The Class of 2011

Alan said:
2011 is a pretty big class!!
Click to expand...

It certainly is, and I am so happy to be a part of it. I've thought about this a little and I wonder about a couple of things.

I don't know how long "The Class Of..." thread/list custom has been here at e-r.org, but perhaps iit has grown in popularity and will continue to do so. It'd be great if the class of 2012 grew even bigger than 2011 and 2013 even more than that.

I also wonder how much the stock market recovery has contributed to people being able to join the class of 2011. Conversely, how many people had hoped to retire in 2009 and 2010, but those plans had to be put on hold. I know the recovery has made a big difference for me and kept me on my original track, which I began planning for in early 2006.
 
The stock market recovery played a role in my ER - though not the sole role. I got to a point where I didn't like my job, I was able to pay off the mortgage with market gains from '09 and '10, and I had enough $$. So I figured it was time to take the plunge.
 
I added Tree-dweller who announced his retirement target today.

afntrn56 (55) 11/30
Arnie (55) 7/15
Beryl (56) 1/31 :greetings10:
bizlady (55) 4/11 :greetings10:
bob boag (55) 7/1 :greetings10:
casky (58) 6/29 :greetings10:
chas57006 & DW (a twofer) (57) 6/30 :greetings10:
chinaco (55) 7/29
cj (56) 5/1 :greetings10:
Coolius (60) 4/1 :greetings10:
crispus (56) 2/? :greetings10:
Danijoh (63) 1/? :greetings10:
dessert (60) 3/31 :greetings10:
freedom42 (43) 7/28
frugal-one (??)
gsparks2 (55) 8/1
heirloom (61½) 6/1 :greetings10:
heyduke (55) 3/1 :greetings10:
Jacmac (53) 1/1 :greetings10:
Jacmac DH (56) 5/31 :greetings10:
jimbohoward69 (41)
jerryo (61) 8/31
JJPIES60 (61) 7/15
JmfromTx (56) 1/31 :greetings10:
KingB (62) 1/31:greetings10:
KingB DW (63) 4/1:greetings10:
kwblack (54) 1/1 :greetings10:
martyp (55) 3/1 :greetings10:
Midpack (57) 6/30 :greetings10:
NeverBored (59) 6/30 :greetings10:
NookWine-n-Tinker (50) 7/29
norske69 (59) 6/13 :greetings10:
nvestysly DW (48) Jan :greetings10:
nvestysly (52) 7/8 :greetings10:
NW Landlady DH (55) 5/31 :greetings10:
OhSoClose (54) 6/6 :greetings10:
Packman (54) 5/31 :greetings10:
Prototype (55) 1/15 :greetings10:
Purron DH (55) 3/1 :greetings10:
REattempt (46) 7/30
RobertFrost (62) 7/1 :greetings10:
RunningBum (49) 3/15 :greetings10:
Seeking Hobbes (48) 5/13 :greetings10:
Sixteen Tons (57) 5/1 :greetings10:
SomedaySoon(53) 5/10 :greetings10:
Skye (62) 1/1 :greetings10:
slj455 (62) 6/1 :greetings10:
Southern Geek (55) 7/4 :greetings10:
steelyman (53) 8/16
Sullidc (58) 1/1 :greetings10:
Surewhitey (40) 9/5?
Surewhitey DW (46) 8/5?
TodaysTheDay (55) 3/14 :greetings10:
Tomcat98 (43) 7/10 :greetings10:
Tree-dweller (58) 12/31?
zaqxsw (57) 8/12
 
I'M DONE!!! COLOR ME GREEN! It was a quiet day. They had a meeting and we said our goodbyes. I took a voluntary layoff so there was no party or anything. Everyone said they were envious of me. Now to get some rest and adjust. I can't believe I'm finally done. This forum has been a hugh help for understanding the emotional side as well the financial side of retirement. Thanks all.
 
JJPIES60, I echo your comment about this forum. I joined four years ago. Drooled.... and now 4 working weeks to go. It's starting to get real and exciting!!! :D
 
