Surprised by my mixed feelings about consulting after retirement

[risky4me]

I retire from my present job in one more week and I was a little apprehensive as we would need to live on savings for a year before being able to tap our retirement accounts. I had hoped to finish up some projects on a consulting basis so that we could continue to enjoy this next year without using savings. Last week they agreed to my consulting proposal and I failed to anticipate my reaction. Once they agreed, I felt a sense of loss of that 'I'm Free' feeling.
 It does take away any anxiety about the change, but I didn't expect how much I missed the excitement of totally disengaging from work for a while.

This is really sounding whiney, as it really is the best of both worlds- anyone have similar experiences about the effects of working after formal retirement?

[forummm]

In case you hadn't seen this:
http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/investor-alley/how-to-withdraw-funds-from-your-ira-and-401k-without-penalty-before-age-59-5/

But congrats on being retired or almost retired!

[MDM]

Last week they agreed to my consulting proposal and I failed to anticipate my reaction. Once they agreed, I felt a sense of loss of that 'I'm Free' feeling.

Ah, but if you really don't need the income you now are free speak your mind and do things the way you think they should be done.  After all, what can they do...fire you? :)

[Joggernot]

I consulted 1 week a month for about 2 years after I retired.  This helped me transition from 40+ to 0 hours, plus I got to see my co-workers to refresh friendships.  It worked for me.

[forummm]

I think I would like going part time. It would be a good way to transition. Or to just do some of the more fun stuff. Or just have more free time to do what you want, but still have some income. It's definitely something I am considering for the time I near FI.

[risky4me]

In case you hadn't seen this:
http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/investor-alley/how-to-withdraw-funds-from-your-ira-and-401k-without-penalty-before-age-59-5/

But congrats on being retired or almost retired!

Thanks for the link- I hadn't seen that before!

We have a special savings account for this purpose that we can run for a few years if need be, but after working so long to save I find it really hard to draw it down(I know, that's what it's there for). I think with, tightened belts, we could probably make it with just the little work I will be doing without hitting any savings.
 But I also know how life can throw you a surprise once in a while.......the savings are there if we need it.