good bye cruel Mustache world

[Republican Shaved Mustache]

... 

[Tom Bri]

What does the rest of the family say? Wife? Kids?
With your assets downsizing and retiring is doable, but not unless they all buy in.
Could you freelance with your skills? Do contract jobs?

[dreams_and_discoveries]

Without a doubt, retire and take it easy.

See if you can find some hobbies that give you as much satisfaction as working. Spend time with the kids when they are still young.

[nereo]

nonnativeco

Welcome to the forum.  To answer your broader question, you are absolutely, positively, without a doubt completely financially independent (FI) right this second.  That means that you can choose to do whatever makes you and your family happiest in life and you should work only if the works adds value to your life.

Financially speaking, you have >$5.7MM in investments, excluding your home and personal items.  At your current 'burn rate' of $90k/year you have an amazingly secure WR of just 1.5%.  For comparison, a 4% WR is considered moderately conservative and anything below 3% is considered bulletproof (i.e. in modern US history there has never been a time when a 3% WR hasn't survived a 40 year retirement).
With a 3% WR you could have $171k/year with adjustments each year for inflation, forever.  Also, I'm guessing your "burn rate" will go down significantly in a few years when your 3 children graduate.  If anything, you will have to decide who you want to donate your millions to later in life.

As for what you should do - well as I've already said you should do whatever makes you happy.  It sounds like your old job was very stressful, so if you aren't ready for complete retirement consider a career change. If the nature of your work was what bothered you, join a non-profit where you are helping people.  If you didn't like the long hours join a company that will let you work only 3 days a week. It doesn't matter what the pay is because you don't need the money.  Regarding your parents pushing you to keep your job, there's no need to tell them your new salary (or lack of a salary).  Assure them you are fine financially and that you are now 'working' at spending time with your family and with groups/charities/hobbies that you couldn't support earlier on in your life. As long as they know you are happy and that you are a contributing member of society most parents will be proud of their children.

g'luck and I hope you stick around the forums.

[pbkmaine]

Fired for insubordination? Awesome! Did you get fed up with the BS and finally speak your mind?

Anyway, to the question at hand: there are several ways you can approach this. It seems obvious to me that there's no need for you to work for money. You just need "something" that will quiet your wife's fears and your parents' voices. Could you teach your subject, very part time, at a high school, community or four-year college nearby? If not, then there are many ways to "camouflage" retirement. You are writing a book of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, a play, a screenplay, a blog. You are taking a sabbatical. You are consulting. You have taken up art, carpentry, landscaping.

Crazy idea: pick some obscure local historical figure, preferably someone you are actually interested in, who has not had a biography written about him or her. Declare that you are writing such a biography, gather materials, and strew them liberally about your office. Learn enough to give a few excruciatingly boring anecdotes about their life. Then go out and enjoy your own.

[Johnez]

What would be the point in working when you have over $5 million in assets? Being 80, I'm sure your parents remember quite a few tumultuous decades where nothing was guaranteed, but a detailed explanation involving compound interest, safe withdrawal rate and historical S&P 500 average returns might show you've put a good amount of thought into the idea. Or you're now a stock broker full time-just don't tell em everything is on autopilot and it's your account! Man, you won the early retirement lottery, congrats! What field were you in if I might ask?

[iknowiyam]

What would be the point in working when you have over $5 million in assets? Being 80, I'm sure your parents remember quite a few tumultuous decades where nothing was guaranteed, but a detailed explanation involving compound interest, safe withdrawal rate and historical S&P 500 average returns might show you've put a good amount of thought into the idea. Or you're now a stock broker full time-just don't tell em everything is on autopilot and it's your account! Man, you won the early retirement lottery, congrats! What field were you in if I might ask?

I would be careful with this. There are many threads here about family members who leach or ask for money all the time, or worse, plan their own finances in a way that counts on you to pick up the bills. Hopefully OP's parents are cool and will not be this way. Even if parents are all set, will siblings catch wind of it and have bad behavior?

