First retirement was at age 39 after 20 years in the US Navy. I was raising two teenagers by myself for the last 6 years, and even though I wanted to stay in longer, I needed to get the kids started with a hometown and college/jobs. Couldn't do that sailing the waves.
I wish I could have stayed in, but don't regret my decision.
Second retirement at age 56 was not my idea or desire (I had planned to retire in October 2016). The company I was working for decided to take advantage of tax incentives to outsource much of the IT work. I was luck, I got a lump sum to leave, six months paid to look for a new job and a lump sum payout of the retirement plan, along with my 401K. My boss who was four years younger than me still has his retirement tied into the company.
But as one of those self-taught IT types, no one was interested in my experience or skills.
After a few years of projects, short term contracts and such - the wife and I looked at the numbers. Decided we had to sell the big house, and choose to full-time in the TT. Yes, we really downsized, but it has been great.
I seriously doubt we would ever have used the TT anywhere near as much as now - or gotten the enjoyment out of the rig.
The last nearly three years on the road, 21,000 miles and 121 different campgrounds/ locations have been wonderful. We enjoy seeing new things together.
