38 years old. Contemplating retiring

I'm in a position where I don't need to work anymore. I'm not what you'd consider wealthy by any stretch. I make a good living, but the stress of my current work has taken it's toll on me. We do not have kids. My wife and I are the same age, she loves her work and plans on going until 55-60, she's completely on board and has encouraged me to stop working.

100 percent of my paycheck has been going into savings and/or retirement the last 3+ years. I think mainly because I dislike my job so much, the uncertainty of working until a realistic retirement age has never felt like a possibility, so i'm afraid to spend. My wife and I both came from parents who were very much into saving. We could live on her income and make no changes to how we currently live and still be able to save.

I'm not quite sure what I would do. My wife would be working all day. I have a core group of friends, but they'll all be working.

I'm concerned if I do stop working and do not like it, having a big gap in employment would keep me from getting a job I'm qualified for. My wife has suggested doing something completely mindless. But the idea of working for a lot less of what I'm currently making doesn't sound like something I'd want to do.

 

Take a break to think about what you want to do. Money is great but if you're dead it's hard to enjoy.

 

If you want to retire then retire.

Don't stop making money though. Find a hobby to keep mind and body flexible. Learn how to install lift kits, rebuild shocks, weld and do CMC and sliders.

That's if you're into Tacomas a lot

 

You have until you’re 39 to join the Air Force

 

Retire from the current job that's stressing you out and start your own company doing something you love. Sounds like you have some money for start up capital. What are your hobbies? I'd start with that.

 

My god retretire man. I'm 35 this year if I could pull the pin and do something to kill time I'd cut grass. I'd get a big zero turn mower and cut football/ soccer fields all day. Golf courses would be awesome to. I've had stressfull jobs and let me tell you there isnt a better feeling then going inside and giving your 2 weeks and not giving a flying fuck at a place that caused you so much stress. I'm now permanently on blood pressure pill. Hyper tension is awesome 180/100 & 100bpm

RETIRE AND ENJOY LIFE FOR WHAT ITS SUPPOSED TO BE

 

Congratulations! You're one of the lucky people to have complete financial freedom.

a) Quit your job - it sounds like you hate it and have no objective reason to continue to work it.

b) Find something that you love to do, and pick it up as a volunteer or part time job.... but with the mindset that you're not working for your paycheck; you're just finding somewhere that will pay you to do something you'd do for free. Like to ride? Get a part-time job at a bike store. Like to bake? Find a bakery that's hiring part time, or bake for a food kitchen. Like to wrench? Work at a garage.
You've tried the working for money thing, and done it well enough that you don't have to anymore. Now you're working for you, picking the kind of thing that 7-year-old you wanted to do when you grew up.
That keeps you busy, gives you both some structure and some flexibility. If you find yourself liking the working bits more pick up more shifts, if you like them less work less. You don't have to decide the next 40 years today; just today. Eventually you'll either find something you love and can't believe people pay you to do, or start your own thing... you have the luxury right now of not having to worry about paying rent until you find it (and, even more important, a supportive wife).

 

I did that once..... and it got old after awhile went back to work, first year was great then because same deal all my friends were working and not me.... and you suddenly find that you are spending money on things you normally would not have.... Lay out a Plan first because if you go off without one you might end up going bonkers....

 

If your job is high stress and not worth it to you anymore and you don’t need the money, then quit. Life is too short to be stressed out and unhappy with where you spend the bulk of your day.

If money doesn’t matter, find a job doing what you want to do/are interested in. Think about what your hobbies are and find a job in something related. It will probably pay way less, but do it out of interest/passion and not the paycheck. Like off road oriented things, get a job at an off road shop. Like wine, get a job at a winery to help make wine. Guns, gun range or gunsmith. Do something to occupy your interest and time and make some money at the same time. You could always try to start a business in those areas too, but it is far more risky and if you’re trying to get away from stress that may not be the best move. Being retired at home while everyone is working with no plans will likely get old quickly.

 

I retired at 31 and I do investments to keep me making money. The real estate market where I live is insane and made a good amount off of that. I don’t live outside my means. My wife still works full time and we have a 18 month old daughter. I can honestly say that being retired this young is kind of boring so have lots of low cost hobbies.

 

Like others have said make money with your hobbies.
Side Note - maybe it’s not your job you’re so stressed out by saving every penny instead of spending it on hobbies or vacation. You can’t take it with you when your dead.

 

Yes sir what good in money if you can’t enjoy it.

 

Decide what you want retire from current job or keep working current job. You sound conflicted. Old saying you can’t have your cake and eat it too. There will be certain sacrifices either way.

 

Are there a lot of people over 30 who join?

 

Money is nice, but I ain't never seen a brinks truck following a hearse.

 

Mostly reservists but, yes, every now and again.

 

Is there anyway to just take family sick leave from current job... take a few months to think the decision over. If you enjoy what you are doing, then don't return and send a resignation letter.

 

Also 31 and retired, figured out early in life that money doesn't make you happy. Wife and I live simply but have everything we want. As others have said persue your interests and learn to make some money off of it.

 

@NunyaBizness
Inform the gentleman how good it feels to quit a stressful job.

 

When I got out of high school I was a meter reader. I walked alot but it was an ok really low stress job. It would keep you active and has benefits. It was like a part time job that had full time hrs and health insurance. It paid ok for what it was and really only sucked if it rained.