting.

I 2nd that! I'm on the eve of my own FIRE and am excited, worried, and apprehensive. How do you feel?

DW says there is nobody on this earth who has analyzed this more than me ........ .

Bit of a big decision, eh? (no, I'm not canadian)

 

[Midpack]

afntrn56 (55) 11/30
Arnie (55) 7/15
Beryl (56) 1/31
bizlady (55) 4/11
bob boag (55) 7/1
casky (58) 6/29
chas57006 & DW (a twofer) (57) 6/30
chinaco (55)
cj (56) 5/1
crispus (56) 2/?
dessert (60) 3/31
frugal-one (??)
gsparks2 (55) 8/1
heirloom (61½) 6/1
heyduke (55) 3/1
Jacmac (53) 1/1
Jacmac DH (56) 5/31
jimbohoward69 (41)
jerryo (61) 8/31
JJPIES60 (51) 7/15
JmfromTx (56) 1/31
KingB (62) 1/31
KingB DW (63) 4/1
kwblack (54) 1/1
martyp (55) 3/1
Midpack (57) 6/30
NeverBored (59) 6/30
NookWine-n-Tinker (50) 7/29
norske69 (59) 6/13
nvestysly DW (48) Jan
nvestysly (52) 7/8
NW Landlady DH (55) 5/31
OhSoClose (54) 6/6
Packman (54) 5/31
Prototype (55) 1/15
Purron DH (55) 3/1
REattempt (46) 7/30
RunningBum (49) 3/15
Seeking Hobbes (48) 5/13
Sixteen Tons (57) 5/1
SomedaySoon(53) 5/10
Skye (62) 1/1
Southern Geek (55) 7/4
steelyman (53) 8/16
Sullidc (58) 1/1
TodaysTheDay (55) 3/14
Tomcat98 (43) 7/10
zaqxsw (57) 8/12

Congratulations. I added the nvestysly's...I count 49. Who will be 50th?

 

[Midpack]

I'm only 8 days from hanging up my spurs, actually 3½ work days. I've been doing very well throughout the run up to retirement, people have even commented they can't believe how nonchalant I'm being about it, even DW.

But this afternoon I sat down to write down some personal thoughts in cards to give those I've been closest to at work over the past 18 years and got a little choked up, had to get up and walk away. That had not happened from Dec when I first announced and now. I thought I was going to be cool and I'll be fine no matter what, but this may turn out to be harder than I imagined. I have two dinners, a lunch, a cake meeting and a lot of personal one-on-ones to get through...we'll see how tough I am.

 

[NookWine-n-Tinker]

Thoughts On The Deed

Well, as promised I talked to my boss Monday morning and gave him the news. He took it well and lamented that he would like to do the same, but was not yet in a position to do so. He was supportive and wanted to know why, as I was not doing the normal I will be retiring in 6 months. I have not been real happy of late, so I gave 6 weeks notice from trigger pull until I am outa here.

So far things are still on the QT and the news is not well known. I have confided in some close friends and have gotten mixed reactions. Most are supportive and abit envious, but others are almost hostile. As the current program is going through a bit of a rough spot, some think the rat is deserting the ship. There is never a good time to leave, but the flip side is if YOU were the one to get downsized, how much consideration and care would you get from megacorp. Somtihng you may want to consider if you are playing the ER card and it will be unexpected. I gave 6 weeks to allow some time to find a replacement either internally or externally, but if things get ugly maybe a quicker exit is warranted.

Since it is not widely known, the reality has not quite set in and with still 5 weeks to endure of the usual act like you care, there is still time for the emotional rollercoaster.

To answer some of the specific inquiries, we have been planning this for some time, running FIRE to make sure assumptions were valid. We had to closely examine expenses and secure healthcare, which was the biggest wildcard as being only 50 and DW at abit older have quite while until we are able to get on the Govt dole.

It's scary, but exciting as even though the numbers say you can do it, I wonder if reality and planning will truly converge. A couple of months post separation should either increase the anxiety or invoke a Zen calmness.

I imagine that news will spread in the coming weeks and it will be interesting to get a wider sampling of reactions - and to get the behind the back scuttlebutt from trusted confidants. I saw how some have gone from the full time grind to a PT gig to ease into ER mode. I have offered to consult PT, 2 -3 days a week max, but want to be selective about what i take on as I don't want to just keep doing the same old same old. Time will tell if they take up the offer or have the you anout on us so we don't want to see your face around here any more.

I am pulling the plug pre 55 and give up a modest pension that I coul get if I stayed another 4 years, but the pros just don't out weigh the cons.

Sorry for the long rant. Stay tuned for updates.
--Nook

 

[NeverBored]

I'm only 8 days from hanging up my spurs, actually 3½ work days. I've been doing very well throughout the run up to retirement, people have even commented they can't believe how nonchalant I'm being about it, even DW.

But this afternoon I sat down to write down some personal thoughts in cards to give those I've been closest to at work over the past 18 years and got a little choked up, had to get up and walk away. That had not happened from Dec when I first announced and now. I thought I was going to be cool and I'll be fine no matter what, but this may turn out to be harder than I imagined. I have two dinners, a lunch, a cake meeting and a lot of personal one-on-ones to get through...we'll see how tough I am.