Time to rise and give it up for JJPIES60 and Arnie! Congratulations, well done! :clap:

afntrn56 (55) 11/30
Arnie (55) 7/15 :greetings10:
Beryl (56) 1/31 :greetings10:
bizlady (55) 4/11 :greetings10:
bob boag (55) 7/1 :greetings10:
casky (58) 6/29 :greetings10:
chas57006 & DW (a twofer) (57) 6/30 :greetings10:
chinaco (55) 7/29
cj (56) 5/1 :greetings10:
Coolius (60) 4/1 :greetings10:
crispus (56) 2/? :greetings10:
Danijoh (63) 1/? :greetings10:
dessert (60) 3/31 :greetings10:
freedom42 (43) 7/28
frugal-one (??)
gsparks2 (55) 8/1
heirloom (61½) 6/1 :greetings10:
heyduke (55) 3/1 :greetings10:
Jacmac (53) 1/1 :greetings10:
Jacmac DH (56) 5/31 :greetings10:
jimbohoward69 (41)
jerryo (61) 8/31
JJPIES60 (61) 7/15 :greetings10:
JmfromTx (56) 1/31 :greetings10:
KingB (62) 1/31:greetings10:
KingB DW (63) 4/1:greetings10:
kwblack (54) 1/1 :greetings10:
martyp (55) 3/1 :greetings10:
Midpack (57) 6/30 :greetings10:
NeverBored (59) 6/30 :greetings10:
NookWine-n-Tinker (50) 7/29
norske69 (59) 6/13 :greetings10:
nvestysly DW (48) Jan :greetings10:
nvestysly (52) 7/8 :greetings10:
NW Landlady DH (55) 5/31 :greetings10:
OhSoClose (54) 6/6 :greetings10:
Packman (54) 5/31 :greetings10:
Prototype (55) 1/15 :greetings10:
Purron DH (55) 3/1 :greetings10:
REattempt (46) 7/30
RobertFrost (62) 7/1 :greetings10:
RunningBum (49) 3/15 :greetings10:
Seeking Hobbes (48) 5/13 :greetings10:
Sixteen Tons (57) 5/1 :greetings10:
SomedaySoon(53) 5/10 :greetings10:
Skye (62) 1/1 :greetings10:
slj455 (62) 6/1 :greetings10:
Southern Geek (55) 7/4 :greetings10:
steelyman (53) 8/16
Sullidc (58) 1/1 :greetings10:
Surewhitey (40) 9/5?
Surewhitey DW (46) 8/5?
TodaysTheDay (55) 3/14 :greetings10:
Tomcat98 (43) 7/10 :greetings10:
Tree-dweller (58) 12/31?
zaqxsw (57) 8/12
 
Welcome to the club JJPIES60, you're going to like it!
 
JJPIES60 said:
This forum has been a hugh help for understanding the emotional side as well the financial side of retirement. Thanks all.
Click to expand...

Me too. Congratulations!
 
steelyman said:
Time to rise and give it up for JJPIES60 and Arnie! Congratulations, well done! :clap:
Click to expand...
Thanks Steelyman ... I'll have a better idea when I don't go into work Monday, but life is great so far.
 
Getting Closer

Well gang only two weeks to go as the 29th is rapidly approaching. My boss asked if I would consider delaying the date for 4 - 6 weeks and I had to think for at least a nanosecond before declaring....NOOOOOOO! Then they asked if I would just drop down to part time, but I want to do through with my formal separation as planned, but did offer to consult to help get them over the hump for a few weeks. I will have to see if they are agreeable to my terms. We are already paying for our own heath care, so working part time and any benefits offered do not enter into the mix. Also want to be able to start the 401k rollover to have access to the money.

Cleaning out the office and letting more people know of the decision has been bittersweet. Folks have continued with the congratulations and the I wish I was in your shoes! I will certainly miss the people, but not the day to day activities and the stress. If I never have to care about EV performance or have to fill out another PP chart, it will be too soon.

Have been enjoying many bottles of wine as we prepare for the big day. Also was able to start reading the new Connelly novel on the Nook, an activity that I have not been able to do for a few months. Sitting on the front patio, Ipod playing, the Nook and an adult beverage. Now that's what I call work.

Congrats to those whose day has come and gone and keep those who will follow in your thoughts.
 
NookWine-n-Tinker said:
Well gang only two weeks to go as the 29th is rapidly approaching. My boss asked if I would consider delaying the date for 4 - 6 weeks and I had to think for at least a nanosecond before declaring....NOOOOOOO! Then they asked if I would just drop down to part time, but I want to do through with my formal separation as planned, but did offer to consult to help get them over the hump for a few weeks. I will have to see if they are agreeable to my terms. We are already paying for our own heath care, so working part time and any benefits offered do not enter into the mix. Also want to be able to start the 401k rollover to have access to the money.

Cleaning out the office and letting more people know of the decision has been bittersweet. Folks have continued with the congratulations and the I wish I was in your shoes! I will certainly miss the people, but not the day to day activities and the stress. If I never have to care about EV performance or have to fill out another PP chart, it will be too soon.

Have been enjoying many bottles of wine as we prepare for the big day. Also was able to start reading the new Connelly novel on the Nook, an activity that I have not been able to do for a few months. Sitting on the front patio, Ipod playing, the Nook and an adult beverage. Now that's what I call work.

