How to know it's time to retire

It's hard to explain but there is a difference in your mindset when you are ready. It's more than just you would like to have a few extra days. If the thought of never going back bothers you in the least you are not ready. You need to be fully committed mentally because it is a big life change.

#retireearly #retirement #fire

[johnd]

Yep, when I was young I would not take my vacation time.( did not take one for 17 years) If I did I could not wait to get back to work. Now 45 years later I could care less if i went back. Just too much BS nowdays. Too much demands and silly stuff we have to put up with. Yep I ready.

[wadekennedy]

Appreciate the working man perspective!
I struggle with the KISS principle for retirement, but the more I research, the more I believe that’ll be our plan!

[ddellwo]

My decision is based on a number - not a feeling. When I have enough money saved to generate the kind of income I want in retirement I will be GONE! My work is merely how I finance my life - it doesn’t define me or give any particular feeling of purpose……..😐

[mikeainsworth]

Absolutely bang on Steve, you nailed it!

[Leann-ujrg]

Steve, I am glad this popped up in my feed. I was curious how and when you knew it was time to move on. Thanks for the chat. 👍

[chancecooper]

I am in the Military and stuck on retiring in three years as a Major, or hanging around for a few more years and retiring as a LTC. The difference in pay is about 1800 a month more as a LTC (22000) a year. I am good at the military, but just kind of tired of moving. I am worried about retiring, then seeing all my peers get promoted to LTC and then I regret it lol

[fchas]

I like your idea of practice weeks. I’m going to ask myself if I’m mentally ready, good introspection.

[rayanderson]

I see so many different points of view on when to go. You have the right idea, Steve. I feel like I've always known it would be 55. That may sound arrogant or naive, but I have steadily worked for over 25 years to make it a reality and with 18 months to go it still looks like the right move and time. Starting to ease into it with longer vacations and periods where I try to not work as much overtime etc. The longer I'm away I feel like I don't ever want to go back to work but like you said when you know you still got to go back you accept it and just go back in again. I think that final couple of months it will really hit and not needing to go back will be a different kind of vacation leading up to my final day at work. We will see. Thanks again for the perspective. I like hearing about others journey as they got to and through that last year or two of work and the first years of retirement thereafter as well.

[samuelfink]

I’m currently off with shoulder surgery, been off about a week a have been doing a lot of soul searching about how much longer I want to work shift work at the plant. Turn 56 next month, my financial assets sit currently just north of $1 million with just a little more debt to pay off on my house, I live a frugal lifestyle, buy all my clothes at thrift stores and love finding a book for a dollar. Financially I think I’m getting real close to where I could walk away and find me a part time job and be fine but it will be an adjustment but I get what you’re saying.

[larrygreen]

Good perspective Steve I’m looking at taking the plunge in another year. Financially I feel pretty good it’s mentally that i’m trying to position for. I’m a workaholic and I derive a lot of meaning from being productive. I’ve always been performance based. I think I’ve always tried to prove to my Dad that I could be successful. He’s passed on just 2 yrs ago and was an alcoholic in his younger years. He preached a lot of performance base to prove your worth. Always wanted to be someone and prove to be successful, for whatever that means? Anyhow I’m ranting thanks for letting me share my story. Love your honest approach 🤙 I have a hard time being at peace and being content not doing all the time. What a shame. Would really like to hear down.

[joej]

a good cure for boredom is playing video games. that can take your whole day up

[christopherrosado]

I have a colleague who along with a former community resident, retired from careers, cared for family, but they both retired and for years walk " aimlessly " through community, or parks..in a daze or sort, I asked, respectfully, why, but was given a " glazed" look as if they realized " death" was the only thing next .... Aimlessly, walking, not for health, counting on " watch tab" steps taken daily, on each circular walk, around a changed community. I' m not picking on it, but the mental " fog" they are in...is something, I am aware of for my own, retirement pace and lifestyle

[SideWays]

If you own a business or hard assets like RE, the time to retire was when the market cap rate was less than tax free savings rates.

[captainkrunch]

Do you go south for your 2 week vacation?

[PharmacyBrain]

I've been ready to retire since the day I started working. I would need 100 lifetimes to do all the things I want to do. It's funny because I know several different people that struggle with the exact opposite; having the free time and lack of structure and socialization would drive them crazy. I'm an introverted engineer and computer programmer. I was born to retire 😂

[captainkrunch]

I think ill need 7500 a month in retirement.