As previously posted, I am retiring in December at age 62. Not really 'early retirement,' but 'earlier retirement.' I know people around my age who say they will have to work until they die.
I didn't want to tell co-workers yet about my plans, but management has been notified so that they can begin the search. The person with whom I work most closely has observed some behavior from management concerning my job and has been questioning what is going on, so as a courtesy, I told her on the QT that I am going to be leaving. Her reaction? "Won't you miss the money?" "How are you going to live?" "What are you going to do for health insurance?" and the kicker, "Doesn't your husband want to get a job?" (Hubby "retired" two years ago at age 56 and spends his days remodeling our house, doing chores and landscaping/vegetable gardening our property). He was worried that people would think he's a slacker and taking advantage of me, and I gather that yes, some people do think that.
So I told this co-worker that we have saved, have no debt, and live frugally. That with my SS checks we will be fine. I could tell she just didn't understand. Hubby's truck, which he uses for Home Depot runs, picking up firewood, etc., is a 1999 Ranger that runs fine. She said her husband needs a new truck every couple of years. Both of them work their fingers to the bone and provide 'welfare' to their two adult children. She can't fathom NOT doing that, since it keeps the kids close to the home place. My kids are all on their own in other locales and all are gainfully employed. I miss them terribly, but I would rather have them self-sufficient and responsible than slackers.
I know it's not my problem, but I am troubled that there are so many people who put themselves in the hole and then keep digging. My conversation with her has been nagging at me ever since. Also adding to their situation, interestingly, they have been married for 40 years, only marriage for both, and bought their properties a long time ago. Hubby and I were both divorced (neither divorce initiated by us) and lost our homes in the settlements - had to start over. When we married, we combined our resources, but were in our late 40s/early 50s at the time - and we STILL managed to save enough and pay off the house we bought.
I could never have accomplished this in my first marriage - nor he in his. Both exes are spendypants and kept us in debt. They were also both the major breadwinners in the previous marriages. I am proud what we have done, but saddened that others can't realize what is possible.
