Probably the biggest fact I have learned is that I had to find other ways to buoy my sense of self worth. I have done this through volunteering and taking up hobbies.

The other fact that is important for me is there are many many other retirees who are looking for outlets for their free time. I slowly reached out and have found groups that enjoy simular activities.

It did inspire me to prepare a little more for mine. Doubt I ever will, I don't think I will live to see retirement. But I still need to set up wife n boy for when I'm gone. I increased my contribution to 15%, matched 4% and started a 5% Roth. Every year when I get the 2% raise I've increased contributions by 1% but I should've been doing 2. Still not maxing out contributions. Also didn't start till I was 28. I'm pretty far behind and trying to catch up. Got 18 years I should've been putting away but only 8 years I've actually been doing it. Need to get to 30% but I got bills to pay now.

I have spent some of the retirement doing volunteer work and non-profit side gigs. A lot less stressful.

This gig in January I just grabbed probably isn’t going to work out. The physical component is probably more than my back can take, and I don’t see how this job stays at 20 hours or less. A No Go Zone for wife. She’s my physical and mental health moderator and councilor.

This company is one that I believe I can help. Just not in the capacity I’ve been hired for. The race against the clock is for me to determine what else I can do their to help them while keeping under 20 hours before the spine gives way. Getting old gets old, quick.

Now my income is slightly lower than it was each month, but I am not dumping money into the deferred comp anymore. So if you count that, it's considerably lower.

I've been retired a year and a half. Haven't used any of the emergency fund and withdrew a small amount from the investments just to see how the process went.

Some days I think I am wasting time by not earning anything during these formative earning years. Also think if I kept working I could have bought and damn near paid for a new boat. lol

I enjoy the freedom. When sh*t gets back to some semblance of normal I would like to travel a bit.

But, your student loans are gone. And, I thought you had your house paid off. If not, maybe now is the exact time for a refi?

That's Spey

#4 Frank nailed it

God bless you Allen!