I’m in the midst of a social experiment I’ve concocted. I’ve read that men who are passionate about their work tend to lose their way after retirement. Depression, feelings of guilt, trouble sleeping, etc.
So I set up an experiment where I am practicing being retired.

Summary

Not to worry, loved ones. I’ll be happy as a clam in my retirement digs.

Younguns, put money aside for retirement. NOW. Today, even if it’s $50 a month for the rest of your life. Future you will thank young you.

Details

I’ve taken two whole weeks off work with no travel plans. This is a career first, and I’ve been working since I was 14 yrs old. (That’s 39 years, for those who don’t like math puzzles.)

Usually on my time off, I take only a single week (if that) and rush a road or plane trip in there. Maximise time and all that.

This time round I’ve taken two weeks off in a row. That’s the first since 2007 I think. And that one was an emergency trip from London thru Houston to LA and back, towing wife and kids with me. No holiday there!
With the exception of some external commitments, I wake when I want, sleep when I want, do all the things that a person with no pressing commitments does. Driving in the sunlight is very enjoyable. More so than you’d think. If it’s raining too hard, or is too cold, then I don’t go outside until the environment is better. Simply lovely.

Speaking of weather, it’s nice today, so after picking up a pizza order from a local shop I stopped to pick up some trash in the ditch that’s been bothering me on my commutes to and from work. Wonderful weather – cool and breezy with sun warming me up. Yah there’s trash on the ground (was on the ground) but there’s more nature than trash today, so I enjoyed the nature part of it.

I’d casually go visit family on my schedule but they are working or too far away for a day trip. If I’d a longer time off, I’d probably do some slow road trips to visit friends and family.

A few more years now and this will be my daily routine. That’s the plan at least. Need $$$ for that. So work ’til I can cut my expenses and gracefully and peacefully retire. I should have started saving up years and years ago! Ah well, never to late to start saving money.

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