This is it!!

[Rambler]

Good luck to you lightwaves! I will be 54 in May, so yes, I'm an early retiree based on my age, but I have well over 30 years of service with state goverment, so I'm not really considered to be an early retiree based on the terms of my employment. It's 30 and out without regard to age. Which was another factor in making my decision. Since my pension is slightly less than half of what my salary is, in reality I was doing that job for half pay, as I would be paid the other half simply by waking up each day.

Congrats Janet, I confess to a bit of envy...

Is it safe to assume medical comes along with the pension? That's the one thing I really have to work on before FIREing.

R

 

[janetvj]

Congrats Janet, I confess to a bit of envy...

Is it safe to assume medical comes along with the pension? That's the one thing I really have to work on before FIREing.

R

Yes - and that is a real plus. According to the current contract with state employees, after 16 years the medical coverage goes with you whether you retire or just quit. And the coverage is the same as for current employees. I have used an HMO my entire working life, and for single coverage (no spouse or dependents) my monthly charge is only about $35, and that includes prescription coverage. The co-pay is $10 for routine doctor visits and $20 for a specialist. Hospitalizations and other medical needs are covered 100%.

In fact, one of the factors in making my decision about retiring was the rumor about this benefit being changed, but for either current or future employees; not current retirees.

Don't get me wrong...I am grateful for having this benefit, but when I first started with the state there was no out-of-pocket charge to the employee/retiree. The coverage has stayed pretty much the same, but the charges are now partially borne by the individual. Back then, when going to work for the state, you knew you would be accepting a salary of less than that paid by the federal government, most local governments, and most of the surrounding states, as well as comparable jobs in the private sector, but it was balanced by the good medical coverage, good pension, and job security. Unfortunately, all of those things have been eroded over the years, and the disparity in the salary has actually grown. It's very difficult to attract and retain qualified employees. But I digress - not my problem anymore!

 

[janetvj]

Bucfan here (city-data.com) - congrats. Completing your first weekend where you don't have to wake up on Monday and face another duty day. I'm 72 days out. Still seems like an eternity.

Hi BucFan! Fancy meeting you here! And yes, it feels great. I confess I've had a moment or two of a slight panicky feeling...sort of like an "Oh my god, what have I done!" But then I sort of talk myself off the ledge, and I realize that I can do this.

Just hang in there. I know how you feel about it seeming like your goal will never get here, but it will.

 

[LoftyNotions]

So tell us, Janet. How was your first "I don't have to work" Monday?

All the best,

Larry

 

[janetvj]

So tell us, Janet. How was your first "I don't have to work" Monday?

All the best,

Larry

Well the weather is crappy - torrential rain all day and temps in the low 50's. So my plans to get out and walk for 30 minutes a day have been postponed. But I did pedal on my exercise bike for a half hour...for the first time in months...so that was good. But I'm sure that's not what your asking!

My day is going great. Little by little the stresses of work are receding. I think it may take some time for the reality to sink in, but I feel good. I just feel like I should be doing something. I'm going to have to get used to this. I'm looking forward to the things that I'm hoping to do more of - like gardening, and biking, and walking - but I guess not today. There's always tomorrow!

Thanks for asking.

 

[freebird5825]

The Rockettes specifically asked me to see if you were busy today.

They wanted you to join the line in celebration of your first free Monday. Hop right in on the right end...

YouTube - Rockettes

 

[janetvj]

Thanks Freebird! I'm there!!