F E B R U A R Y!!!!
You know that is the answer I really wanted to hear and the more I think on this and the comments so many of you left for me I don't know if those last few months would be worth it.
I read Howard's journal entry dated Sept. 11th and I knew then that the opportunity I have now is one that comes once in your life and if you should put it off and it passes you by, for whatever the reason you could lose out on the best years you have left.
I know Sherri and I wont have money to do a lot of things that so many of you get to do but having the chance to spend some time with all the Dreamers would be the greatest moments in our lives. Just being able to pick up and see some other part of this country and enjoy the sights and adventures that are out there would be well worth taking off a little early.
We know that we could Workamp some if we have to...many of you do...and that will help us have a little extra to do other things....soooo we will be thinking hard on this. I want Sherri to be comfortable with it too...she will be making 50% of the decision.
Again I would like to thank all of you out there for your comments. It is great to have people that you can go to for help when those hard questions come up in your life. Even if I should pass on tomorrow I will know that I have been with so many wonderful people and that will make my journey well worth the effort Somewhere in Time.
This weekend we are headed to KC to see these guys below. They don't get to see us but once or twice a year so we will have to re-introduce ourselves to them again. I will try to post while I am up there and send some pictures of my little buddies.
5 comments:
Instead of considering how to work longer....Arrange to Retire sooner...You both will never look back and the extra few months will not matter at all...October 08 or February 09 ????? 4 little months retired early will jump start your health and well being....We miss you and can't wait for an adventure with you somewhere in time....Jim
We know you will make the decision that is right for you. We also know that you are both real troopers and survivors. Just remember Life is Short, Take the Senic Route!
Love,
Dortha
I don't know what circumstances made the choice of Feb. -vs- Aug. but I agree that if it didn't make much difference in your pension then I'd go earlier if at all possible.
In my case I certainly stretched things out. I could have gone 6 1/2 years ago at the age of 50 but due to health care costs I couldn't do it financially. Waiting 5 years would make a big difference for several reasons. I also expected the annual raises to continue as they had been. I lost that gamble.
Then near the end of the additional 5 years a huge 20% catch-up raise occurred. (We are talking state government here.) So another 21 months was added so that the pension calculation would be using as large a figure as possible (60% of the highest 2 years).
It was 21 months not a full 24 because my anniversary date occurred then and I'd have to have no more than 240 hours of annual leave accumulated on that date and I wanted the leave cashout amount to be as large as possible. So my anniversary date is 4/1 while my last day at work will be 3/31.
See you down the road somewhere in time.
Speedy, my husband & I left our jobs at the age of 50.. Everyone said we were crazy. He just couldnt take the stress any longer.
We decided health and well being were much more important than more money in the long run. We havent regretted it for a minute. Have we worked since, yes but nothing with stress or pressure. You can always make a buck if you need to. Good luck with your decision.
I'm with you Joe... looking forward to hitting the road but wondering if everything will be ok... the finances part always looks good on paper, but the fear and nervousness will always be there. Can't wait to spend time with you and Sherri on the road. Take care my friend. Jim (Tumbleweed One)
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