Congrats to those whose day has come and gone and keep those who will follow in your thoughts.
Click to expand...

Congratulations! Your title made me think of this old song by Grand Funk Railroad. I'm getting closer to my home.....

‪Grand Funk Railroad - Closer To Home - 08 - I'm Your Captain (Closer To Home)‬‏ - YouTube
 
4 Months into Retirement, I'm still feeling very relaxed and enjoying the little that I have to do.

The best feeling comes to me on Sunday nights; my previous job involved managing distributors throughout Asia, so Sunday evenings usually start with the phone ringing, with issues, problems, etc, and usually it would be past midnight before I could go to bed ( with a horrible 45 minute commute the next morning ).

And it's so relaxing to go to my association clubhouse and sit in the spa 9:00 am on Mondays, not having to deal with the stress of reports, warranties, shipping problems, collections, etc, etc.

Hopefully this feeling will be with me for some time, definitely not getting bored.
:)
 
Coolius,
You are truly an inspiration to us all! I now have 4 days to go (really 3 and 1/2) as I am done at lunch on Friday. I look forward to having the times to do the things I enjoy. I was walking at lunch with a co-worker today and just remarked how it was such a beautiful day and it would be great to sit on the patio, Nook in hand reading the new Clancy novel, enjoying the day and possibly (okay probably) sipping an adult beverage.

It does look like I will be helping out for another 4-6 weeks, but it will be part time, a couple of days a week on my terms. Still some of the same old grind but a much less stressful environment. Will pick up a few extra bucks for that new big screen or an upgraded Harley. . . . DW will probably prevail and say use it to pay down the car loan. Oh well, a guy can dream!:LOL:

Being able to do what we want, when we want has great appeal. A Pale Ale toast to all.
 
I share the feelings on the countdown. DW has 9 days left & I, 29 or so. We're off to at least a year in Playa Del Carmen to do some volunteer work (and quality time on the beach). We are pinching ourselves every day & selling all our crapola to make it a "simple" move.

Here's a couple stories of our departures from w**k.

DW gave notice to her boss; he had her hold off as he didn't know how it would be received (walk her out the door thing). They are still trying to get her to stay, but I'm pretty sure she has "checked out".

I gave mine on Thursday. Kind of had to. They came to me to talk about the layoffs on Friday and I was asked to move into one of the other guys position in the new org. chart. I felt obligated to then tell him my intention only 3 weeks away to give notice. Saved one guy's job and they asked me to stay as long as I wanted. I even told them I'd be ok if I was one of the ones cut on Friday...they wouldn't have it.

It has been a very good departure and they invited me to come back "when I'm done with my fling" if I wanted a jo*...very cool place to have w**ked.
 
Within a week another 5 of the class are due to retire.

Tick tock, tick tock....
 
Love hearing the stories... It's been 3 months today since my last day at w*rk. I have to say I don't miss it!! Since I have a contract for a year in case they need me for bail-outs (so far it's been 2 whole hours, and I don't expect a lot more) I still peek into work email every now and then to see what's going on. Every time I do that, I think, I'm glad I'm not there anymore! I had a good job with a great group of people, but not working beats working, and I don't miss the problems. :)

In the meantime, I have been busy - 2 trips, a bunch of family activities, hobbies. I did start volunteering, helping with the kitties at Petsmart one morning a week. That's fun stuff for me. But now that things are settling down a bit, I find myself fighting the urge to "do" something. Someone stop me before I do something stupid!! (haha) Whoops, I'm over it now. :dance:
 
NookWine-n-Tinker said:
Coolius,
You are truly an inspiration to us all! I now have 4 days to go (really 3 and 1/2) as I am done at lunch on Friday. I look forward to having the times to do the things I enjoy. I was walking at lunch with a co-worker today and just remarked how it was such a beautiful day and it would be great to sit on the patio, Nook in hand reading the new Clancy novel, enjoying the day and possibly (okay probably) sipping an adult beverage.

It does look like I will be helping out for another 4-6 weeks, but it will be part time, a couple of days a week on my terms. Still some of the same old grind but a much less stressful environment. Will pick up a few extra bucks for that new big screen or an upgraded Harley. . . . DW will probably prevail and say use it to pay down the car loan. Oh well, a guy can dream!:LOL:

Being able to do what we want, when we want has great appeal. A Pale Ale toast to all.
Click to expand...


