there's a difference between being fi able to re and ready to fire
+1
hey, just because you can, doesn't mean you should, and it doesn't mean you have to.
+1
there's a difference between being fi able to re and ready to fire
hey, just because you can, doesn't mean you should, and it doesn't mean you have to.
I like what I do, I am good at it and well-respected. But like all Megacorps, do more with less and there is a certain amount of tension, late nights and pressure....
No need to apologize for your 'decisionless decision' to keep working. If you enjoy it, and it isn't preventing you from pursuing other activities that you'd enjoy more (cf. post #9 by RAE), you might as well keep at it.
FWIW, I retired over five years ago and don't miss work one bit. But we are all different, and I don't believe that anyone hesitating about retirement needs therapy.
An as an aside, a member of our winemakers club passed unexpectedly this weekend at 59.
Joined this group about a dozen years ago. In that time our portfolio has more than doubled and obviously there is now that much less time to support ourselves in retirement. You can look at my past posts, but in a nutshell:
mid 50's 1 earner family no pension or retirement benefits/health insurance
but we have lived frugally and have a 1% SWR (maybe 1.5% if I push it) even paying for health insurance and taxes
So why am I still doing this? I am starting to think it is a sickness.
Work is not that bad and knowing that I COULD leave at any time helps take the edge off.
I had come up with a date in 2020 for stupid reasons but I guess that is something.
I suppose it cannot be that bad or I would stop but even writing this I am kind of scared. But also disappointed at myself for being such a baby. Even got my wife on board and she now asks why I am still working.
Were there others who were stuck and how did they get past it?
+1 with the part time work option....
or even take a nap every now and than.... (boss did not complain since I got everything done).... was finally let go and then did some temp work and did some of it part time...
To the OP: If it makes you feel any better (and even if it does not), you are certainly not alone. I am in very much the same position as you. I have enough money to retire and live well but for whatever reason I cannot seem to do it.
Maybe that is a fear of the substantial life change. Maybe it is uncertainty about exactly what I would do with my time. I have some ideas about that, but work has been so all-consuming that I have not really pursued my interests much. Maybe I wonder about the impact retirement will have on my marriage. Maybe a (larger than I would like) part of my sense of self-worth is tied up in my work, professional stature, etc. Maybe it is a fear that, in an absolute worst case scenario, I might not have enough money -- though every one of the predictor tools shows 99%+ chance of success. Maybe it is a fear of taking a step and then regretting it. (I have a bad habit of regret). I really don't know.
My job pays very well, so the impulse to do it for "just another year or two" is pretty strong. On the other hand, the job is stressful and demanding, and I have been working very hard for nearly 30 years.
Can't offer you any useful advice as I'm in the same boat as you. I'm financially secure yet stay in a job I despise. Tried and tried to figure out why I stay with no answers. I was close to leaving once and even submitted my resignation letter. But one thing lead to another and I ended up staying at work. That was 15 months ago. I still haven't broken free of the chains of work and it bothers me why I can't do it. I have even thought of seeking professional help as the years are passing me by. I will be 59 later this year and have about 80X expenses + pension of 26K/yr at 65 + great SS (which I plan to defer to 70). Sad isn't it. Just wanted you to know there are others who struggle with this decision too.
Francis
You have EIGHTY times expenses AND a pension? Good God - Retire IMMEDIATELY! Do not pass go. Do not collect $200 (not that you need it). All kidding aside - you could probably convert a good chunk of that to CDs and live the rest of your life off the interest without ever touching the principal. So, unless you are planning on leaving a bunch of that to your kids, your favorite charity, etc, or want to buy a BUNCH (and I mean a BUNCH) of nice shiny new toys and travel in retirement, I'd say you are way beyond good to go.
I lost 2 friends in their 50s this year to terminal diseases. DW had a near fatal heart attack several years ago. Life is precious and can end without notice. Go enjoy it while you still can.
And here I thought I was good at roughly half of that in expenses. (Guess I should heed my own advice, but I'm fearful of a nasty bear market decimating my portfolio right as I'm about to retire..)
Guess for many of us this decision is as much if not moreso psychology and emotion than it is raw numbers.
Good for you!Long story short: I love retirement and have a better appreciation for LIFE. The diagnosis sharply shifted my thoughts on what was important in my life. I don't think about the technology or job I LOVED for 35 years. I don't keep up on the changes in the profession at all. My life would probably bore many, but I enjoy the slower pace and simple pleasures.
Earlier in this thread, I suggest that the OP didn't really need therapy. In your case, I have a different opinion, as you've stated that you despise your job: a hugely important factor.Can't offer you any useful advice as I'm in the same boat as you. I'm financially secure yet stay in a job I despise. Tried and tried to figure out why I stay with no answers. I was close to leaving once and even submitted my resignation letter. But one thing lead to another and I ended up staying at work. That was 15 months ago. I still haven't broken free of the chains of work and it bothers me why I can't do it. I have even thought of seeking professional help as the years are passing me by. I will be 59 later this year and have about 80X expenses + pension of 26K/yr at 65 + great SS (which I plan to defer to 70). Sad isn't it. Just wanted you to know there are others who struggle with this decision too.
Francis