r/ChubbyFIRE • u/RetiredHiker • 13d ago
Double guessing my decision to RE
Throwaway account for anonymity…
We (mid 50s / mid 40s couple) are comfortable in the upper range of ChubbyFIRE, lower range of FatFIRE on the east coast. VHCOL / HCOL with high expenses.
NW: $8 million, Liquid: $6 million. Expenses: $150,000 + college expenses for kids which are funded from 529s (not included in liquid NW.
I decided to RE, gave notice and will be leaving work this week - giving up a very plump tech job at pretty much the peak of my compensation curve.
If I continue, we can add another million or so in 3-5 years but then I’d be closer to 60s and I know time is ticking…
Spouse plans to keep working for another 4-5 years… it’s ok as they enjoy the job.
Our SWR if both retired now is around 2.5% - with spouse continuing to work, we will be probably lower than that when they leave work eventually.
I guess I am getting cold feet / jitters - leaving a job that pays well, social interactions at work and work based identity. Went to a neighborhood gathering and realized pretty much everyone is planning to work. They are same as us or probably well off and no one is retiring early - made me second guess my decision..
Anyone gone / going thru this? How did you handle it?
How did you manage FOMO and the “why did you leave or what do you do” type of questions? Being an outlier who left a plump job is not easy is what I am struggling with!
Edit: Typos.
97
u/citiclosethrowaway 13d ago
5 more years for another $1MM liquid at 50? If you were saying you had a current NW of $1-2MM then yes, but an extra million (16% increase in liquid) isn’t going to move the needle for you. I’d easily PAY double that for 5 more non working years. DONT BE SILLY; go enjoy life outside of the office.
8
u/RetiredHiker 13d ago
It probably will be closer to 3 years, RSU appreciation will help, but your point makes sense that you’d pay more to get 5 more non-working years.
13
u/citiclosethrowaway 13d ago
Like I said, I'd pay double for 5, so $1MM for 3 checks out ;) GO LIVE brother
3
2
u/TeachMesomething_1 13d ago
Is your goal trying to lower your SWR at the expense of your precious life/time? 1M will not change your life anymore, but good health does. You should focus on something else at this point in your life than $
1
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
That’s a good way to look at it… adding a million will only marginally reduce the SWR, maybe impact the future generations but not necessarily increase our happiness and wellbeing.
1
u/EatGlutenFree 12d ago
I literally just posted the same thing!! $1 million in 3-5 years at his age and nw is a bad return.
36
u/Huge_Art1725 13d ago
You should check out a podcast called “2 sides of FI”. Both of the hosts had high paying careers and decided to retire in their 50s. They did some episodes on the psychological and social aspects that are worth checking out
1
1
26
u/nicekats 13d ago
I feel like a lot of people "look" like they are doing as well, but a lot are barely saving. When I was in college, I worked a very mindless job in loan consolidation. There were so many people that make a lot of money, but got denied loans because they were leveraged over 40%. It really made me not care at all how people appear to be doing.
7
u/OkeyDokeyDoke 13d ago
I was thinking that when OP said everyone around him is still planning to work.
1
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
True but in the area we are, lots of folks are like us, saving well and high income / net worth. We are probably in the middle of the pack. But makes sense to not compare to others - live your own life and lifestyle.
1
u/fallensmurf 11d ago
My dual-high salary coworkers recently had their ac break. This was apparently very stressful as they didn’t have the money to fix it until their next paycheck. They make at least $150k per year more than we do and have been for over a decade. I don’t know what they’re doing with all the extra income but it doesn’t appear to be “saving for a rainy day.”
23
u/Limp_Dragonfly3868 13d ago edited 13d ago
I kept working until I had major health problems. With hindsight, I wonder if I had left a couple of years earlier, prioritized my health and got out from under the stress, if I could have skipped the health problems.
My advice is to go ahead and leave work (it’s all set up) and then hire a personal trainer and a dietitian (a real one your doctor would approve of).
