Well I did it.. Now what.

by Franklin
(Texas)

Let the Adventure begin. After 45 years I pulled the plug. My job is 24/7/365. In recent years I have not had a "vacation" that did not see me working for a significant part of it. My company runs very lean. There was never any back-up. So in a effort to capitalize on increasing product prices in their infinite wisdom, my management doubled my Rig count.

I said no. I don't sleep well as it is so that means pretty much no sleep. It was the breaking point. It was meant to be. This is my second week "off".

I miss the paycheck. It is shocking to realize going forward paying bills will come from what I have saved and SS. I have no pension. That whole self-reliance thing became very real.

I will go over my spending with a fine-tooth comb. Pare what is wasted and live on what I make. I know that my attention has been on my work (company) and not MY work (my life). Funny how that is. I now have time to work on my work.

As has been said: "I can make more money, I can't make more time."

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2years on
by: Franklin/Texas

It has been a little over two years since we retired. My health is improving and my insomnia is gradually abating.

We have so many folks telling us what to and feel that my head spins. I had a list ( don’t laugh) of all these things I THOUGHT I wanted to do… Now I’m not sure. I have just focused on getting healthy and (shockingly) doing what I want at the moment.

I don’t watch TV but I do read… a lot. I work outside, I read and am at peace.

I have gotten my A1C into normal range from being diabetic. And I’m actually at the point of finally figuring out what I really want to spent my time doing.

The point of this is - give yourself time.

Thanks guys
by: Franklin.

I appreciate the suggestions and feedback. It’s nice knowing this road has been traveled before.
I am catching up on sleep. And have found talking walks is a pleasure.
Thanks

Retired 2 weeks
by: Anonymous

It is very good to hear from you. Congratulations.

I find going over my finances helps me feel less shaky too.

It is hard to find work, even volunteer work so prioritizing is, I agree, the sensible way of managing.

This is going to be a great adventure. Thank you for writing, and please send updates.

Now your time is for YOU!
by: Anonymous

Franklin - you now have control over all of your time and YOU can decide how you wish to make use of that time.

The one thing I enjoy about retirement is that I never use an alarm clock. I stay up as late as I want and can sleep in or get up early.

If you choose to do so, you could look for a part-time job to supplement your income.

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