ER Eddie
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2013
- Messages
- 1,794
Hi, I came to this forum because it was mentioned in a book, "Work Less, Live More." I just arrived yesterday and have been impressed at the civility and intelligence of the discussions I've seen. One of them -- the one on how you know when you're ready to retire -- made a significant impact on me. I tend to get wrapped up in the money side of the equation, but that thread reminded me that I don't know how long I will live, and putting in another year of on-the-job stress for some extra cash just wouldn't be worth it.
That, along with increasing problems on the job, solidified my decision to take early retirement next year, when I turn 53. It won't provide much of a pension (about 8K/yr), but I have about 800K in investments that will produce much of what I need to live off. I have never lived a lavish lifestyle and my expenses tend to be about 20K/yr. I have been reading a lot of early retirement books lately, for inspiration and information, and I think I'm on track.
It's been funny to watch my planned retirement date move from 59 down to 57, down to 55, and then down to 53, which is the earliest I can qualify for early retirement on my job. As I've learned more, it's become clearer that I can retire earlier than I'd hoped -- which is a godsend, since I'm getting really sick and tired of my job. The egos and the dysfunction are just getting to be too much for me. I'm not learning or growing any longer. It's not good for my health (I'm on two blood pressure medications now and I've gained considerable weight). There are good things about the job, too, but it claims too much of my time and (especially) my mental and physical energy.
I have given a lot of thought to what I'd do, after retirement. I have no shortage of ideas. I consider it a chance to re-invent myself and to "find" my real self. I'm not someone who has invested much of his identity in work, so I don't think I'll have too much trouble leaving that behind.
Anyhow, I don't want to make this post overly long. I just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks for the forum. I look forward to spending a lot of time here.
That, along with increasing problems on the job, solidified my decision to take early retirement next year, when I turn 53. It won't provide much of a pension (about 8K/yr), but I have about 800K in investments that will produce much of what I need to live off. I have never lived a lavish lifestyle and my expenses tend to be about 20K/yr. I have been reading a lot of early retirement books lately, for inspiration and information, and I think I'm on track.
It's been funny to watch my planned retirement date move from 59 down to 57, down to 55, and then down to 53, which is the earliest I can qualify for early retirement on my job. As I've learned more, it's become clearer that I can retire earlier than I'd hoped -- which is a godsend, since I'm getting really sick and tired of my job. The egos and the dysfunction are just getting to be too much for me. I'm not learning or growing any longer. It's not good for my health (I'm on two blood pressure medications now and I've gained considerable weight). There are good things about the job, too, but it claims too much of my time and (especially) my mental and physical energy.
I have given a lot of thought to what I'd do, after retirement. I have no shortage of ideas. I consider it a chance to re-invent myself and to "find" my real self. I'm not someone who has invested much of his identity in work, so I don't think I'll have too much trouble leaving that behind.
Anyhow, I don't want to make this post overly long. I just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks for the forum. I look forward to spending a lot of time here.