I am new to this forum and after reading some of the older posts, I believe this site is just what I need!
Been working almost 20 yrs in a soul-sucking gov't job. I want out! I will have a pension (reduced to 75% of my income plus another % for years I am under 60- I'm 57 in February) and I have little savings. I will have retirement health insurance. I have a mortgage that I have refinanced to lower my payment. No other debt besides. If I retire soon, after monthly expenses, I will have approx $400 left each month, plus whatever I make at my part-time post retirement jobs. I want to keep my house. I have accepted a part-time position doing some data entry from home (approx 8-12 hrs each week at $20 per hr.) I also play drums professionally and work with two local bands. Work is sometimes good, sometimes not, but I could hustle more if retired from the day job. Some (including my nosy supervisor) are saying re; my early retirement "it can't be done!" or "you'll end up homeless." Most of my colleagues have big nest eggs and spouses to help. I spent my money these past years traveling on vacation. Good stuff, but I didn't save much money. Traveling has been been my "cure" for the depression the job causes. I drive a 13 year old truck in good condition and my house is in good repair as well (so far!) it is true, I am NOT very prepared for financial emergencies.
I am miserable at this job, and it prevents me from doing the things I DO enjoy. I have to fight to get time off to play a music gig, for instance. It's a 45 hr work week. My boss hates me and shows it. I have a knack for getting the bad supervisors. I've transferred 3 times already. (I have an excellent work record, mind you!) My health and well-being suffer immensely, but I am SCARED to go. I have sweet visions of hiking at dawn w/ my dogs and playing music whenever I like...I am remodeling my house (slowly) with my own two hands.My idea of a great post-retirement vacation is tent camping at the Nat'l parks. *sigh* I have given my notice. July 1st 2017. I could stay longer, hoping I don't have to. It feels a bit precarious. Any advice is welcome! Thank you.