Nook,


Your countdown is really accelerating into the final seconds! Only 2 and 1/2 days left, go, go go!! :dance:

So, here's congratulations in advance! Now start preparing to wake up on Monday morning, September 1, 2011 to your well deserved and well earned FIREd life!! :greetings10:
 
cj said:
Love hearing the stories... It's been 3 months today since my last day at w*rk. I have to say I don't miss it!! Since I have a contract for a year in case they need me for bail-outs (so far it's been 2 whole hours, and I don't expect a lot more) I still peek into work email every now and then to see what's going on. Every time I do that, I think, I'm glad I'm not there anymore! I had a good job with a great group of people, but not working beats working, and I don't miss the problems. :)

In the meantime, I have been busy - 2 trips, a bunch of family activities, hobbies. I did start volunteering, helping with the kitties at Petsmart one morning a week. That's fun stuff for me. But now that things are settling down a bit, I find myself fighting the urge to "do" something. Someone stop me before I do something stupid!! (haha) Whoops, I'm over it now. :dance:
Click to expand...

Awww, lucky Petsmart kitties:D
 
In my fourth week. It's finally beginning to sink in that I'm not on vacation. We drove by my old office/university the other day, and I had a twinge of nostalgia. By the time we got home the feeling had passed, and I watched the finale of the Tour de France and started a new knitting project and had a glass of wine..... almost every day now, I actually say to myself, "I'm happy."
 
NeverBored said:
In my fourth week. It's finally beginning to sink in that I'm not on vacation. We drove by my old office/university the other day, and I had a twinge of nostalgia. By the time we got home the feeling had passed, and I watched the finale of the Tour de France and started a new knitting project and had a glass of wine..... almost every day now, I actually say to myself, "I'm happy."
Click to expand...

Yes, you ARE on vacation. A permanent one! :dance:
 
Another banner day for the Class of 2011 - freedom42 gets his freedom! :clap:

afntrn56 (55) 11/30
Arnie (55) 7/15 :greetings10:
Beryl (56) 1/31 :greetings10:
bizlady (55) 4/11 :greetings10:
bob boag (55) 7/1 :greetings10:
casky (58) 6/29 :greetings10:
chas57006 & DW (a twofer) (57) 6/30 :greetings10:
chinaco (55) 7/29
cj (56) 5/1 :greetings10:
Coolius (60) 4/1 :greetings10:
crispus (56) 2/? :greetings10:
Danijoh (63) 1/? :greetings10:
dessert (60) 3/31 :greetings10:
freedom42 (43) 7/28 :greetings10:
frugal-one (??)
gsparks2 (55) 8/1
heirloom (61½) 6/1 :greetings10:
heyduke (55) 3/1 :greetings10:
Jacmac (53) 1/1 :greetings10:
Jacmac DH (56) 5/31 :greetings10:
jimbohoward69 (41)
jerryo (61) 8/31
JJPIES60 (61) 7/15 :greetings10:
JmfromTx (56) 1/31 :greetings10:
KingB (62) 1/31:greetings10:
KingB DW (63) 4/1:greetings10:
kwblack (54) 1/1 :greetings10:
martyp (55) 3/1 :greetings10:
Midpack (57) 6/30 :greetings10:
NeverBored (59) 6/30 :greetings10:
NookWine-n-Tinker (50) 7/29
norske69 (59) 6/13 :greetings10:
nvestysly DW (48) Jan :greetings10:
nvestysly (52) 7/8 :greetings10:
NW Landlady DH (55) 5/31 :greetings10:
OhSoClose (54) 6/6 :greetings10:
Packman (54) 5/31 :greetings10:
Prototype (55) 1/15 :greetings10:
Purron DH (55) 3/1 :greetings10:
REattempt (46) 7/30
RobertFrost (62) 7/1 :greetings10:
RunningBum (49) 3/15 :greetings10:
Seeking Hobbes (48) 5/13 :greetings10:
Sixteen Tons (57) 5/1 :greetings10:
SomedaySoon(53) 5/10 :greetings10:
Skye (62) 1/1 :greetings10:
slj455 (62) 6/1 :greetings10:
Southern Geek (55) 7/4 :greetings10:
steelyman (53) 8/16
Sullidc (58) 1/1 :greetings10:
Surewhitey (40) 9/5?
Surewhitey DW (46) 8/5?
TodaysTheDay (55) 3/14 :greetings10:
Tomcat98 (43) 7/10 :greetings10:
Tree-dweller (58) 12/31?
zaqxsw (57) 8/12
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

N
Wisdom needed- Downsizing Renting vs Buying
Replies
15
Views
794
meleana
M
A
Is the IRS intentionally this obtuse???
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
indiajust
I
S
your first year after FIRE: income lost?
2 3
Replies
57
Views
3K
Koolau
Koolau
T
Retired 10 years today!
Replies
18
Views
1K
Koolau
Koolau
S
Cayman Islands update
Replies
3
Views
344
sengsational
sengsational

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom