When I first came to this forum, I was working full time plus managing our law firm. I was just entering my biggest earnings years with 2004 my best year ever. At the end of 2004 I resigned my presidency and went part time, working about half time in 2005. Clients had a hard time getting used to it. I would tell them to call me even if I was out, but they hated to impose on me when I was gone. But then they chided me for being unavailable. But the work got done and the clients adjusted for the most part. That first year I earned about 1/3 of what I earned the year before.
I enjoyed every moment off from work. The new leisure time was addictive. It made it harder and harder to come into work and to have that constant tie to the workplace. I found myself becoming less patient with aspects of work I did not like. A reduction in the amount of money we had readily available made me realize that I didn't have to spend big bucks to be comfortable. I cut my work back more and more and started talking about phasing out totally.
As of January 1 2007 I will no longer be an owner of my firm. For a few months I will be available for my successor to call me and talk to me about issues. But no more billable hours. So I guess I can call it retired.
I enjoyed every moment off from work. The new leisure time was addictive. It made it harder and harder to come into work and to have that constant tie to the workplace. I found myself becoming less patient with aspects of work I did not like. A reduction in the amount of money we had readily available made me realize that I didn't have to spend big bucks to be comfortable. I cut my work back more and more and started talking about phasing out totally.
As of January 1 2007 I will no longer be an owner of my firm. For a few months I will be available for my successor to call me and talk to me about issues. But no more billable hours. So I guess I can call it retired.