My answer is colored by the fact that I have always viewed my "work" as my vocation. In other words, I believe I was "called" to do what I did for my career. I saw it as a ministry and as a purpose for my life rather than just a way to earn a living.
When it came time to consider retirement, finances were only a part of the picture.
My employer offers a benefit called "bridge to retirement." It's a three-year program when you can step down to part time in stages. You choose the fraction you want to work. The first year I chose 1/2 time. The second year I chose 1/3 time. Next year I'll be 1/4 time.
The first year was sort of nice, but sort of difficult. It was nice to have more free time, but I struggled with a couple of things. First I felt guilty all the time for not working as much as I was used to. (Remember my first paragraph above.) After a while I didn't feel much guilt, but I started having a hard time figuring out a new purpose for my life. I didn't (and don't) want to just live for myself, but that is certainly what comes most easily. I still haven't fully figured out what to do about that.
Lately I haven't been feeling guilty or too purposeless. It's been a good year. We did a lot of traveling and a lot of seeing family. I like that. I still have a pretty substantial bucket list.
My father lived to be 92, and my mom is still going strong at age 91. That makes it easy to imagine that I'll have a similar long life. However, I'm increasingly aware that there are no guarantees. I'm learning to live more on a day-to-day basis and enjoy the moment. I think it's a more healthy outlook than I've had before.
Good or not-so-good choice? Mostly good, but it's been a learning experience.
-Speak
