OT - Retirement

First let me also congratulate you on your retirement. It is hard to replace the gratification that comes from personal achievements particularly when they come from a rewarding job.

I retired only last year in October, 2018. My wife and I were very blessed - we were able to purchase and operate a coffee shop/gift shop located in a small Iowa town. The shop is small but requires 13 part time employees. Not a lot of money to be made but still very rewarding.

Keep up the curious adventuresome spirit - and as already mentioned we must all take each day as a gift.

I retired from a govt. job at 56, Shortly after a bout with Barrets disease ( a pre cancer) I had a side business of commercial beekeeping and produced 60,000 lbs of honey the year I retired. Needed to quite one of the jobs. Sold the bees at 65. That is hard work best suited to young guys. Started as a volunteer at a mutual water company that serviced the property I bought after retirement. I do the engineering for them and oversee installations. We drilled 4 wells, installed all new power systems and frequency drives, couple of 1/2 million gallon tanks and 9 miles of new main lines. In my spare time I collect and restore antique Caterpillar graders to grade our roads with and train bird dogs. Throw in a lot of hunting and travel of most of US including Alaska twice. Other than that I sit around some.

Thanks again guys.
Today is my last day in the office. Leaving Saturday for Florida, I’ll get down there Sunday, and I’ve got a golf game scheduled for 8AM M0nday.
My feelings have gone back and forth between satisfaction, melancholy, elation, and sometimes, wondering if I did the right thing, more than once. But I always remind myself that nobody knows what tomorrow holds, so I’m doing the right thing, and I’m planning on enjoying every minute.
Dec 31st is the official date, January 2nd I get my buyout check from my partner, then it’s all history. Yay

This topic has come up a few times in the past few years. There have been very good responses and posts. I like to say that I’ve had the worst 3 years of my life, and the best 3 years of my life...all in the same 3 years. I retired immediately upon diagnosis. My decision was based on the unknown of my longevity. I miss my clients and the intellectual involvement at times. I love my own time and time with my grandchildren more.

I have no regrets. There are many financial models and planning people to help with this decision. My approach to this was simply, when you’re done...you live with what you have. If you want to make the Good Lord laugh...tell him, “you’ve got a plan!”

I’m with Naples, ..... it’s been the best of times, and the worst of times. Overall, very good and I am still on the right side of the grass. Currently a bit pi$$ed as last months stroke has slowed down my pickleball game (I”d complain if you hung me with a new rope!).

Happy Thanksgiving!

I retired today. I was tired yesterday and retired again today. Dang ADT. Best of luck Prato. Enjoy Florida and retirement.