Hi, glad I found this site. It appears many of you have given a great deal of thought about some of the things I am struggling with at the moment. It is not any easy answer though.
I am 53 and plan ER in 2 years after a 30 year career that has been great but is ending due to mandatory retirement age looming. I have a pension of about 70K no bills, and a decent portfolio, invested mainly in tax sheltered retirement accounts. My problem is what to do and where to do it? I would like to work perhaps 2 years before total ER to help with college costs for my son who enters college in 2012. I have lived outside the States on and off but really need somewhere that I can get a fresh start. I have a house on the West Coast, currently leased out, but it does not seem like an ER home. I am engaged in the search for a 2 year contract postion that I could do and am considering a last bit of service by going to Afghanistan, primarily for the work. I think I will have a problem with the transition from career to ER. I have been out of the job market for so long that I have no idea who I could consult with to overcome temporary job search frustration, and age bias issues.
I am a bit of a mess in the future planning area. It has been suggested that I consider a career transition or career counselor to aid in this, but to be honest I have a hard time picking one cold off the internet - especially as it may be a nice website created by a guy in a dark room somewhere.
I have done some reading, Ernie Zelinski books, and the great book by Jack Bogle, as well as 'What color is your parachute in retirement" but I guess I need one on one assistance. Playing golf or working at something basic is just not interesting. Something where I could meet interesting people would be ideal.
Anyway, any thoughts would be sincerely appreciated. I have already learned much by reviewing other postings.
Malcolm
I am 53 and plan ER in 2 years after a 30 year career that has been great but is ending due to mandatory retirement age looming. I have a pension of about 70K no bills, and a decent portfolio, invested mainly in tax sheltered retirement accounts. My problem is what to do and where to do it? I would like to work perhaps 2 years before total ER to help with college costs for my son who enters college in 2012. I have lived outside the States on and off but really need somewhere that I can get a fresh start. I have a house on the West Coast, currently leased out, but it does not seem like an ER home. I am engaged in the search for a 2 year contract postion that I could do and am considering a last bit of service by going to Afghanistan, primarily for the work. I think I will have a problem with the transition from career to ER. I have been out of the job market for so long that I have no idea who I could consult with to overcome temporary job search frustration, and age bias issues.
I am a bit of a mess in the future planning area. It has been suggested that I consider a career transition or career counselor to aid in this, but to be honest I have a hard time picking one cold off the internet - especially as it may be a nice website created by a guy in a dark room somewhere.
I have done some reading, Ernie Zelinski books, and the great book by Jack Bogle, as well as 'What color is your parachute in retirement" but I guess I need one on one assistance. Playing golf or working at something basic is just not interesting. Something where I could meet interesting people would be ideal.
Anyway, any thoughts would be sincerely appreciated. I have already learned much by reviewing other postings.
Malcolm