8 years retired today

[FREE866]

8 years ago today was my last day working. I was 50 years old. It was a Friday. It was arguably the best day of my life. After working for 28 years in Sales it was like entering a new dimension. I implore others still working to take the plunge;
Retirement is like a warm blanket.

I thank the board members for their wisdom over the years.

It's such a gift to have time to exercise more, eat better, do volunteer work, spend more time with aging parents, read more books, meditate, sleep better, spend more time with our pets, take naps, not feel "on edge" with work stress, not experience Sunday night blues and Monday morning angst, not have to use shared bathrooms at work ( omg was that awful lol )....honestly the list goes on and on. I'm truly able to "stop and smell the roses" as the saying goes. It's absolutely priceless.

 

[Lewis Clark]

Happy anniversary! And many more to look forward to!

 

[AZsniper]

8 years ago today was my last day working. I was 50 years old. It was a Friday. It was arguably the best day of my life. After working for 28 years in Sales it was like entering a new dimension. I implore others still working to take the plunge;
Retirement is like a warm blanket.

I thank the board members for their wisdom over the years.

It's such a gift to have time to exercise more, eat better, do volunteer work, spend more time with aging parents, read more books, meditate, sleep better, spend more time with our pets, take naps, not feel "on edge" with work stress, not experience Sunday night blues and Monday morning angst, not have to use shared bathrooms at work ( omg was that awful lol )....honestly the list goes on and on. I'm truly able to "stop and smell the roses" as the saying goes. It's absolutely priceless.

Congrats on 8 years! So how has the journey been? Do you feel your spending/savings/withdraws are as expected? I am 46 and scared to take the plunge.

 

[FREE866]

Congrats on 8 years! So how has the journey been? Do you feel your spending/savings/withdraws are as expected? I am 46 and scared to take the plunge.

Thank you. I love the journey. Everything "slows down" in the sense I'm just more present in my life. Kind of hard to describe , but when I was working I always felt "rushed". I feel very free. It's really nice. That said, life is life and I've had some minor health stuff, my dad died, etc However, I feel I'm just better at coping with life events like that not having the additional burden of work.

Financially wise things have been fantastic. My net worth is up 93% in 8 years and that INCLUDES withdrawals. The stock market has been bumpy at times, but I'm very disciplined in my approach and being essentially all equity has paid off. Spending has been a bit more than expected, but not crazy.

 

[street]

Congratulations!!

 

[Target2026]

Congratulations!!!

 

[TickTock]

Congratulations!

"Retirement is like a warm blanket." I like that.

 

[sengsational]

Thanks for sharing your milestone. Gratitude is better than gold.

 

[pacergal]

Congratulations!
I recently celebrated my 8th year also. I agree with everything you posted, the freedom to do what you wish every day IS priceless.
Blessed and thankful daily.

 

[Cassius King]

Congrats on 8 years of retirement bliss! Can't wait to join those ranks.

 

[Koolau]

Heartiest congratulations, FREE866. Thanks for sharing here.

 

[Lagniappe]

Congratulations, and thanks for sharing.

 

[Dtail]

Congrats. We are at 7.5 years and my dad passed too. All in all it is wonderful.