Just saying, tread carefully when telling others about your finances.

[former player]

Quite a story you have there.  Congratulations on your former high earnings, your ability to save substantially on them and lack of debt, your recognition of the need for therapy and medication and getting them, your spouse coming around in attitude, your improved physical health, your meeting with a financial planner.  You've made a lot of good choices in fraught circumstances this year.

As others have said, you are FIREd.  Financially, work is optional and getting paid for it is optional. That leaves you with two issues: being happy in yourself with where you are, and dealing with your parents' negative reactions to where you are.

On the first, there are a number of people here with FIRE stories: feel free to check around and read up.  Lots of us experienced the personal dislocation you are talking about, whether we chose FIRE or not, but the general pattern seems to be that after 6 months to a year we are settled into retirement (one exception is Exflyboy who is just now starting his third retirement, but we all have fun with that one, including him).  I would suggest reading the blog of Dr Doom for excellent insights on the world of high paid work and his retirement from it a year ago - https://livingafi.com/2016/04/01/early-retirement-bites/#more-8793

As to your parents, they are displaying their own psychological problems in those daily phone calls.  I suspect that the traits that enabled them to bring you up to be a high achieving and successful individual are showing themselves.  I suspect too that you have never before rebelled against them, and if this is true then congratulations on having finally reached teenager status in their eyes.

I would try writing your parents a letter.  Set out your story as you have put it here: you and your family are financially secure and never need to work again, that finishing work has been a shock to which you are currently adjusting so you are taking a year out to spend time with your family and work on your health, that you want them to be happy for you.  Then say that their daily phone calls are not helping and that for the time being you will not be taking their calls except for an hour a week at a time of their choosing, and you will review that decision in [period of time]. Tell them thank you for all they have done and you love them.

Then spend your time healing, loving your family, and looking around at the world to see where your talents and new found freedom can take you.

Best of luck.

[Cap_Scarlet]

90k is quite a burn rate - is that all consumption or does that include money into savings (which would fall away on retirement)?

[Miskatonic]

Regarding your kids: They aren't going to care whether or not you're "productive" but they WILL care about the extra time you get to spend with them. I would view this as a golden opportunity. Your kids will never have a second childhood - make the most of it now! Congratulations and good luck!

[slowsynapse]

  I do worry about what my kids think.  They're young (<12) and  I want them to be productive in life.  What kind of example would I be by not working when I am able! 

Young kids may not even understand that you don't exactly work like most other parents.  On the immediate front, they might appreciate more time with their dad.  You will have time to spend with your kids, help with homework, have meals with them, be a family.  I think that shows your kids that you worked really hard to get to a point and prioritized them over many other life options.  I think being FI is a gift for families as it allows them to really spend quality time with each other.

[EnjoyIt]

Regarding your kids: They aren't going to care whether or not you're "productive" but they WILL care about the extra time you get to spend with them. I would view this as a golden opportunity. Your kids will never have a second childhood - make the most of it now! Congratulations and good luck!

If you spend time with your kids, you will have the opportunity to show them what hard work and saving can produce. They can learn and emulate you. Be productive at home with your family and have some fun.

Last year at 40 years old I told my parents I plan on going very part time in my career within the next 3-5 years. They were mortified on how lazy I am becoming. Over that last year I have shown them the value of money and the value of free time. Today they fully support my decision and plans. Give them time and eventually they will also appreciate your decision.

[Dee18]

I would be honest with your kids:  I worked hard for X years and saved enough money so we have plenty to live on. Isn't that great? 

If you think it's great, they will too. 

[bacchi]

Getting fired for insubordination in today's work environment should be considered a Badge of Honor.

Congrats; you're free.

[Indexer]

I do worry about what my kids think.  They're young (<12) and  I want them to be productive in life.  What kind of example would I be by not working when I am able!

Tell them the point of working is to be able to support yourself. If you work really hard you can save for the future like squirrels save acorns for winter. Once you have enough to support yourself forever you don't have to work anymore. All done.

