I have friends and family that seem to have a hard time with our early retirement. We are mid 50s and there seems to be animosity towards us now that we are done. Have any of you had this happen to you and if so how did you respond? My own father, who is 90 says he feels awful about our decision and hopes I change my mind. He feels you he purpose out of working...I told him I have purpose in living...
We retired at 58/57 (in 8th year now). When we decided we could pull the plug on the work-a-day world, we just quietly pulled it off. We didn't tell anyone, and life went on - without work. Our daughters knew, but both sides of the family were not told. Family gatherings eventually were our downfall.
My brother found out about a year later at a funeral when they invited us over after New Years. I was hesitating over the invite due to wintering in Florida for Jan/Feb (we do every year since retiring). His wife pushed and said pick any day in January - we're open. When I apologized for the fumbling for an answer, and told them we're retired and spend Jan/Feb in Florida, she sat down and didn't talk to us. He is a partner in an Architectural firm (and still working). My other Brother and Sister got wind of it also at that time.
DW's family found out when they decided to have an Aunt's luncheon in February two years later. We were wintering in Florida again and DW had to turn down the invite with the story. Our daughters did attend.
After both sides learned of our early retirement, we came to feel somewhat shunned by them (DW's more than mine). I earned a good living after finishing college while on the job, but we've always followed the LBYMs lifestyle. We've also moved for multiple positions across the U.S. None of our relatives have moved from their original residences/areas, and none have retired early (most are not yet retired, although most are our ages).
Always tried to keep a low profile (financially) with them, but we bought a SFH in a gated 55+ community since moving back home to retire. They've all been here, but we haven't been there much, if at all. We try our best to fit in and everyone is friendly at family gatherings, but the closeness isn't there anymore.