Just about 1 year ago I was laid off at Intel. It was a busniess decision that all companies face at sometime. Sure I was salty for a week, but that quickly subsided as this is what most industries do. It’s part of the game. The question to myself quickly turned to now what? I did take time to look around a bit but realistically, nothing was exciting me. Nothing was convincing me to get on the 60 hour+ a week treadmill and the idea of 75k miles a year in an airplane had zero appeal. After a few conversations with my financial adviser, retirement became a true option. After giving it a trial run for the last year…I’m going LinkedIn official. I am RETIRED!
Why did it take a year? Everyone I talked to said I would get bored. I wanted to see if they were right. For me, they were wrong. What has kept me busy? First and foremost I still have kids at home. I have spent more time with them in the last year then I have in the last 5 combined. Period. That is worth more then any salary I could have found.
Everybody has a home to do list. I used to spend my weekends figuring out how to knock out 7 days worth of tasks in 3 hours. Now I can do 7 days of tasks in 7 days (or maybe 10 days). One sad truth I’ve learned is the list never gets smaller, it merely is in a constant state of change.
I now have time to participate in hobbies I have neglected my entire life. I joined our local classic car club which spends every year raising money for local charities. The club has raised almost $1M for local charities over its life. Our biggest effort is our annual Nostalgia Days Car Show downtown Livermore at the end of September. Last year we had 771 cars making it the largest 1 day car show in Northern California. This year I am the co-chair of the show. Come check us out this year https://lnkd.in/g2bcnCHq
I have become more involved with what my kids are doing. My son is a soccer ( futbal for my non-US friends) fiend. I spent a good 5 months working with his local club to expand. While it has not come to fruition it did allow me to use my career talents in a local venue to push an idea forward. I’ve also learned more about soccer and the business of soccer then I ever had before
And of course… the fun stuff has been paramount. I have traveled and it has been wonderful. I have road-tripped and caught up with friends I have not seen in years and yes I have binge watched a few tv series.
It has not all been roses. Very recently I have found out I have some significant genetic heart issues. I am currently working with Stanford doctors to hopefully find a way forward. That is what keeps me busy right now. What is clear, adding another high stress job is not the answer.
I am a lucky person to have the ability to retire early. This works for me. Everyone is their own person and the only thing I can recommend to everyone is to find what works for you. It is your life… take charge and live your life.