That doesn't mean sit on the couch. What would you do if money wasn't an issue?  Do that.

[Chrissy]

I'd love to hear your story of insubordination. Also, look at the Class of 2016 thread and read the joy of your peers.

[SoccerLounge]

I do worry about what my kids think.  They're young (<12) and  I want them to be productive in life.  What kind of example would I be by not working when I am able!

You tell them that the reason you don't have to work now is that you worked super freaking hard in order to become rich. Point out that you literally have more money than some people who won the lottery, and the way you got this money was working hard and saving most of what you spend! Whenever I hear "What will people think of you if you retire early?" my response is to laugh and respond that I shall be happy to elucidate how millionaires don't have to work anymore if they don't feel like it.. ;)

Also, I applaud you for your candor, even if it led to the loss of your job. As someone in a position at work where frank comment is not only encouraged but actually expected, the notion of being fired for saying someone else is a screwup is totally alien to me. But I know the reality in most of corporate America is very different.

Enjoy your retirement, my friend. You have earned it, very literally. :)

[RedmondStash]

OP, you've been handed a golden ticket here. I know how rough it is to lose a job involuntarily and unexpectedly; it takes some time to work through all that stuff, but there is a lovely land waiting for you on the other side.

My advice is to ask yourself what you really want, and what really makes you happy. You mentioned a rare skill set that you worked hard for. Can you be content knowing that you used it to bring yourself and your family financial freedom? Or do you need to continue actively using it in a job to be happy?

For now, set aside worries about what other people (parents, kids, spouse, society) think. Figure out what *you* really want. That may take some time. Maybe you want a new, low-paying career working for a charity. Maybe you want to relax for a couple of years. Maybe you want to write the Great American Novel, or climb Kilimanjaro. Maybe you want to dive right back into your field at a competitor's company and thumb your nose at the place you just got booted from. Only you can figure out what brings you real satisfaction -- and that may change over time.

When it's time to consider what other people want, consider this: Being under less stress makes you a better partner. Spending more time with kids makes you a better parent, and your kids will remember and treasure the extra time they get with you; it will help them. And standing up for yourself and for what you know to be true makes you a better human being, even if it means pushing back on your parents; it doesn't make you a bad son.

You are doing no one a disservice by not being employed.

Best of luck to you.

[BTDretire]

Regarding your kids: They aren't going to care whether or not you're "productive" but they WILL care about the extra time you get to spend with them. I would view this as a golden opportunity. Your kids will never have a second childhood - make the most of it now! Congratulations and good luck!

  Re the kids, You made it to the top 2% in networth at least by one calculator.
Tell your kids you worked hard for 30 years, made it to the top and now you have the assets
to live without working for income. Let's go to the movie.

[EnjoyIt]

I would be wary of telling your kids you are rich.  Nothing good can come from it.  Especially if they end up turning into little shits thinking they are rich too.  Be humble about it.  Don't share your net worth, but educate them on how you got there without divulging actual financial information.  Not until they are old enough and on their own doing well for themselves.  Last thing you want is for them to piss their lives away expecting a huge inheritance.

[RedmondStash]

I would be wary of telling your kids you are rich.  Nothing good can come from it.  Especially if they end up turning into little shits thinking they are rich too.  Be humble about it.  Don't share your net worth, but educate them on how you got there without divulging actual financial information.  Not until they are old enough and on their own doing well for themselves.  Last thing you want is for them to piss their lives away expecting a huge inheritance.

You can always explain to your kids that you are rich, but they are not. And if they want to become financially independent, they must work toward that goal. Of course, you have to back that up with action too.

[Cannot Wait!]

I would say your full time job right now is getting healthy.  Re-evaluate at that point.

And I do have to question if you are worried about what your kids think about your wife not having an outside of the house job?

But mainly I'd like to say welcome to the forums - there is so much good stuff here!