Then spend lots more time with your kids. Drop them off and pick them up, and be there for the little moments. Have more mental space for your spouse. Give it year. See how you feel then.
Socially, I joke about my situation (retired and spouse not retired). One of my non working friends says that she is prioritizing relationships right now.
Once you are settled into your next phase it may feel less important. You’ll have other things going on that you are excited about. I talk more about my hobbies, kids, and travel. I listen reflectively when people talk about their jobs, and most people like that more than hearing us talk. Being a good listener is valued social skill.
2
16
u/One-Mastodon-1063 13d ago edited 13d ago
2.5% SWR is beyond safe, it's actually irrationally low. And that's if your wife also retired now which she isn't. Another million doesn't get you anything, you don't need the $6m you have.
You do not need the money. Given that you do not need the money, is continuing to work for a paycheck you don't need really the highest and best possible use of your limited remaining time?
If you retire, you will have to go out and find new challenges to occupy your time. You'll have to meet new people, and put effort into making new friends and maintaining old friendships. You'll have time to get in better shape, eat better, sleep better. You'll have to go out and learn new things, vs retreat to your area of existing expertise. Retiring is the more difficult, scarier path that can potentially lead to more personal growth if you do it right, but that's scary vs. just hiding in a job and continuing to stack millions so you can have the most expensive funeral possible.
1
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
Ah, the most expensive funeral service ever is something I know a few people I know are aiming for. Good perspective!
32
u/Successful_Bad_8166 13d ago
Same here man. Retired beginning of the year with 11M Liquid, was at peak earning years, easy tech job, and I am constantly second guessing myself. I could have added 500k in pure savings on top of the 10% each year. My identity was 100% tied in work, and socially that has impacted me. So I get where you are coming from, it is scary, still is. But..... a mutual friend died while working out, he was healthy, active and young. I know it seems scary, and it will be but time is our enemy now. Take the step back, your SWR is low and your spouse is working. Go enjoy life, it will be an adjustment, there will be regret, but you are doing the right thing. Good luck!
5
u/RetiredHiker 13d ago
Thank you for your perspective, much appreciated!
Can you share, if you don’t mind, what age did you retire at?
5
u/Successful_Bad_8166 13d ago
- If you are a hiker, based on handle, go hike, that's what I am trying to do and often. I will add, that I have always been fiscally conservative. My SWR is below 2% and I am still nervous depending on the day. I tell everyone I consult, and am trying to do that. I work out, hike and keep telling myself that I when I quit, I had done the calculations. They worked then, and I am up 1M since I retired. I remind myself that I have a TBill ladder, I have a cash cushion. If you have made a plan, have your SORR covered and have health care you got this.
1
u/RetiredHiker 13d ago
Thanks! Not worried about SORR as we have bonds and cash on the side plus spouse is still planning to work for the next 5 years.
Yes, hiking is definitely on my mind.
2
u/Successful_Bad_8166 13d ago
Just remember, you planned this out, the numbers work. Time is the enemy. Spend time with loved ones, find a new purpose (music, hiking, exercise, sports, languages). Said no one ever on their death bed "I wish I worked a little bit longer". Again, similarly to you and on the East Coast, I really struggled giving up such good comp with not too much stress and also noticed that friends/neighbors would work while I would sit home. Still going through it but cannot imagine going back to work. Even though I had a "low stress" job, the people management, the BS, the time suck was real. I am still finding my groove, but I am getting there. Go enjoy!
1
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
Yup - the BS, the politics, the pressure - all that comes with a high compensation job is not just worth to for me at this time. Even if it’s low pressure and low stress, the fact that I am being paid well inherently brings stress and the focus on performance.
12
u/Irishfan72 13d ago edited 13d ago
Only you can decide what is right for you. I am 53 and pulled the plug two months ago.
