Greetings. I've been reading the forum off and on for years, and have been very impressed by the quality of the investment advice. Although I am probably guilty of confirmation bias, since I use an asset allocation with Vanguard index funds approach. The reason I decided to delurk(?) is that I recently turned 50 and have given notice that I'll retire next year.
I feel reasonably confident in my financial situation. My main fear is the non-financial stuff. I've worked hard all my life, and mostly enjoyed it. But because of how focused I was on work, I'm worried about transitioning to early retirement. Not so much about whether I'll have enough to do. I've got 3 kids at home, and a wife with many ideas for me. Rather I'm worried about being depressed at losing the prestige and structure that's defined me for so long. I know a lot has been written about these things, and I THINK the cave parable that I read here a while back is probably true. I believe (obviously since I'm retiring) that there is more to life than plugging along for another 15 years in a job I don't enjoy that much anymore and rarely seeing my family. But still...it's a mighty big change.
I feel reasonably confident in my financial situation. My main fear is the non-financial stuff. I've worked hard all my life, and mostly enjoyed it. But because of how focused I was on work, I'm worried about transitioning to early retirement. Not so much about whether I'll have enough to do. I've got 3 kids at home, and a wife with many ideas for me. Rather I'm worried about being depressed at losing the prestige and structure that's defined me for so long. I know a lot has been written about these things, and I THINK the cave parable that I read here a while back is probably true. I believe (obviously since I'm retiring) that there is more to life than plugging along for another 15 years in a job I don't enjoy that much anymore and rarely seeing my family. But still...it's a mighty big change.