[Telecaster]

A lot of our self-identity is tied up in our careers.  When you meet someone, virtually the first question that gets asked is "what do you do?"  And the answer is something like "I am a doctor."   Not "I work as a doctor."  You ARE your profession is many ways.   So it is a shock to the system when you get fired or laid off or whatever. 

But screw that.   You did a great job saving and avoiding debt.  You can safely and comfortably retire right now, and enjoy the rest of your life doing whatever you want.  That's way better than having a job.   

[nereo]

A lot of our self-identity is tied up in our careers.  When you meet someone, virtually the first question that gets asked is "what do you do?"  And the answer is something like "I am a doctor."   Not "I work as a doctor."  You ARE your profession is many ways.   So it is a shock to the system when you get fired or laid off or whatever. 

But screw that.   You did a great job saving and avoiding debt.  You can safely and comfortably retire right now, and enjoy the rest of your life doing whatever you want.  That's way better than having a job.

Are you from teh DC area by chance? 
I found this article facinating:
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/02/what-we-mean-when-we-say-hello/283860/

tl/dr - there's a strong regionality on what the first question is when you meet someone. I grew up always asking "what do you do" but after moving all over the US (and now in Canada) I've learned that question isn't universal, and sometimes can be seen as rude.

just tossing that out there.  Your point about us being defined by our careers is a very good one.

[Fishindude]

Get a part time gig for health insurance and to cover most of your living expenses.
Ease your way into full time retirement.

[GrumpyPenguin]

Just throwing my two cents in here too.  You did great saving. Don't work another day in your life unless you really really want to.

[Cannot Wait!]

I would have loved to have had him stop work a decade ago and spend more time with my kids.

Give yourself permission to do this with your own kids.

[nereo]

The parents deal is hard.  It's difficult to feel like you are disappointing your parents.  You have to understand that my father retired on his birthday at age 80!  I suspect they have 8+ million dollars and yet drive 15 year old cars and live in a 600k house... in southern california.
I would have loved to have had him stop work a decade ago and spend more time with my kids.

Sounds a bit like my dad.  He "overshot" his retirement by at least a decade.  He could have retired but was worried his 90 year old mother would need extensive long-term hospital care (she didn't).  Then the '08 crash hit and he decided to work through the recovery.  Then his co-worker burned out and he wound up taking on the entire practice until a suitable replacement could be found (ironically increasing his workload, not decreasing it). It took an extra 4 years to find and train someone - during this time he was earning the most he ever had and working 60+ hour weeks long after he had passed his own "FI number".
Plus side is I now never have to worry if they are financially "ok", but I really wish he had stopped earlier and had been able to spend more time with his grandchildren.

As pbmaine and others ahve suggested, you don't have to say "retired" if it will just cause worry/concern with your parents. You can 'explore a new direction' working for a NGO or not-for-profit that allows you to help those in needs while "meeting your financial and family needs" (because your financial needs are $0/year). You don't need to say that you are working part time or volunteering - that's between you and your spouse.

[NESailor]

I haven't seen this mentioned yet.  Do not let a "financial planner" take advantage of you.  You have a large stash and a lot of these insurance salesmen who pretend to be financial planners would love to get their grubby hands on it.  "Just think about your kids...oh, your wife is a SAHM?"  Beware!

Other than that.  Congrats.  Do what everyone else is suggesting.  Whatever you like, that is.  And your parents?  I don't know, I'd tell them to calm down and that you are set for multiple lifetimes and don't need to work.

[singh02]

I'm going to take a different approach here
While you have enough money to retire. Have you addressed your depression?  Many depressed people have trouble with a lot of free time and unscheduled hours.  I'm not saying this necessarily applies to you and you may benefit from the time off, but then again something to watch for.  Why are your parents pressuring you to work?  Have you had a discussion with them about your goals and your financial status? Are they possibly just concerned that you may have too much free time? 

