[wdfifteen]

Hanging around to see if they offer an early retirement buyout is the only reason to stay. I would not commit to any part time or consulting contracts. Once you are out the door the world will look different and you won’t want that albatross around your neck. Make sure you are retiring TOO something, (maybe racing?) not FROM your job. Plan out what you will be doing that is challenging and rewarding after you leave the job. Get into something you are “up to the elbows” committed to, don’t just drift. We bought a 5 acre farm (talk about commitment!). I know only one guy who retired to a life of leisure (golf and fishing) who was happy, and this guy was committed to golf and fishing like they were his jobs.