Today is My First Day of Retirement

[Danimal16]

Well, at least as of Noon.

Been a long and varied Career. Water Engineer, Naval Officer (Active and Reserve), consulting and the last decade as an engineer working on all kinds of equipment.

Took ten weeks of terminal leave and I drop off my office keys today.

The last ten years have been quite a ride and I am looking to the time off.

Don't know if I can stay in California, where I have resided since I was nine in 1962.

What say all of the collective powers here?

[Jim Richards]

Congrats! I'm about 15 months into retirement and it's, hands down, the best job ever! My wife and I left the east coast and settled here in SoCal. We absolutely love it here. If you can manage it, I'd recommend staying. Once again, congrats on your retirement.

[crustychief]

I say Congratulations! now you have time to decide if you are going to stay in California or not.

[Seahawk]

The best advice I got when I retired from the Navy was to no kidding take a month off and get some perspective before making any big decisions.

I had already accepted a position but still took a deep dive into shedding the old habits and having some fun.

As to staying in California, it would depend on where you live.

There are parts of California that are worth the price.

Congratulations, btw. You've earned the right to dally for a bit.

Best.

[flatbutt]

I'm two years in and I mostly eat when I'm hungry and sleep when I'm tired but bro I am busier than ever and I luv it! I am back in my alma mater studying music just because I want to and it's a hoot. I am as busy as I want to be with projects or I can say nah I think I'll go for a ride instead.

You've earned it, sit back and relax or not...you're off of the clock!

[Scott Douglas]

Been a couple of years for me now.
I won't be leaving CA because I've done enough traveling to know there's no place like here with weather like we have.
Hope you take the time to consider all your options before making a big decision.

[URY914]

Lucky you.
Now stay out of the left lane and remember to use your signal when turning.

[vash]

CONGRATS!!! in related news..i'm GOING to a retirement luncheon for a supervisor in my office. compelled me to calc the days i have left.

3091 days!!! that's 12 years minus holidays and some vacation....it's BLEAK!

[recycled sixtie]

Congrats on your retirement. There is no life like it. Now you get to do whatever you want with no time limit.

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by URY914

Lucky you.
Now stay out of the left lane and remember to use your signal when turning and don't forget to turn it off!

Fixed it for ya.

And to Danimal16, congratulations and welcome to the "club." As others have said, take a bit of time, enjoy the time you now have, and then decide about the move if it's not an economic decision.

[wdfifteen]

CONGRATULATIONS!

There will be adjustments to make.
I retired gradually, finally ending my daily job June 1. Adjusting hasn't been as easy as I thought. I have lived with minimal structure since I went into business 30 years ago, but having NO externally imposed structure to my day is taking some getting used to. I feel guilty if I don't get up, get out, and do something even if I don't feel like it. I have to keep telling myself I can do anything I want or nothing at all. I keep having this argument with myself:

"I don't want to do X."
"Then don't. You don't have to do it. You own your time."
"Yes, but I should do it."
"OK, drag your ass out there and do it."
"I don't want to do X."

[Steve Carlton]

Golf.

[Craig T]

Congratulations! You won't regret it. golf golf golf

I'm a year in now. It does take some adjustment, especially if you went from working full-time to a dead stop. I went through a month or two of anxiety (habitually checking my phone for work emails that never came), but soon settled in. Started volunteering for Juvenile Diabetes Foundation to stay busy as a transition, but gradually tapered that off as I found other (more selfish) things to do. Joined a semi-priivate golf club and play three days a week. I do a LOT of projects around the house. I found books again (and Shameless on Netflix. Fiona ).

We're leaving SoCal in 3 years when the grandson starts school. We found so many places we like where our money stretches a lot further (no pension, just qualified plans and savings). We like Prescott, AZ, Bend OR too, but looks like we're settling on Hilton Head Is, SC. Sure, the weather here is great, but the cost of living is ridiculous. 1/3 the money gets you 3x the house in Hilton Head...in a gated golf community with great fishing steps away. I can deal with humidity to have a better lifestyle.

[ckelly78z]

Wow, congrats on the big news. I just (5 minutes ago) sent an email to a co-worker that announced this was his last day before retirement and leaving at noon also.

I am really jealous, but hopefully only 8 years more for me.

[kach22i]

Congrats, and don't get too much sun.

[Baz]

Congratulations Dan!!!

This is so great for you and I appreciate your sharing with us on the forum. Obviously in reading the various posts in this thread....there are many fellow baby boomers in the same situation....close to or recently retired.....a lot of insight to be shared....gleaned....and discussed.

If you were 9 in 62 then I am only 1 year behind you. Which means I can retire in just 1 more year!

I'm looking at two milestones which will determine my glide path....Medicare at 65 and SS at 66.

Thanks for your service, Dan. Please keep us posted as you move ahead.....wherever you end up....

[74-911]

Congratulations Dan, time to really start enjoying life. Only advice I would give is don't do anything rash until you've had time to settle into the new life style, it does take some getting used to.

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

Congrats Dan!!! Try the Corps of Engineers out or the Forestry Department, people tend to forget other agencies!

[VincentVega]

Great news. Take some time and ease into it, not reason to rush anything.

[Hawkeye's-911T]

bro I am busier than ever and I luv it!

What Flat says I found to be the case although I have been told this maybe due in large part to the fact we take longer coffee breaks & more of them. I've been at it for 8+ years now & enjoying every minute. Like some of the guys have said - take a little breather then it's game on. The only advice I would give is as once given to me; make sure you have something to retire to. Congratulations Dan, stay active & enjoy yourself - it's a fun ride.

Cheers
JB