made a life changing decision this week
 

My wife and I have been married for 34 years and have a wonderful life. We are both happy in our relationship and we have both worked since we were 15. We have been fortunate enough to have worked a good portion of our lives for the nations largest defense contractor. Recently it was announced that a voluntary layoff plan was being enacted to trim down aprox. 1500 salaried workers. The group my wife works in was one of the targeted groups. With little seniority in this facility ( we transferred here last year ) my wife said to me I want to volunteer for the layoff. It just so works out that she can get the layoff and her 30 years in at the same time. So she filed her papers early this week. So after 30 years with the same company my wife is retiring at the age of 55. Big chunk of change coming out of the budget but that's OK we have always been savers. So she gets severance for her years along with drawing her pension. She's taking a few months off and then will look for a lower stress job, doing something she really likes. I'm 100% behind her in this decision. I'm real glad the Porsche's are payed for !!! :D

Congratulations! Something tells me you'll do just fine...

We made that decision, but much earlier in life. We agreed my wife would stop working when our first child was born....17 years ago. Walked away from a $75k salary in 1994 and haven't looked back. Best decision ever, despite the belt tightening.

With a pension and bene's...and presumably no kids still on your payroll, it will be very easy by comparison. Enjoy.

Figure out how much $ you're saving by not having your spouse work, such as clothing, 2nd car, mileage and wear and tear on the commuting vehicles, arranging two people's work schedules, etc... If I could, I would let my wife stay home.

Cool, it sounds like you guys should be fine.

We have two boy's/men but they are 26 + 30 and long gone on their own. So it's me the wife and 3 daschunds :D. Only bills we have is mortgage and one car. No other debt at all. We are fortunate but we have worked for everything we have and proud of it. For whatever reason this just feels right. I'm 53 and plan to work another 5-8 years and get out. I currently have 20 years with the company so anything after 25 is gravy. We are not rich but have managed to sock away some money and still live a decent life. We will have two pensions, our savings and SS when we reach 62. It's all coming together.

A low stress job in something that very much interests the wife is fantastic. So many people doing something they dislike just to hang on to a job that they desperately need.

I wish her the best.

You too, bud.

and my wife thinks we will be fininacially OK, if she retires before 65! Ha! no way..

You have it good! Enjoy!

Life is an "E-ticket" ride that we only get to ride once. You made a great decision to enjoy it!

I just had my wife read this and it brought a smile to her face. She said you are a bunch of good guys :D. Thanks to all that have chimed in, not really sure why I posted I guess I just wanted to share the news with someone. The Pelican family extends far and wide. SmileWavy

When it's your turn, the two of you will love it! You'll soon learn the art of avoiding crowds, to play during the middle of the week & leave weekends to the poor working saps. :D

Toys like P-cars? Easily lived without when you have freedom from financial worry & the time to play.
Prioroties change when retired, yeah they do...

Great decision and I wish you and your wife the best!!

Congrats to the wife and you, it will be different but I'm sure it will be so in a good way.
I'm 54 this year and my son is 11 - I started late so I will probably end up dieing at work, there are two great parties in life, mortgage free and retirement parties, there are others too like weddings and grandkids but rtd. parties are special, enjoy the heck outta the wifes party and post some pic's too.
Finn

You can get more money., but you can't get more time....

I retired or started drawing my retirement and never quit working at 50, after working that long I dont think you really stop you just do something different or what you want too..

Relax and enjoy :)