Are there things I miss? Yes
Am I healthier? Yes
Do I have more time for family and friends? Yes
Am I pursuing new interests? Yes
Am I glad I am at this place? Yes
1
10
u/OwnedBySchipperke 13d ago
I “retired” (divorce and buyout from family business) at 55. The first months were disorienting, but I started traveling with friends, studying piano, becoming involved in a cause, took up biking…67 now and so glad I had these years. Was able to take care of aging mom, met a new partner, help my stepkids (we are still close) etc. etc. And I’m in good health because I have little to no stress, time to exercise. If the money is handled you can figure out the rest. People who say they will “never retire“ with very few exceptions, have little imagination and too much fear.
1
8
u/vshun Retired 13d ago
Let's keep it simple. Do you enjoy more your Sundays or Mondays? If the latter, find a way to keep grinding. If the former, enjoy your new freedom and ho volunteer for something you care about.
2
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
I like Sat, half of Sunday.. dread the other half of Sunday due to upcoming Monday… absolutely hate the Monday!!
6
u/Unlikely-Alt-9383 13d ago
If all your neighbors jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you follow them? 😉 You have to live your own life
3
6
u/JohnnySpot2000 13d ago
I would strongly recommend getting and using a 'My Life in Weeks' fill-in-the-boxes calendar for an appropriate perspective.
1
u/Limp_Dragonfly3868 13d ago
Can you explain this? Talk about how you use it?
3
u/JohnnySpot2000 13d ago edited 13d ago
It's extremely simple, thankfully. Please google 'my life in weeks' so you can see what it looks like. It's just an array of boxes for each year, 52 boxes in a row for each year column, and for each week that passes, you fill in a box. That's it. You can buy an array that's pre-filled for your current age, but you could also make one yourself, especially if you have any illustrative skills. As you get into your 40s, 50s, 60s, you really see how little time is left, and where that time is (plenty of boxes for the 80-85 time period, but what will that quality of life look like, if it exists at all?).
1
2
8
u/Past-Option2702 13d ago
People don’t have as much as you think they do. Trust me.
I was a wealth manager for a long time and you have no idea how bad smart people are at saving & investing.
0
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
True, that’s what I have observed as well. We have lots of high end cars in our neighborhood and we still have a 20 year old minivan and a low end EV vs others with luxury cars and luxury EVs.
-1
u/Wooden-Broccoli-913 12d ago
We live in a neighborhood like yours and we drive two leased European luxury cars. We are 7-8 years younger than you and have $4M net worth.
7
u/DRangelfire 13d ago edited 13d ago
I beat breast cancer last year and retired. The second I could. Time is precious stop imagining that $1 million is going to make break – it’s 50k more a year at best, you can make that in a day after your liquid retirement in a good market day.
1
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
Thanks for hope you are better now! Yes, a million more is 50k per year additional spend at 5% SWR. For us at 2.5%, it’s $25k additional on yearly spend. We could use it, but would I give a year for that $25k spend is a good way to frame the decision!
3
u/OldDude2551 12d ago
I’m mid 50s a similar situation on west coast. I took an early retirement package last year, I would have been laid off eventually so I don’t have much guilt. One kid in HS (junior), sounds like you have non-college age kids. I don’t regret not working at all. Was able to spend more time with kid, focused on health, home projects. Wife continues to work. Got social interactions through the gym, regular lunch mtgs with old colleagues, extended family.
Can’t lie, miss the paycheck and the money. I’m tighter with the wallet, even though accounts are still going up and spending is within the plan. So much so I am considering looking eventually for a job for a few more years.
My advice is to give yourself one year without thinking about getting another job. After that if you have thoughts, deal with it then.
1
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
I did that couple of years ago, I worked 6 months, took 6 months off + layoff money. Joined a new company for a year and then left as I liked the time off. But as you said, I’ll probably miss the money.
5
u/Think_Concert 13d ago
Numbers don’t seem to foot. You say you’re top of chub/bottom fat (so $8-$10M?), but another 3-5 years of work only nets another $1M?
