Early-retirement wannabe

gadgetmind

OldMusicGuy wrote: »

So maybe you won't ever fully retire. It sounds like tech is more than "just a job" to you.

Absolutely. I'm currently in my 40 sq m semi-underground layer surrounded by my computers, electronics, work benches, 3D printer, home-made CNC cutter, and much more. My MSE username pretty much sums me up!

I've worked in finance and technology for 40 years but it's never been anything other than work.

I love finance too, particularly when the spreadsheets get massively complicated.

Also, as someone on the consulting side of things, I am in this Kafka-esque situation of seeing people make the same mistakes over and over again and it gets a bit dispiriting after a while!

I can see that.

Nothing wrong with that btw. It's important to decide what you really value in life, and for some people, work is really important. He's employing people, creating jobs and paying taxes. None of which I plan to do!

I've always created new products, new businesses, and much more. I'm quite proud that I've "retired" without ever having had a job interview or having to write a CV!

OldMusicGuy

gadgetmind wrote: »

I've always created new products, new businesses, and much more. I'm quite proud that I've "retired" without ever having had a job interview or having to write a CV!

Well done, very impressive. You should be rightly proud. Although in reality you've generally not been "employed". You're more of an entrepreneur (like my friend). I have been a wage slave (literally) in the corporate world for 40 years, and that does get a bit soul-destroying. I nearly started my own business at one point but was too risk averse to take the plunge. I admire those that have the "can do" attitude to do it.

If I had a 40m sq underground bunker it would be full of music gear and other hobby stuff!

Slinky

I've read this thread for several years but don't think I've ever posted to it before. I'm looking forward to giving up paid work at the end of next year. I currently run my own small business but after 13 years of pretty much the same thing every month, the hamster is getting very tired in the wheel. Last night I was awake thinking about GDPR...... I ask you, who wants to be worrying about that in the middle of the night? I heard the boiler fire up, turned on the Olympics thinking it was nearing 6am. Turned out it was 3.50am and the boiler was firing to prevent freezing up.

My OH plans on carrying on working even though I'm stopping, unfortunately he's one who is defined by his work. It's a pain and means he usually works away from home but I've made it clear I've not worked so hard for the past 13 years to carry on doing so til my NR age. We'll be moving nearer the coast and I'm looking forward to finding new things to occupy my time, even if that's volunteer work to pass some time. A new hobby has just been started and others have been identified once I have more time and our new location makes them easier.

A much younger friend has just found out they need a second op for brain cancer. Life's too short to keep on working when you don't need/want to.

Triumph13

Haven't caught up on this thread for a while. Has Marine Life retired yet?

Sipowicz

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Page 192.

coyrls

Triumph13 wrote: »

Haven't caught up on this thread for a while. Has Marine Life retired yet?

Yes and no.

Bravepants

Marine_life wrote: »

3. At 53 its hard to think about NEVER working again. Maybe I will only work another 2 years - maybe 5 - who knows. The key to financial independence is the freedom to choose.

Thoughts?

Maybe retiring at 53 was too soon for you? Perhaps there's a little sub-conscious guilt going on?

I think you are right to give it a couple of years more if you feel inclined, then when you hit 55, an age typically associated with early retirement, you might feel different.

All the best to you. And no matter what anyone says, your thread is an inspiration to many I think, and this latter development will provide food for thought for some.

gadgetmind

OldMusicGuy wrote: »

Although in reality you've generally not been "employed".

Yeah, now you sound like my mother. Running a successful business, developing ground-breaking products that still generate requests for interviews (and income!) over 30 years later, and she was "When are you going to get a proper job?". Someone buys my company (and two big somebodies wanted it so bidding war!) and she's happy because I'm then working for someone else.

If I had a 40m sq underground bunker it would be full of music gear and other hobby stuff!

It's definitely my happy space but it does need a right good tidy. Having a desk at New Venture (NV) means that some of my old office stuff is drifting back to the city centre, but even so ...

atush

coyrls wrote: »

Yes and no.

More like yes, then no after a bit

gadgetmind

atush wrote: »

More like yes, then no after a bit

He was like a fish out of water.