I'm right there with you -- 5 work days left, which include a party I didn't want. I am stunned at the emotional toll this is taking. I'm about half-way through the office clean-out. When I'm home, I'm fine. When I'm in the office, writing instructions and procedures and cleaning out old files, I feel I'm writing out my will and last instructions. (That's already done, by the way.) Ugh.

I attended my last committee meeting today, for a large project that I won't be around to see implemented. It's something I've been working on a long time and I felt a bit sad. But I also enjoyed the thought that I don't have to deal with the bureaucracy. Can't wait for July 1!

 

[Packman]

Nook, midpack, neverbored - your posts hit exactly home with me as I proceeded you just slightly - I've been retired for about 3 weeks now.

I got choked up at work several times and I didn't want to do that. They had a party for me that I also didn't want and asked me to speak. I kept it short, sweet and positive, so no tears there. I did go to several lunches and those were all fine. I had the mixed reactions from co-workers too - from those that were truly excited and happy for me - to those that were kind of pissed that I was running away from problems (which I partially was, but I didn't cause them). I imagine that is true for most ER's - if life at work was just a dream, why would you take this step?

Since I ER'ed, I've seen some things that I didn't expect, too. The first day at home I had periods of sadness and excitement. It felt strange to not be constantly looking at the smart phone. I couldn't just sit and relax since it felt like I was supposed to do something, or I was worried that maybe I had made a mistake. But it was pretty amazing that on the second or third day, I totally disconnected from anything related to work - and it felt great! Just yesterday, I realized that I had not talked to anyone from my old employer - a few emails, but no verbal communication. I did not intend to do that. So I called two of my old friends, and we talked for about 20 minutes.

Keep the faith. If you have done your homework and are comfortable on the financial side, you will enjoy ER. Maybe not all day, every day - but overall, it still feels good. For me, this is something for which I have planned for 25 years. Actually, I wanted to ER at 50 and worked to 54, just to be sure.

 

[slj455]

Another member of the Class of 2011

Well I hit 62 years of age and 35 plus years working for the state of New Jersey in child protection.

Retired starting June 1st 2011.

It was to say the least a mixed emotions event. Glad to retire from a demanding job, sad to not see some of my co workers.

I declined a retirement event, but had quiet dinners with a few people that I will try to stay in touch with.

A lot happening at home, and my Wife continues to work and handle all of her mothers business, legal, and health affairs, while deciding whether its time to move her to a full Dementia Unit.

Lots of catch up projects at home, and have started to re connect with a few old friends.

One thing I did to "celebrate" my retirement was to buy a 2001 Corvette. I have already done some mechanical work to it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. As a young man, I worked on cars etc.

recently visited a child hood friend that used to work on cars with me, and we worked on my vetted together, just like old times. I know it sounds silly to some, but I had a great time re connecting with this buddy in this manner.

Just trying to adjust to this new life style, and trying to diminish the daily feeling that I must do something productive every day. One of the hard adjustments for me is realizing that I have more time to do all the tasks that I used to rush or just plain put off.

Well enough about me.... this is the best "graduation" class that I have been part of in a very long time.

 

[KingB]

One of the hard adjustments for me is realizing that I have more time to do all the tasks that I used to rush or just plain put off.

Watch out! Now, you will put things off because you know that you have all the time and you can always do them anytime you want it. That is my mode of operation since ER'd last Jan.

 

[NeverBored]

Nook, midpack, neverbored - your posts hit exactly home with me as I proceeded you just slightly - I've been retired for about 3 weeks now.

I got choked up at work several times and I didn't want to do that. They had a party for me that I also didn't want and asked me to speak. I kept it short, sweet and positive, so no tears there. I did go to several lunches and those were all fine. I had the mixed reactions from co-workers too - from those that were truly excited and happy for me - to those that were kind of pissed that I was running away from problems (which I partially was, but I didn't cause them). I imagine that is true for most ER's - if life at work was just a dream, why would you take this step?

Since I ER'ed, I've seen some things that I didn't expect, too. The first day at home I had periods of sadness and excitement. It felt strange to not be constantly looking at the smart phone. I couldn't just sit and relax since it felt like I was supposed to do something, or I was worried that maybe I had made a mistake. But it was pretty amazing that on the second or third day, I totally disconnected from anything related to work - and it felt great! Just yesterday, I realized that I had not talked to anyone from my old employer - a few emails, but no verbal communication. I did not intend to do that. So I called two of my old friends, and we talked for about 20 minutes.

Keep the faith. If you have done your homework and are comfortable on the financial side, you will enjoy ER. Maybe not all day, every day - but overall, it still feels good. For me, this is something for which I have planned for 25 years. Actually, I wanted to ER at 50 and worked to 54, just to be sure.

thanks for the encouragement! I am still very sure that I'm doing the right thing, and am so excited about having TIME. I just didn't expect how emotional this time would be.