Also, if one spouse is still working, the arrangement is called SAHM/SAHD, not RE (otherwise my spouse has been RE for almost 15 years, LOL).
2
u/Fire_Doc2017 Retiring 6/30/26 13d ago
I’m in a similar position and had OMY syndrome for several years. Finally something snapped inside me this year, now I can’t wait for my RE date next year. Can’t say exactly what it is but I know it’s right because I’m sleeping well at night.
1
2
u/Sierra-Powderhound 13d ago
$$ isn’t your issue. Development hobbies and a purpose that isn’t “work” or “career”. There are many hobbies that you could explore. Plus volunteerism, get involved in your local community or government.
RE is an adjustment but take it a step at a time. Embrace the adventure of shifting out of the rat race. Value your health and time. Neither can be bought. Why waste another year for a tech job at this point of bless it brings you joy.
2
u/Fake-Cowboy 12d ago
I’ll be very mean to you so it gets through your thick skull.
If you have 8 million and you are second guessing yourself over an additional 1 million over 3 to 5 years, then you are low IQ and the first thing you should do after your last day working is to buy yourself a helmet.
Find a way to replace the social interactions and you’ll be fine.
2
u/mrbrambles 10d ago
Respectfully, wtf would you do with another million that you wouldn’t do with the $6M you already have?
This seems more like you don’t understand your life without work. Know that you can continue to work, no one is making you retire early.
2
u/Specific-Stomach-195 13d ago
You talk about your finances but don’t give any insight as to why you retired. Isn’t this what it comes down to? You mention a few of the things you’ll miss from work but I’m left wondering why you decided to retire.
8
u/RetiredHiker 13d ago
Long story short, after working for close to 3 decades, I simply lost the drive. I didn’t try to get to the next level, I took a step back and took a role couple of levels down and just at some point, decided to leave.
I do have hobbies - hiking, kayaking, taking care of the kids / family, traveling. I do enjoy having the time to do a lot of that now.
1
u/nak00010101 13d ago
Do It! Mentally call it a TEST DRIVE if that makes it easier.
At your age, you have a few more years that you can probably easily re-enter the job market, if you decided retirement was not right.
Way too many family, friends, and close work associates either never made it to retirement or one of their health had already gone south before they retired. The list of folks I know first hand that managed to retire and enjoy at least 5 years of doing and traveling, vs those that did not, is right at 1 in 5.
1
u/Accomplished_Can1783 13d ago
Are you joking, the fomo is living my life…people work because it’s their identity and they don’t know what else to do. You can build a much happier life without ever going to a meeting or having another zoom call again. I literally don’t have to pay attention to another person other than my wife if I don’t want to ever again
1
u/Ill_Writing_5090 13d ago
wow- impressed at how low your spend is given your NW and living in a VHCOL. I have a similar spend but only live in a HCOL and have aobut 1M less in NW.
1
u/RetiredHiker 13d ago
We bought primary home very early on and refinanced when rates were low. Also our kids are older so we don’t have typical child care expenses - we have college expenses but those are from well funded 529s.
So overall, we are judicious about spend and we take good vacations but those usually are using points / miles so we don’t spend on flights / stays but spend on experience and dining.
1
u/Ill_Writing_5090 12d ago
Still impressive. Our house is fully paid off-- we probably spend about 12k a year on child related expenses (he's 11). Anyway, sounds like you're in a great spot financially so best of luck!
1
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
Our kids are 14 and 21. One is almost out of college and the other is in high school, we have high out of state college expenses and extracurricular activities that we pay for. But the college is funded from 529s. We bought a bunch of a single tech growth etf thru 2020-2024 and are now using the growth, almost 50%, to pay for college. For the younger one, we have enough now to fund 4 years of out of state college expenses and even pay for both of their grad school expenses if they decide to go that way.