[acroy]

Howdy nonnativeco
Interesting situation! You've gotten some good advice here.
Financially you are set. I'd suggest find your 'next chapter in life', leave the old behind, embrace the new, go for it. You are in a really nice position.
Prayers and Best of luck!!

[patchyfacialhair]

Congratulations on winning the game of money. I'm a young person so take the following with a grain of salt:

I loved it when I saw my dad more often as a kid. There was a period when he worked two jobs, and that sucked. I never saw him other than the rare times I stayed up late enough to see him come home. If you've taught your kids all about love, respect, and the importance of family, then you being home is a blessing, not a curse.

I hope you find what you're looking for.

[honeybbq]

I would have loved to have had him stop work a decade ago and spend more time with my kids.

Give yourself permission to do this with your own kids.

+1

[mlejw6]

It sounds like you define success by your job. But, just because you don't have a job doesn't mean you don't have to work. Many people find joy in being productive, but that doesn't depend on having a job! You can do any kind of project you can think of. Just look at MMM - he is retired, but he has his own construction company and writes a blog. He is still busy and productive on his terms.

I suggest you take some time and do some soul-searching. Talk to your therapist. Talk to your wife. Start doing things that you find interesting that you never had time to do before. And, definitely spend time with your kids!

After you've taken this time, start doing what it is you want to do! It may become a full-time job again. It may pay you money, or it may cost you money. But, I'm sure you'll be responsible enough to run the numbers and figure out what's feasible.

I was thinking: why not start a business or a non-profit doing what you were trained to do? That way, not only do you not waste all that experience you've gained, but you can also go into direct competition with your previous employer and thumb your nose at them.

[Mmm_Donuts]

I would have loved to have had him stop work a decade ago and spend more time with my kids.

Give yourself permission to do this with your own kids.

Well said. I hope this triggers a lightbulb moment for you, OP. Learn from your parents' mistakes, even if they don't see them as such. You do. You can't live your life through other people's priorities; you can only live for your own.

[Prairie Stash]

I read some comments, I think its helpful to read some of the posts with "Cat's in the Cradle" playing in the background.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUwjNBjqR-c

[Sojourner]

hmm...
$6.75 million in assets @ 51yo with SAHW and several children in school.


If true, considering taxes and the expenses mentioned, that's an incredible accomplishment. 

[Indexer]

I haven't seen this mentioned yet.  Do not let a "financial planner" take advantage of you.  You have a large stash and a lot of these insurance salesmen who pretend to be financial planners would love to get their grubby hands on it.  "Just think about your kids...oh, your wife is a SAHM?"  Beware!

Let me just second this. There is a very long list of unethical brokers/insurance agents who mouth's water at a situation like yours.

If you think you can do it yourself there is an investing section on this forum. The Bogleheads forum is also a trustworthy place to go if you want a portfolio of index funds. If the idea of managing that much money seems like a lot use the following qualifiers when judging your own or any planner.

1. are they a fiduciary?  No, run away.
2. Cost? For full asset management and comprehensive planning aim for 0.5% or less. That includes fund costs. Or look for something hourly that would end up costing even less. You should have no problem finding such low costs with your assets.
3. CFP? For an account of your size you should ask for a CFP and even more credentials, CFA would be nice as well.
4. No load index funds.
5. Goes with 2, advice on things other than assets. Trust, estate, insurance, etc. planning should be an expectation with your assets.

You should be able to find a CFP who acts on a fiduciary basis who charges very little.

NAPFA is a good place to search.

[Taran Wanderer]

If you had half your life left to live and you could do anything you want, what would that be?  Congratulations, you have been given the opportunity to find out, and a bit of a nudge in that direction!

You're in a seriously great place which amazing options. The question is...  how do you choose?  Have you thought about writing down a list of things you have wanted to do, but you haven't had the time?

Run a marathon, hike the John Muir Trail, read War and Peace... in Russian, learn to cook incredible crepes, volunteer in another country, lobby your congressman, coach your kids' teams, play the guitar, build your skill in photographing hummingbirds....   the list is endless.  Tou have the time to do or become good at any of those things or the many things that would be on your own list!

