Early Retirement Party at the office?

[StacheInAFlash]

While eating some cake at an office retirement party, the humorous thought crossed my mind of myself having a retirement party at work at the ripe old age of 40 (my hopeful FIRE age). It just made me chuckle to myself, thinking of how confused everyone would be; you can quit a job at 40 and have a going away party certainly, but you can't just retire at 40! I'm sure at ages 50-59 you might have some people surprised at the retirement, but before 50...unprecedented in most offices. Most offices would probably refuse you the option of having one, and they definitely wouldn't give you the gold watch!

So, does anyone have any stories to tell of early retirement parties, either for coworkers or themselves? Anyone planning on making sure they get an early retirement party? I wouldn't actually want one because 1) I don't like being the center of attention, 2) wouldn't want to make myself a "target" by people thinking I came into millions of dollars suddenly, and 3) wouldn't want to come off as a smug asshole to people I've worked with for over a decade.  How about you??

[Jon_Snow]

My co-workers threw a little "retirement" party for me at a local pub. This was last year...I was 42. The confusion in the air was palpable. Going in, I thought the over/under on the "What will you do all day?" question would be around 6. If you bet on the OVER, you would be a winner.

I have since learned that there was a rumour going around that I was leaving because of a health issue. Well, I was sick of work.

My early retired life has been well documented on this forum. Some of my former colleagues have also had a glimpse into what my life consists of now...and I literally have seen the lightbulb of understanding click on for them. Whether or not they become motivated to alter the course of their lives I do not know...to be honest, it is too late in the game for most of them.

[irishbear99]

I have since learned that there was a rumour going around that I was leaving because of a health issue. Well, I was sick of work.

This made me giggle.

[StacheInAFlash]

I literally have seen the lightbulb of understanding click on for them. Whether or not they become motivated to alter the course of their lives I do not know...to be honest, it is too late in the game for most of them.

Awesome story! This part I have thought of too as a reason for making sure you DO have a party...not to rub it in their faces, but to serve as a wake up call to everyone else in the office. Most would be bitter and not change anything, but seeing a regular coworker making regular money check out at 40 has got to make an impression on at least a few people.

[Posthumane]

I work in an organization related to the military and we often have military members "retire" with a celebration. Usually they are retiring from one career track to go into the private sector, though occasionally we have people leave fairly young without any deliberate work plans. I think the assumption for most people is that they will take some time off and then find some other line of work. We've also had these kinds of parties for people leaving to be stay at home parents after 8-10 years of work here. Usually they are called "going away" or "send off" parties rather than retirement.

[clarkfan1979]

Retirement parties have been very similar to going away parties. The party is a thank you for your service. I would just call it a going away party. If anyone asks, you can say that you are going to stop working. I would try to avoid using the word retirement. Call it a "I stopped working for money party."

[LiveLean]

How is this any different than military folks retiring at the age of 40-45 after 20 years of service and having a retirement party, secure in their military pension and benefits? The only difference is that you created FIRE on your own.

[StacheInAFlash]

How is this any different than military folks retiring at the age of 40-45 after 20 years of service and having a retirement party, secure in their military pension and benefits? The only difference is that you created FIRE on your own.

It's different because "nobody" outside the military retires at 40-45. Within military circles, it would be rare but not unheard of.