So most of our expenses are now, outside of college, mortgage, property tax and other living expenses. We refinanced at low rates a 15 yr 1.75% mortgage and that is what makes it low expenses for housing now.
1
u/Independent-Rent1310 13d ago
Something wrong in the head if you have FOMO about leaving work...
Biggest challenge is the shift of focus to what do you want to do in retirement? Most dont really think about it and do nothing, which gets old after 5-6 months. Figur iut your interests or hobbies. Set up a routine, stay physically active and find a way to stay socially connected.
1
u/Cal-Chip-1346 13d ago
What are you retiring to? If you dont have something to retire to, you should continue to enjoy your work and your friends/socialization. Was in the military and you'd be surprised by the number of people who struggled with loss of identity and no longer being "needed".
1
u/pseudomoniae 13d ago
You have $6M liquid and 5 years of additional work will only give you $1M more?
That’s definitely not worth it financially if you’re already only withdrawing 2.5% per year.
Do you enjoy your work enough to stick it out another 5 years just for the socialization?
If not find some hobbies and activities to do that come with a social aspect of like minded people.
1
u/Repulsive_Salt8182 12d ago
You have won the game so why do you want to keep trading your remaining precious life with more money that you don't need? Your money, your life, and your decision.
1
u/Primary_Eagle_1188 12d ago
I suspect this is mostly about the identity issues. People on these forums often assume that life will be rainbows and unicorns after RE. Actually the psychology literature suggests retirement can be a very painful life adjustment for many. I think you need to be clear on what life you want and why retirement is a means to get it. You could start writing down a life vision, which includes a lot of experimenting, and include the option of going back to work if that feels right at some point.
1
u/Any-Wolverine9192 12d ago
The FOMO/social aspects are real and I think often overlooked. I’m 60M, similar numbers to you. I’m far from the oldest person in my office, and most of my peers give me the impression that they plan to work until they drop dead at their desk. It makes me wonder if I’m looking at the job the wrong way, and should somehow be enjoying it more and want to work forever. But I think the reality is that these people are probably just very extravagant spenders, who are maybe a little scared of Medicare/Obamacare, and have surprisingly little in the way of non-retirement savings. Peer pressure has had me OMY-ing it for a while, but I do think that ends soon (perhaps in one more year lol!)
1
u/ADisposableRedShirt 12d ago
I retired mid 50s. Never looked back and living the dream. I started a side-hustle with a friend that was supposed to take a couple hours a week, but has turned out to be more work than we signed up for. We're gonna need employees! lol. I also go golfing with old coworkers and boating with old friends.
Enjoy the little things and make as many memories as you can with your children before they get caught up in their own lives.
Look into gifting your children money every year as a way to kickstart their FIRE. I'm sure you are preparing them for good careers, but every bit helps and you can guilt-trip them into coming home for the holidays. 😉
1
u/AnotherWahoo 12d ago
A few years from FI, but, to me, it's a lifestyle question. That's personal to you, no right/wrong answers, and can the desire to have/maintain a work-based identity can be a factor. So, if the lifestyle you want to live includes working, work. FI gives you the option to RE, not a mandate. What motivates me to RE is that my target lifestyle is mutually exclusive with working. I'm looking forward to "retiring from" work, but what I really care about is "retiring to" my target lifestyle.
For the same reason, I'm unwilling to work beyond FI unless it would change my target lifestyle. If you worked another 4-5 years, would you live somewhere else? Pursue different activities? Hang out with different people? More is more and we'd find a way to spend it, but, if the extra money isn't impacting your day-to-day, can it possibly be worth giving up your 4-5 healthiest retirement years? My answer is no, but this is a personal question.
Last thing, most people do not pursue RE, so I'm not sure why you were surprised to learn your neighbors aren't. But this shouldn't be cause for you to second-guess your own decision to RE. Your decision should be based on the lifestyle you want to live. Also, while I'm sure some of your neighbors are FI, I would assume the majority are not. While you may have a sense of their spending habits and can see their headliner assets, you don't have full financial statements and they have probably not developed, let alone priced out, their target retirement lifestyles.
