Exit Interview Today
 

There's no turning back now!

Today at 2pm I have my exit interview and officially be retired! I have to admit that it's a little scary. To leave a great job that pays very well while a lot of people can't find a job seems a little crazy to me. I hope I'm doing the right thing. I'm only 57 but have saved well over the years. My 89 year old Mom lives alone in my childhood home and is having trouble negotiating stairs so she'll be moving to TV with us.
A lot of mixed feelings today, I hope it all works out........

A hearty, honest congratulations! It sounds like you thought long and hard about your future a long time ago. No question the steps you are now taking are scary; heck, they're downright frightening, but you've earned your day in the sun and the fun. So, sort through your stuff, grab your mom and come on down! You'll be dancing for joy and wondering what you were afraid in no time at all.

WE were scared to death when my wife and I retired on the same day. With her pension and my social secutiry, our salaries will now be 30% of what they were. OUCH! My wife burnt our a calculater as she kept crunching the numbers. To worry about the decrease in earnings, is normal, but HEY! You've been busting your (you know what) your whole life. It is time for you. Don't worry, be happy.

Congrats
 

I had doubts when I retired also. Verizon came out with an offer in 2001 I couldn't refuse. I was only 53 at the time. Went to the informational meeting and walked into work the next day with my papers. 12/29/01 was my last day of full time work. I don't regret it and I'm sure you won't either. There deffinatly is life after retirement. A real GREAT one. Relax and enjoy. Hurry down it'll get better real quick.

Congrats! I will be retiring this summer also. Have not set out date but looking in July.

Army Guy

Congrats!!!
Every day NOT at work is a day added to your life. Rejoice and enjoy. Get down to TV ASAP.

Congrats GeorgeT! My retirement date is 7 weeks and 1 day away, but who's counting? We'll be joining you in TV as soon as we can sell this darn house in VA! I echo some of the thoughts others have posted relative to the uncertainty of the future, but this has been planned for a number of years now, and we can't wait to start the rest of our life! The anticipation feels like what summer vacation used to feel like in school when May came around, only this time, it's perpetual!

B.

You are not alone with those feelings. A deja vu to last year when I took that big step. I haven't looked back since!! I had six months of wondering if it was the right thing to do prior to the big date and at the same time anticipating the new chapter of my life. Alot of opportunities were open to me once I no longer had the five day a week commute to Ocala to work. Couldn't take advantage of being a day time villager for many years that I lived here. No I have time to join activities, meet new people, and enjoy the great things TV has to offer. Must admit I haven't quite yet gotten to some of more mundane things on my to do list but I chose to have fun instead!!

Full steam ahead and don't look back! It's been one year for me and I have not regretted a minute. I am loving my activities and active lifestyle. Congratulations!

George --Congrats

I retired Nov1 and we closed three days earlier on our new home here in TV
I was tentative as well . Worked there for 40 years . Sorry to say I havent looked back since ---I havent had the time !!! It might have been different if we stayed up North --But TV cured my guilty feelings

If you feel the numbers work, its a great place to retire !

Good Luck

Congratulations!
Goodbye tension, hello Pension....!

I feel the same way, as I am 52 and eligible for my pension in 179 more days. There is also a chance for a buyout, as they are offering one now that ends 4/1/11. If they do not get enough guys to take it I'm hoping it gets extended so I can. A lot is dependent on selling the house, etc....

It is scary, but I've done the math, and have lived frugally and invested well. Better to retire ten years early then one date late. There is so much to do down there and I want to be young enough to enjoy it. no one ever said on their deathbed they wish the spent more time at the office.

Frank

It takes great courage to say, I'm done!!

I sold my practice a year ago and my husband will officially be retired Feb 1. The house will go on the market Jan 15th, when it sells we are off to The Villages to watch our home be built in Buttonwood.

I have moments of total elation and moments of total fear. But we know we are so done with the rat race. Many people have walked before us to The Villages, most are living fabulous lives and enjoying their retirement. Many folks in The Villages have said, they wish they had done it sooner, they had enough money to live.

Just remember your not alone on this great journey to The Villages.

Here we come from California.

Great quote from a fellow Long Islander Snowbird. Listen to his advice. You will never regret it.

George - You wouldn't be human if you didn't have somewhat mixed feelings. As long as you've run the numbers and have any debt paid down pretty low (or paid off completely), you should be fine. Get down to TV and enjoy yourself!! :wine:

Bill

When I retired I thought of it as a start to the next adventure in my life! I was only 55 years old and I have never regretted retiring!