welcome aboard!
I retired at 40 with 3 kids spread from elementary to high school. In my opinion, how well you make the change to retirement largely depends on your priorities and what sort of activities you have outside of work.
Thanks, Kevin. I replied with more detail in the Life after FIRE section. I have very few time-consuming interests outside of work and parenting.
With 2 kids in elementary school, it turns out that on top of the battle of getting them ready for school in the morning, preparing dinner, homework, stories, special time, brushing teeth, non-stop entertainment, etc., etc., my wife and I wind up showing up at their schools 15-20 times a year for holidays, class plays, parent-teacher stuff, and a host of other events.
Honestly, as much as I love my kids, I'd like to reduce my day-to-day child-care duties, and can't wait for them to become more independent as they get older. Meanwhile, I count down the minutes until their bed-time.
It's almost worth the rent for an office just to have a reasonable excuse to get out of the house...
I'm 39 and resigned from my job last month. Next Friday is my last day. I consider this stepping into ER - I'll take at least 9-12 months off then decide if I'm done for good or if I want to put in a couple of more years. I'd say there's a better than 50% chance I'm done for good.
Right, it will be interesting to see if you're ready for permanent retirement or just to take a break. Probably a lot will be dictated by finances.
You have already heard from a couple guys that bailed at your age - and they seem to be doing just fine! I jumped at age 49 - my job had slowly become toxic to me and was going to effect my health. Fortunately I had enough saved and was able to get health ins. at an affordable rate.
How is your nest egg? Do you have health ins. lined up? These are obviously the 2 most basic questions concerning your decision to jump or stay aboard.
Good luck and welcome.
Thanks. I definitely would not consider ER unless I'd be very comfortable financially. I think that going into it with guaranteed financial stress would defeat the purpose of retirement for me.
I'm encouraged to hear from guys my age that they're happy with ER, and appreciate your response.