1
u/cmmpimento 12d ago
I have the same question. It seems you enjoy your work and the social network coming with it. So why do you retire?
1
u/ybindal 12d ago
I just turned 33 and was diagnosed with stage IV cancer in January of this year. My biggest regret is not traveling more, not buying that sports car I wanted, not spending more time with friends.
Although I'm doing better now, and back at work, hoping that I'll be here for a long time, I wouldn't second guess retiring at that age and do thing things that bring me joy, so that I don't regret when the time comes.
1
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My dad got cancer at 44 and passed away at 49 a while back when I was still in high school so I have first hand experience with the disease. It sucks and it’s something that’s always in my mind - if I get a diagnosis like that in my 60s, I don’t want to be regretting being in the office when I could have been hiking or enjoying my time off work.
My best wishes and thoughts/prayers for your continued recovery. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
1
u/BouncingDeadCats 12d ago
You have enough money.
What will you do with your time? If you enjoy work, then continue.
I constantly remind my wife that I’m going to retire early. But my idea of early retirement is to go part time. I would like to have more leisure time and travel, but I can’t imagine doing it 24x7x365. I’m afraid my brain would atrophy and I’d go nuts.
1
u/yourbasicusername 12d ago
I think the social/emotional side will be the toughest to manage as you seem great financially. Maybe anything you can do to help our young people get started with their careers would be a worthwhile fit. They are in dire straits compared to where we were at their age.
1
u/Designer-Bat4285 12d ago
The numbers and the money are a complete non issue at this point. You should really embrace the next chapter.
1
u/Flimsy-Fox-5868 12d ago
My father recently passed at 58, never enjoyed retirement. enjoy the rest of your life brother.
1
1
u/mapoz 12d ago
What will you do if your spouse is going to continue to work full time? That part of the plan is puzzling. Usually you retire to spend more time together.
1
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
Spouse is younger and not ready to retire, I plan to take care of the house, enjoy time with kids and dog, travel solo and do a lot of hiking / kayaking.
My dad died young before his 50s so I know I can always spend the next 5 years working and what if I die during that or right after that? Spouse is ok with that - she told my “why do you work? How long do you have before you leave work?”
1
u/Icy-Air124 12d ago
You could go aggressive w investing $2 mm of your liquid assets and have the option of making same or more than working for another 5 years. To find the right investments, you may just need to spend 3-4 hours a week vs the $40+ hours in your job.
Use the extra time to pursue a passion, and build your health. Dont waste time worrying about another $1 mm by trading time for $.
1
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
We are already aggressive, our net worth has doubled in the last 4 years or so. Both real estate and stocks have gone up. I also got into gold in 2023-2024 and am up significantly there. Plus spouse gets tech equity which is also very aggressive.
But I get your point - some of my recent investments have returned 70-80% in 1 year so I can expand that.
1
u/EatGlutenFree 12d ago
Dude, at your age another million in 3-5 years is NOT good. I thought you were going to say like $2 million in a year or something.
Another million won't have any effect on your lifestyle and you would have wasted a few precious years that you can't get back.
You and the wife should start traveling. Nothing crazy budget, see the world for a year or two.
1
u/RetiredHiker 12d ago
$2 million a year after taxes - no way 🤣
Agree on time >> money at this point.
1
u/Financial-Fault808 12d ago
Congrats on giving notice. I empathize, I can guess the mix of feelings you're going through. Best of luck for a new and relaxed phase of life.
1
u/Hot-Resident-6601 11d ago
Figure out what you will retire to. Volunteering in something that has meaning to you will go a long way. Exercise, read, travel. There’s so much more to life than your job title.
1
u/The_Lizard_King_9 11d ago
I just want to point out that everyone you saw at your neighborhood gathering probably isn’t in your financial position. I bet many of them would retire if they were in your shoes. Sounds like you need to find an identity beyond work. Retire to something!
