It’s finally here!  As of this coming Friday, I’m hanging up my cleats on the working world.

I’ve spent the last forty years working (and saving) in some form or fashion, and it’s time to step away and spend my remaining active years doing what I want, not what some boss tells me to do.

I’m getting out at the young age of 57, thanks in most part to disciplined investing and saving my pennies in my early years (take note, all you youngsters).  Sure, I could keep on slogging it out until my 60’s, but to what end?  How much is enough?  When does one get to enjoy the fruits of decades of one’s labor?

For me, I decided the sooner the better.  We’re not guaranteed a long, happy, and healthy third act in this life.  Take a look at the obituaries sometime in the newspaper and check the ages of those most recently departed.  Odds are you’ll find it’s a lot closer to your own age (or even younger) than you might feel comfortable with.  Statistically, “middle-age” for the average American is 38.  Let that sink in a little.

Sure, I had some things to figure out.  I don’t qualify for Medicare yet, so I had to arrange for health insurance.  I’m too young to take any payments from Social Security, so I had to work with my Financial Advisor on a distribution plan from my retirement holdings.  To me, these were small obstacles to overcome when compared to the time I was going to gain right now by stepping away.

As of now, my health is good, my mind is still sharp, I’ve got enough to comfortably live on (even without working), my kids are grown and set up for success, and I have everything I need (i.e. house, clothes, food, etc.).  I’ve been blessed.

How many folks have you seen wait until their 60’s (or even later), their health in decline, who finally get the chance to walk away, but can’t really do anything but sit in a recliner and watch “Wheel of Fortune” every night, hoping their monthly Social Security check gets them through to the end of the month while they wait for someone to come and visit them?

 I can face that prospect when (and if) I make it to my 90’s.

That’s why I’m retiring now – because I can, and because I’ve earned it.

What am I looking forward to the most?  No more “Sunday night blues”.  You know, that agonizing thought on Sunday evening that you have to get up and go back to the grind on Monday morning.  Not anymore.  For me, every night is Friday night, with a long weekend ahead.

What will I do with my time?  I’ve no doubt I’ll find things to occupy my schedule.  Yes, I’ll play golf in the summer months.  I’ll continue to write (there may be another novel stuck in my head somewhere).  I can travel.  I’ll get out my guitar again.  I can take long walks on the C&O Canal, play poker with my friends, and improve my cooking skills.  The sky is the limit, really.

And the time will be all mine.

NOTE:  I’m taking the next few weeks off for the holidays and to spend some quality time with friends and family, but I’ll be back in January with more thoughts and theories on the world at large.  I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!