[Bikeguy]

Only decide to a trial retirement of 3 or 6 months length,  and then reevaluate.  I think that takes the stress off the retiring forever.  You won't run out of money.   You are now solely deciding how you prefer to spend your time.   Don't trade a day of work for something you don't need,  unless that is your first choice of how to spend your time

[nottoolatetostart]

Getting fired for insubordination in today's work environment should be considered a Badge of Honor.

Congrats; you're free.

Agree. Kind of a cool way to go out.

You are FI. Don't worry about your kids. Our kids will be <10 when my husband retires, so will about your kids age. I wish it were sooner while they still want to do stuff with us so he can have more time when they want to be with mommy and daddy all the time. To our family, one of the best things we can teach them is go to school to get a high-paying job, save most of your income, retire early, so you can do whatever else you want, buy your independence. Relying on an employer for your bread and roof is too dangerous....it can be gone just like that (you know it and I know it (I was let go despite just getting promoted)).

[SwordGuy]

Also, after you explain whatever you choose to explain to your parents, let them know the discussion on this topic is now "OVER".  You will not discuss it anymore.  If they persist with daily phone calls on the topic, as soon as they start talking about it, remind them you aren't talking about that topic anymore.  That's the only thing you say on that topic.

If that doesn't work after a few days, tell them you are hanging up because they are not respecting your wishes.   

If that doesn't work after a few more days, tell them you won't be answering the phone much any more because of their rude behavior.

Sound harsh?   Sometimes you have to set your boundaries firmly and stick to them in order to retrain people - especially parents.   I finally got thru to my mom that my wife was my wife forever and that my mom was not going to be running my life.  It was not a lesson she wanted to learn.

[margarita]

First, congrats!  You are free.

In regards to you parents, I understand as I think we have the same parents. Mine are a little older and still remember the Great Depression and nothing will change their mindset that we all could be eating cat food shortly. I have tried to get them to spend a little money on themselves and have said "you can't take it with you" and in response I got "no, but I can leave you a big inheritance".  How can you argue with that?

Your parents are worried about you and even if you share the numbers they will probably still be worried. To them you are young with a young family and they want the best for you.  It was a shock to them for you to lose your job so unexpectedly.  I know other posters have been harsh on your parents but I think it is really they are worried and want the best for you and your family (although it is not helpful but they don't get that part).
 
Don't even mention the word "retired" just tell them you are taking some time off to focus on your health.  They want their son to be healthy, right?  If that doesn't help I would say "Please don't worry about me, I have saved an awful lot and financially we are very well.  I don't tell you how to run your life, please don't tell me.  I know you are concerned but you really don't need to be concerned at all."

I took early retirement unexpectedly and the best advice I can give you is "it will be okay in the end and if it is not okay it is not the end".  Don't be hard on yourself and try to figure out "what I am going to do".  Just live.  Breathe.  You don't need to find all the answers today.  Or tomorrow. 

[happy]

Congratulations on your achievement OP.
You are truly FI.  Lots of wise posts here, read them and absorb.
Tell your folks you are taking a break and considering your options.
Talk to your wife about how you'll redesign your life together.
Spend time with your kids and show them how you did it.
PLease don't waste this precious opportunity by going back to work in the rat race unless you truly want to.

[Bikeguy]

Just wanted to point out you have $6 million dollars.  At MMM conservative 4%, that is $240K a year.

They did you a favor.

And BTW, I thought about saying what you did, I just never said it.

Respect.

My financial situation is not as robust, but the numbers say I can be done if I want to be. I actually think it would be easier to get pushed out.  I really do enjoy what I do, and the wife definitely is not on board with a frugal lifestyle, but I think there would be no problem with me quitting now.  I'm 51.

Thanks for giving me more to think about.

My Dad still gives me (unsolicited) advice on a regular basis.  I know how that can weigh on a person, even when you know they are wrong.

