Hi all from Monument, CO!!

[mtnmanus]

Hi folks!
Previously from Memphis, I have lived in Monument, Colorado for the past 14+ years - so this is now home!
I just turned 55 and recently (May) retired from an IT Program Management career! Our company offered a buyout of employees and I have been there over 25 years - so I jumped at the chance.
At the moment I am not going to back to work, at least not full time and not until after December! Which I am pretty thrilled about!

I am spending time with my hobbies, gardening and doing fused kiln glass art sculptures and our Bulldog, Aspen, which suits me fine for now.

I was surfing to find some information on Social Security Leveling pension option and stumbled on this site/forum. Thought I would sign up and see what new information I can learn.
Although I have already retired (early by most standards) from my long time career --- there could be a second chapter coming!

So...see you on the chat forum!
mtnmanus

 

[jcretire77]

Well done, I wish my company would buy me out! Also 55, also IT, also ready to retire. Welcome to the forum.

 

[mtnmanus]

Thanks for the welcome jcretire77!
It definitely was a welcome surprise. I took the last wave (they did 3 waves so everyone wouldn't leave at once) and kept the end objective in mind. They heaped tons of stuff on those leaving (of course ) but I knew it would end soon so that helped. My husband still works there but is hoping for another wave.
As you are aware most companies are outsourcing a lot of IT work since they don't have to pay compensation on contract resources. Saves them $ but is a headache managing offshore resources. That is what I did for the last 2 years there until my wave came.
Then I hopped that wave and was outta there!

 

[gardenfun]

Welcome! Would love to see a photo of your bulldog.

and of your fused glass sculptures too!

 

[pjm-7]

Hope you're enjoying the Colorado summer now that you are FIRE'd.

 

[BigE]

Welcome mtnmanus! Not yet retired and living vicariously thru you. Please tell us more about yourself.

 

[outdoorgirl02]

Welcome from another Coloradan!

 

[Coach]

Another welcome, from down the hill in Colorado Springs. Monument is a lovely place to be. Enjoy!

Coach