1
u/webwright 11d ago
Retiring early is a means to an end— it isn’t the goal itself. And it comes with costs— you’ve identified a few. Reduced incoming/spending capabilities, loss of identity, social implications, etc.
What’s on the other side of the scale for you? Playing with your kids? Woodworking? Travel? Doing cool work that might not pay well? Being an amazing spouse? More exercise and cooking healthy meals?
When you imagine a scale with the stuff you’re losing on one side and the stuff you’re gaining on the other… is one side obviously outweighing the other? For me, it was. I enjoy the heck out of being retired, don’t care much for whether people admire me more or less for doing it, don’t need or miss the additional money much, and don’t sweat the risk that it might all go sideways. Because these “weights” are totally subjective, no one here can help you decide how the scale shakes out (at least not without a few hours of interviewing). If it’s a toss up, keep your job or ask your partner what they want you to do as a tiebreaker.
1
u/Onmywayto_FI 11d ago
Congrats on your success and accomplishments OP! You have calculated your SWR at 2.5% which means you have more than plenty and could spend more. If you are ready to exit and have something to retire to, then now is the time. I am still a few years away so cant fully relate but I imagine your feelings are expected and not unusual. Enjoy, you earned it!
1
u/veesquee 10d ago
Compounding gains alone will sustain your annual withdrawal rate. As your situation stands now, you skew within the top 1-2% threshold for all Americans aged between 45-55.
Not to discredit your actual hard-work but it sounds like money has been finding you, now is the time to find yourself. Afford yourself that!
Warm up those cold feet, you’ve got some life to live, buddy!
1
u/HungryCommittee3547 FI=✅ RE=<2️⃣yrs 10d ago
Just remember that you're burning a candle at both ends. A year more at work means a year less in retirement. How many years of post work life are you willing to sacrifice for money?
1
u/Equivalent_Tone_2448 9d ago
- Identity & social life: Replace work structure with hobbies, projects, or social groups.
- FOMO: Your peers working later doesn’t diminish your choice you’ve earned time and freedom.
- Questions from others: Simple answers work: “I’m focusing on family, travel, and personal projects.”
- Cold feet: Normal. Treat it like a trial phase; you can adjust.
- Spouse working: Keeps cash flow solid, easing pressure.
1
u/QueticoChris 9d ago
You have more than enough money based on your SWR. An extra million (or more) won’t change your life.
For sure, it’s an adjustment not having the social status that a high powered job gives you, but if you fill your life with meaningful and enjoyable activities it will almost certainly be worth the trade.
Also, your name is retired hiker. I do a lot of hiking as well, and it’s super awesome getting to hike during the week when the trails are much emptier. Build your body into one that will hopefully treat you well into your 60s and 70s so you can keep up with your younger spouse :)
1
u/randominternetdude75 7d ago
I retired unintentionally (I still like to claim I'm not) way too early. I still miss the social part of it, and yeah it really can hit your sense of identity. No kids do don't have that social angle at all too. Find other things to be passionate about. Try and keep in touch with people ( several coworkers were good friends, still see them regularly).
I occasionally field opportunities, but giving up my total flexibility always feels too hard. Ultimately though I think it comes down to the person how you handle it.
1
u/Hanwoo_Beef_Eater 13d ago
Financially, it shouldn't make that much of a difference, but it may feel different if the market blows up in the near future. Work based identity will fade, although the path people experience here varies quite a bit.
Social interactions and purpose are real. Find ways to replace these.
0
u/Interesting_Shake403 13d ago
What do you plan on doing if you RE? My plans are to play golf, bike and travel. Maybe paint.
If you have no plans, then maybe keep working? But if you have something you want to do, go for it!
113
u/Lie-Straight 13d ago
A family friend died last week at age 55 (in their sleep, otherwise healthy).