steady saver
Recycles dryer sheets
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2013
- Messages
- 498
It's been a while since I last posted.
DH is set to retire by end of this coming Feb. I have my own practice (part-time, flexible) but can phase that out pretty easily if I wish. I don't know if "I wish" or not...
DH is thrilled about retirement. All of a sudden, I'm in more of a panic mode. We've worked hard for many years for DH to be able to retire early (he will turn 56 this Dec.). We are masters at delayed gratification and we are accustomed to dealing with challenges and "too much to do." The funny thing is what I have said to myself for years is that I just want everything to stop for a while. And so, in a way, it will soon. At least the deadlines and time pressures will.
I find myself feeling a lot of angst.
I'm at a crossroads of being grateful and thrilled for this time, and panicking that we are on a downhill trajectory from here on out. I know that is NOT true b/c I see all of you show up here everyday sharing your lives of activity and peace and autonomy (and sure, everyday hassles...). It's just that we've worked so hard, the last kid just finished college and all of a sudden the pressures are potentially ending along with feelings of connection to things and people.
I know it's a great first world problem to have and I'm kind of cringing if I come across as complaining. It's not that. It's more of a "wow, what next?" I thought we had it all figured out...we wanted to spend more time on our small farm about an hour and 45 min. away, and potentially move there permanently after a year or so. We'd finally be able to do all those things we've been wanting to do but couldn't b/c of time constraints. But while that sounds good on one hand, on the other hand I'm thinking I want to be around more people. I don't want to own two places. And I have spent way too much time this weekend looking up places to retire with great weather, in a progressive environment with lots of natural beauty. But I don't want to just move somewhere random.
I've considered the Hill Country (TX) b/c both of my sons like the Austin area and may end up there. It's still hot and humid there and I already have that so I'm not necessarily gaining much in that area. But it's sure prettier there and I could find a lake...
So, why am I posting? I guess I would just like to know how any of you who may have found yourself in a similar situation, i.e. worked hard, planned, delayed gratification...were able to move on and embrace and enjoy that next chapter of your lives? I feel almost overwhelmed with possibility and while I know I should be excited, I simply feel immobilized.
DH is set to retire by end of this coming Feb. I have my own practice (part-time, flexible) but can phase that out pretty easily if I wish. I don't know if "I wish" or not...
DH is thrilled about retirement. All of a sudden, I'm in more of a panic mode. We've worked hard for many years for DH to be able to retire early (he will turn 56 this Dec.). We are masters at delayed gratification and we are accustomed to dealing with challenges and "too much to do." The funny thing is what I have said to myself for years is that I just want everything to stop for a while. And so, in a way, it will soon. At least the deadlines and time pressures will.
I find myself feeling a lot of angst.
I'm at a crossroads of being grateful and thrilled for this time, and panicking that we are on a downhill trajectory from here on out. I know that is NOT true b/c I see all of you show up here everyday sharing your lives of activity and peace and autonomy (and sure, everyday hassles...). It's just that we've worked so hard, the last kid just finished college and all of a sudden the pressures are potentially ending along with feelings of connection to things and people.
I know it's a great first world problem to have and I'm kind of cringing if I come across as complaining. It's not that. It's more of a "wow, what next?" I thought we had it all figured out...we wanted to spend more time on our small farm about an hour and 45 min. away, and potentially move there permanently after a year or so. We'd finally be able to do all those things we've been wanting to do but couldn't b/c of time constraints. But while that sounds good on one hand, on the other hand I'm thinking I want to be around more people. I don't want to own two places. And I have spent way too much time this weekend looking up places to retire with great weather, in a progressive environment with lots of natural beauty. But I don't want to just move somewhere random.
I've considered the Hill Country (TX) b/c both of my sons like the Austin area and may end up there. It's still hot and humid there and I already have that so I'm not necessarily gaining much in that area. But it's sure prettier there and I could find a lake...
So, why am I posting? I guess I would just like to know how any of you who may have found yourself in a similar situation, i.e. worked hard, planned, delayed gratification...were able to move on and embrace and enjoy that next chapter of your lives? I feel almost overwhelmed with possibility and while I know I should be excited, I simply feel immobilized.
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