DM - thanks for the link, never thought to do a google search for a forum like that, :D

AZ - thanks , my job is getting harder every day it seems like, and the people I deal with just keep getting younger and younger,

Todd SmileWavy

At 54 I'm in a somewhat similar position, but my somewhat younger wife is more antsy to quit/change careers.

My job is getting easier (dare I say more fun?) than ten years ago. I notice I'm seeing kids of old customers, even grandkids.
Jim

Jim - we will be coming your way during that three week trip up to family and to check out SW Mo. will give you a shout out when we get up that way ,

Todd SmileWavy

Oh boy is that a win situation for your wife and you....

You get to do more of what clearly seems to be of increasing importance to you, your wife gets to keep doing what appears to be important to her, with additional resources at home.. because you could devote a section of your day to home projects...

I'm willing to bet that should you go down this route and start doing more intensively those projects you want to do, that within 24 months you will be in demand to do them 'professionally'... in other words get some payment in return for your time/ services...

Or, depending on your local government work is there any way of helping individuals/ companies deal with local government issues on a free lance basis?

I know of several local government people here to 'turn poacher' after years of service, using their knowledge of people and process to assist private companies navigate thro the issues more effectively...mind you this is in building/ building permit etc issues so the knowledge is highly valued. there may be sectors that are less 'transferable'...

:)....Good luck to ya K9!

Retire at 45? Good for you. Wouldn't you get bored? I imagine with that much time on your hands, you'll end up spending more money that you think you will.

Grew up there, what are you looking for? Still have loads of family there.

Land is cheap, living is as well and if you have a descent retirement you can live like a king. Gotta put up with tornado's in the summer/fall and ice storms in the winter, then humidity the rest of the year but its better than other places.

The area where Jim lives North to about 100 miles North of Springfield is still nice.

We are looking in the Seymour area , or around that part of the state within 60 miles, I think the property deals are better there than across the border in AR. where I grew up.

Do you still fly the old Air Knocker any ? I have quite a bit of time in a J3 and a Super Cub,

Todd SmileWavy

Please do NOT RETIRE to rural Missouri! (We have nothing to offer you here ...well, except clean air /water, low crime rates, acceptable cost of living, GREAT DRIVING ROADS, centrally located, wonderful lakes, four great seasons, etc. ...etc).

We do not want ANY MORE PEOPLE 'Californicating' our Ozarks!:D

Todd,

I fly for a living then return home, hop in the Airknocker and enjoy life. No radios, starter or electric of any kind on the airplane, its pure 1930-40's flying. Love it...

Seymour is a nice area, lots of forest in that neck of the woods. Look around, there are a lot of bargains in that part of the world.