Tag Page RetirementPlanning

#RetirementPlanning
FrostyFennec

Quitting a High-Stress Job Was My Unexpected Freedom

Ever been told to turn down a promotion, only to be forced into it anyway? That was me—cozy office, five years from retirement, and suddenly, I’m managing a department I can’t stand. Overnight, my stress shot through the roof. Sleep? Gone. Hobbies? Forgotten. Sanity? Questionable. 😵 So, I did the unthinkable: I quit. Not in a blaze of glory, just quietly walked away. Thanks to our savings, I can take a breather, regroup, and find a job that doesn’t eat my soul. My wife’s got my back, and honestly, that’s all I need right now. Am I ashamed? A little. But sometimes, quitting is the bravest thing you can do. Anyone else out there ever just walk away? 🤔 #CareerChange #WorkplaceStress #RetirementPlanning #JobCareer

Quitting a High-Stress Job Was My Unexpected Freedom
JovialJigsaw

Should I Take the Voluntary Separation or Wait for Retirement? 🤔

I’m 60, and just when I thought I had my retirement plan all mapped out, my company throws a voluntary separation package my way. Seven months’ pay and six months of health insurance sound tempting, especially since my wife turns 65 right after the coverage ends. But here’s the kicker: our savings is about 20x our annual expenses, not quite the 25x I was aiming for. My job isn’t stressful, my boss is great, and I only commute twice a week. But the difference between leaving now and sticking it out until 62 is a whopping $180k. That’s not exactly pocket change! I dream of more time for books, piano, and camping, but I keep worrying—what if the market tanks or we need a new car? I even applied for the package, but they might not approve it since my role is hard to fill. Now I’m stuck in limbo, second-guessing everything. Has anyone else faced this crossroads? What would you do in my shoes? 😅 #RetirementPlanning #CareerDecisions #WorkplaceDilemmas #JobCareer

Should I Take the Voluntary Separation or Wait for Retirement? 🤔
AuroraAficionado

Retiring at 62: Will My Social Security Take a Hit? 🤔

Lately, I've been losing sleep over my retirement plans. After decades of grinding it out in the corporate world, I’m eyeing the exit at 62. But here’s the kicker: I’ve always earned well, and my 35 highest-earning years are solid—no zeros, no gaps. Still, when I run the numbers, taking Social Security at 62 slashes my benefits, even though my earnings are high. So, if I stop working at 62 but hold off on claiming Social Security until 67 or even 70, will my benefit still be based on those strong earning years? Or will those extra years of not working drag my average down? I’m honestly confused and a bit anxious. Has anyone else faced this dilemma? I’d really appreciate your advice or any personal experiences you can share. Sometimes, the more I plan, the less I know! 😅 #RetirementPlanning #SocialSecurity #CareerAdvice #JobCareer

Retiring at 62: Will My Social Security Take a Hit? 🤔
EchoChaser

Is $2.5 Million Enough to Escape the IT Grind?

My husband and I are both 56, and lately, the thought of early retirement has been haunting me—especially after our recent trip to Portugal. The sun, the food, the freedom! But back home, I'm stuck in IT, feeling more burned out than ever. My husband left his job last year and may never go back, and honestly, I envy him. We’ve got about $2.5 million invested, not counting our paid-off house. But is that really enough for a 30-year retirement? Healthcare costs before Medicare kick in are a huge worry. And if I step away from IT now, there’s no coming back—the industry moves too fast, and I’d be left behind. How do you ever feel sure you have enough? Am I just dreaming, or is it time to leap? I’d love to hear how others have made this decision. Please, tell me I’m not alone in this anxiety! 😩🏖️ #RetirementPlanning #CareerBurnout #FinancialFreedom #JobCareer

Is $2.5 Million Enough to Escape the IT Grind?
FunkyFirefly

After leaving my job, I feel like a useless person🤔

Yesterday, I hit my magic number: $3 million in liquid net worth. At 53, I should be celebrating, right? But instead, I’m staring at my laptop, wondering if cutting back to 10 hours a week as a professional engineer is really the dream I thought it’d be. My boss wants me full-time, but at least he’s cool with my plan. My wife and I are plotting road trips in our travel trailer, and Starlink means I can work from anywhere. But here’s the kicker—I don’t really have hobbies, and I’m not sure what to do with all this new “freedom.” Our kid’s almost done with college, so expenses are low, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m missing something. Has anyone else felt lost after reaching their financial goals? What did you do next? Any advice would mean the world right now. 🙏 #CareerTransition #WorkLifeBalance #RetirementPlanning #JobCareer

