At 51 with three kids under 15, no sign of retirement for me. But, we live in our lakehouse, have a great marriage (to a stay-at-home-mom), I work from home, travel a bit and have a great life. Foothills are nearby and it's an easy escape on the bike for a few hours every now and again. Can't imagine retirement being any better.

I hope to buy a VW camper, leave in July packed with gear and not come home for a year. Kayak all summer, Snowboard all winter.

I've got 10 months to go, although I'm eligible now. Like a few of you, when the 'time' comes, I'm more than a little nervous.
I've collected a pay check since I was 14. Saved, spent, saved, spent. Really a great blue collar life.
Some money in the bank, no bills, kids are gone, on their own, and really don't ask for anything.
Don't know if I want to ever see another transformer, switch, recloser, sectionalizer, cross arm, or insulator. Problem(?) is those are the opportunities that are abundant to me.
How do we move from working all day to........anything/something.
How's the transition?
I will travel, but I want to see the USA. Never been to the Smithsonian, Vermont in the fall, Mt. Rushmore, or looked at a redwood.
Sure money is an issue (small), how about the extra time?
Yep, I'm a little nervous. Maybe for the wrong/right reasons.

Karl
88 Targa

Karl,

Do contract work and do it when you feel like it, otherwise enjoy life. You have worked for it, so now its time to reap the rewards.

When I retire.......Fish and fish and fish some more.

I will retire with 34 years of military service at age 52 (unless they're crazy enough to make me a General) and the plan is simple.

Buy a 40' catamaran and sail the inside passage as much as I can.
Live in my hacienda in San Diego during the winter months.
Try to re-open the Phoenix Program and do my good work on consignment.

I agree...haven't been unemployed for 40 years....retiring is a daunting thought.

Can I add, I'd also like to learn to fly fish (along with the guitar and spanish)?

I don't know if I'll be able to afford retirement.:(

Interesting...a good friend of mine did exactly that, except his is a regular sailboat.

He and his wife have been underway for over two years. He had extensive experience in flight clearance initiatives for manned and unmanned aircraft so he consults via the web about 10 hours a month!

Seahawk,

My wife and I are pursuing our USCG Captain's Licenses and we have pretty extensive sailing experience on L. Michigan and Puget Sound on our monohull.

Your friend's work is my real idea. I plan to consult in some capacity to augment my retirement. Part-time work to me means just that...and on my terms.

What you're doing in post-retirement is a dream. I know you gave up SES and you probably have never looked back.

Eat Dog Food

Is that on the buffet or gourmet "out of the can?"

There is work out there if someone is interested. Problem is if the brown material hits the fan, will they support you overseas. Better to wait IMHO until another couple of years is up and we have more support in some areas.

Purina Tasty Morsel's has been enjoyed by guests as Pate....