2 full Years after ER 32 years to go

[dex]

This is my first post to this board:
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...ire-14172.html

It has been 2 full years since I ERd at 51 - it seams like a lifetime ago (I thought it was at least 3 years when I began this post.
Some comments on my questions from my original post.

1. Am I crazy for giving up this job?
- No way - I haven't regretted it once. Read my post. I had an easy job.

2. Has anyone in my position negotiated a severance package from a company? If so, how?
- Not important now.

3. What would I do if I quit? I've worked all my life and I can't say I have many interest. The one good thing about work is that it fills up my day.
- This was a fear but it isn't rally a factor now. I have learned and am learning how to enjoy life to its fullest. I am greatfull for all I have. This is an important issue for all of us. I think it is important to be true with yourself and who you are. You will not be happy if you think you will change drastically who you are once you ER. You need to play the hand you were dealt. Yes, at first you might do all the things on your "Bucket List" but after that you are left with yourself. In a way I am doing the things I did when I was younger - under 13. I am exploring, curious and challenging myself.

Don't think that every day is wide eyed exciting. But even those days are better than the best day of working. (except maybe payday).


4. Do I have enough money to live if I never worked again? (Wasn't there a calculator on this board that was all encompassing?)
I'm spending less than I anticipated before I ERd. I'm not denying myself anything. So far I'm estimating I will have about the same amount of money when I die as I do now - in constant dollars.

5. One of my fear is that I live, work, die and do not enjoy life.
- Not an issue now. I am enjoying life.

The question I had seem very naive to me now. They were fears and if there is a lesson for you; it is to give a name or identify your fears so you can deal with them.

Do I have fears now? Yes.
Will I fail to take full advantage of the great life I have?
- I'll have to get back to you on that one.

Summing up - See the opportunities; not the obstacles

http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...2-a-20023.html
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...3-a-20394.html
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...4-a-20545.html
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...5-a-20950.html
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...ghs-21347.html
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...ace-22130.html
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...ish-22190.html
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...ire-22182.html
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...8-a-22615.html
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...9-a-23185.html
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...0-a-23606.html
http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...1-a-24557.html
.

[Rambler]

Dex

I read through the entire series, captivated. It has been a bit inspiring, as I contemplate the topic of "how much longer...one year, or maybe several more". It can"t be any shorter than a year, but your posts/threads really got me thinking about what it is I should do with my "life"...how my "dash" would be remembered. I appreciated reading a bit about the phases you went thru, how your mindset seemed to shift. All in all, a very good history to consider for one such as myself, as I have a tendency to be (as Brewer12345 pointed out) a planner, always looking to the next _______(fill in the blank), and not taking in the moment let alone enjoying it. I really appreciated your "attitude of gratitude", which is what I preach to my people at w*rk all the time, and yet still have trouble mastering myself.

So, what are you up to these days? Still RVing? Find a place to settle? Any more "words of wisdom" for those of us who are close to pulling the pin (other than throw the darn grenade as far as you can...)?

R

[Midpack]

I also read each of your posts/links, very interesting, thanks for taking the time to record your thoughts for the rest of us. I am FI but (comfortably) at least 2 years from RE. Thanks for your roadmap view, I expect to experience much the same...

[Moemg]

[quote=dex;689621]. I think it is important to be true with yourself and who you are. You will not be happy if you think you will change drastically who you are once you ER. You need to play the hand you were dealt. Yes, at first you might do all the things on your "Bucket List" but after that you are left with yourself. uote]


Well Dex you summed it up in that paragraph !

[RonBoyd]

More proof that your "Dex saying thanks & goodbye" thread was misguided. Without a doubt, your posts are among the most valuable resources of this forum. Thank you for sticking with us.

[ladelfina]

What happens in year 33!?

if there is a lesson for you; it is to give a name or identify your fears so you can deal with them

well put.

[Gumby]

Welcome back Dex. I missed your posts.

[Lusitan]

Thanks for posting that collection of links to your prior posts. I found it interesting.

[DougViages]

I'm STILL lurking here with the big 55 B-Day coming up in September. My DW and I plan to RE by June 30, 2009. We're nervous (yet, we can cover 100+% of living expenses indefinitely). I'll show her Dex's entry and his other postings.

I agree, Life is too short...

[CitricAcid]

Awesome post, who was it that mentioned that those who generally make the change in their life that they were fearing felt a lot better about it?

[Nords]

Originally Posted by Lusitan

Thanks for posting that collection of links to your prior posts. I found it interesting.

It's very interesting to go back and read our first posts...

Assuming, of course, that the software behind the links "Show all posts" and the alleged "Advanced Search" features doesn't arbitrarily cut off "all" at "8000". What's up with that?!?