After leaving my job, I feel like a useless person🤔
RadianceRiddle

Retirement is like swimming in a pool, you try hard but you catch nothing

Lately, I've been wrestling with the idea of retirement, and honestly, it's keeping me up at night. My husband and I have worked hard—he's in IT, I'm in healthcare—and we've managed to save up a decent nest egg. But every time I think about stepping away from the daily grind, I can't shake the fear that I'm missing something crucial. What if our calculations are off? What if healthcare costs skyrocket? What if boredom sets in and we regret leaving our careers? We’ve run the numbers, checked the calculators, and on paper, it looks like we’re set. Still, the thought of leaving a stable paycheck behind is terrifying, especially for my husband, who knows it would be tough to find another job at his current salary. I could probably go back to work if I keep my certifications, but is that really what we want? Has anyone else felt this anxious about retirement? How did you finally make the leap? I’d love to hear your stories or advice—because right now, I’m stuck between excitement and pure panic. 😅 #RetirementPlanning #CareerTransition #WorkplaceAnxiety #JobCareer

Retirement is like swimming in a pool, you try hard but you catch nothing
BoldBanshee

Ready to Retire, But Why Do I Feel So Guilty? 🤔

I’m a 52-year-old woman, married, and honestly, I should be thrilled. We’ve built up a $2.2M nest egg (not even counting our house, which still has a $300k mortgage but is worth $750k+). With a possible $800k windfall on the horizon from my company’s upcoming exit, the numbers all say it’s time to step back after my 53rd birthday. My plan is to talk to my CEO about winding down my role and helping transition to a new exec over the next six months. On paper, it’s perfect. But here’s the thing—I can’t shake this nagging guilt. I see so many people facing layoffs and struggling in this unpredictable economy, and I wonder: why do I get to walk away comfortably? Has anyone else felt this way? How do you deal with the guilt of leaving when others are fighting just to stay afloat? I’d really appreciate your thoughts and advice. 🙏 #RetirementPlanning #WorkplaceEmotions #CareerTransition #JobCareer

Ready to Retire, But Why Do I Feel So Guilty? 🤔
MajesticMint

Lost My Job at 59—Now What? Advice Needed! 😬

So here I am, 59 years old, and just lost my long-term self-employed gig. My net worth sits around $3 million (including home equity and 401Ks), with about $1.2 million actually liquid. My wife still works and brings in about $135K, including health benefits, but she’s dreaming of retiring soon. We’re still helping two kids through college (they could take some loans if needed), and our youngest is just 14. No big debts besides the mortgages, which I’ve already factored in. But honestly, I don’t see myself landing a decent job at this age—especially since I’m not exactly a team player. I’m good at solving problems and negotiating, but working for someone else? Not my strong suit. I’m feeling pretty lost and stressed about what comes next. Have any of you been in this boat? What would you do if you were me? Any advice would mean the world right now. 🙏 #CareerTransition #RetirementPlanning #JobLoss #JobCareer

Lost My Job at 59—Now What? Advice Needed! 😬
SerenadeSky

Should I Coast or Keep Hustling Into My 60s?

So here’s my situation: I’m a woman in my mid-50s, living in sunny Arizona. My house is paid off and worth about $650k, and I’ve got a tidy sum stashed away—over $1.9 million across various accounts. My self-employment income is unpredictable, but I only take what I need, and our family lives comfortably on about $50k a year (not even counting my husband’s earnings). But here’s the kicker: I’m terrible at office politics and workplace drama. Communication? Not my strong suit. Part of me wants to slow down and enjoy life, but the other part says, “Push hard until 60!” What would you do if you were in my shoes? Is it crazy to even consider easing up now? Or should I keep grinding, even if I’m not the best at navigating work relationships? I’d love to hear your advice! 🤔💬 #CareerDecisions #RetirementPlanning #WorkLifeBalance #JobCareer

Should I Coast or Keep Hustling Into My 60s?