Today, I ran into one of my favorite lunch ladies from my former elementary school. She was happy to see me and didn’t realize I’d retired. She thought I’d moved to another school. She described how hard it had been for her to come back after winter break. Her husband wants to retire in 18 months. I told her to go for it. Now is the perfect time to start getting everything lined up to allow for a smooth transition from workaday life to retired life.
On the way home, I realized that had I stuck to our original plan, this would mark my final semester as a school librarian. So glad I followed my gut and exited when I did. From all accounts, it would have been one chaotic, stressful year. No, thank you. Not. worth. it. Making the necessary adjustments so that we could both retire early and still thrive have been totally worth it.
As I look at my calendar for 2023, I’m excited at what’s ahead. No way would this be possible if I was still working full-time.
Actually having time for people without feeling rushed and being able to fill my days with the activities that bring me joy – PRICELESS!
Come Stitch With Me, LLC 
It’s been 9 months since I retired early and I’m still very happy with my decision ❤ There have been a few ‘world’ and ‘U.S.’ events that have caused me to worry some but I’ve chosen to focus on what I can control in my sphere!! I’ve also chosen to spend less time on certain ‘social media’ apps… that has certainly lowered my anxiety!!!
Same here. I agree the best thing to do is focus on the things that you can control. I have also started limiting my screen time and who/what I follow. I set a timer whenever I’m on FB, IG or Pinterest. It’s too easy to go down that rabbit hole. Hubs, on the other hand, can watch the news 24/7, read constant updates on his phone and not be bothered by any of it. Must be nice.