[Cannot Wait!]

OP's parents didn't retire early although they easily could have.  I think the problem is not money but ingrained character traits that can be hard to escape.  It might also be a status thing.  It might be that the parents think you need to 'get back up on the horse' to prove your worth after being fired.  They might be worried about your self esteem.   
Our society in general thinks you should work till 65 so you are bucking the trend of what's 'normal'.  Welcome to outside the box thinking!  It can be scary if you were raised to follow the usual program, and if you don't know too many outliers IRL.  Keep reading here to see the amazing lives people are planning/living.  Try going to a MMM meetup.
Oh, and the parent advice thing - I ignore my parents advice all the time because they live the exact opposite life than the one I want.  Kind of like not taking diet advice from out of shape people or investment advice from poor people...

[chesebert]

Congrats OP, you are the top 1% for your age group in terms of networth. Now, relax and enjoy the view from the top.

[Little Aussie Battler]

I would love to hear the story of how you got fired, if you can tell it in a way that maintains your anonymity.

You are clearly financially independent, and I think you knew that before posting the topic.  There is nothing marginal about your financial position, and so you don't need strangers on the internet to tell you that your maths is good.

Are you emotionally ready to retire? Only you can answer that, but it doesn't really sound like it.  If it were me, the involuntary nature of the situation would eat at me - I would need to go back to work for a few years and then leave of my own volition (using the period to get myself mentally and emotionally ready to be retired).

[mm1970]

I would love to hear the story of how you got fired, if you can tell it in a way that maintains your anonymity.

You are clearly financially independent, and I think you knew that before posting the topic.  There is nothing marginal about your financial position, and so you don't need strangers on the internet to tell you that your maths is good.

Are you emotionally ready to retire? Only you can answer that, but it doesn't really sound like it.  If it were me, the involuntary nature of the situation would eat at me - I would need to go back to work for a few years and then leave of my own volition (using the period to get myself mentally and emotionally ready to be retired).

update for anyone who read my original post.  I decided to work part-time in "retirement".  I've decided to work 1 week per month as a consultant of sorts.  It takes me away from my family during that time but it's an easing into early full retirement.  I think I'll do it for 2-5 years or so.  Thanks Little Aussie Battler.  Your post helped.

I missed the post the first time around (was on vacation).  I would have recommended just what you did. 

I admit though I had a mental disconnect with how much money you managed to amass.  I was thinking "wow, he's asking if he can retire??"  And of course, with that much money, I was thinking that you were pretty old.  But since you are only 3 years older than my husband...not so much.

In any event, not sure how old your kids are (didn't read that far) but the "part time" thing is what I really  like with kids.  Ours are 10 and 4.  We've had a few weeks this summer of camps that get out at 2 or 3 (instead of 5), so we have been alternating ditching work early and picking up the kids.  It's really nice.

[DA]

As others have said, find a hobby or part-time job.  But you really need to focus on your health.  You're 51, have been working a very stressful job, are depressed and on medication, and say you lost 10 lbs. recently (your tone implies you're overweight, but I may be wrong). 

Task #1:  start strength training.  Read the book "Starting Strength."  Do the program for 3 months.  Forget about jogging, cardio, and other silly bullshit.  Do NOT hire a trainer (you don't know enough to tell if they know anything). 

Task #2:  eat healthy foods.  People get very sensitive about "what is healthy"; all I will say is that you should avoid sugary foods and foods with processed carbohydrates.  Don't be a calorie counter--it doesn't work and makes you miserable.  Just eat good stuff.

Task #3:  get at least 8 hours of sleep every night (obviously this will not be possible EVERY night, but make it a serious priority). 

Task #4:  get adequate vitamin D, preferably from the sun, but if impossible, then from a Vitamin D supplement.

Ditch your depression medication.  It's time to take back your life and be a real man again.  If you perform these 4 "tasks," there is a 95% chance your depression will magically go away, and your life will be better in virtually every way.  Please trust me on this.