[Superman]

Originally Posted by twobone

Hi,

I have worked hard (30 years at the same bank) and invested religiously including money received from insurance when my 1st wife passed away.

When she passed away 15 years ago, I decided that I would focus my energies on retiring early and maximize my enjoyment of the "2nd half of my life".

Now as I get closer, the majority of folks I talk to seem to frown upon this idea that I would stop working and just enjoy life. I'm often told that I should look for new challenges in a different line of work or stay working into my 60s at my painfully boring job to maximize my pension.

As a middle manager who never really enjoyed working at the bank, I'm not really qualified at anything and I hate my job.

As an introvert, I want to spend my time outdoors with my wife, dog and kids. I want to ride my dirt bike, snowboard in the winter, travel a bit, play my guitar, paint a some landscapes, join some hobby clubs, etc..

Any advice on responding to the stigma and addressing comments that I should "achieve something"? I have watched too many people die and my most precious resource is time. I want to maximize my happy relaxed time.

Ha! I don't see what the problem is. Given your situation, your agenda seems appropriate. Even mandated. Others disagree. I don't see a problem here.