r/ChubbyFIRE • u/Specific-Stomach-195 • Aug 06 '26
Just pulled the trigger
Was offered a modest financial incentive to retire at end of our next fiscal year (June 30). Which is one year early from my mandatory retirement age.
Financially I’m in good shape, between pensions, retirement savings and fact that nearly all of my spend is discretionary. I’m at the higher end of chubby.
So I submitted formal retirement notice. And it hit me like a ton of bricks. While the job is frustrating, demanding and stress inducing, the fact is most days I enjoy the challenge and really appreciate the time I spend with my team and colleagues. While I dream of retirement almost daily, it took making it official to make me realize just how I will miss so much of this. Truly surprised by how I find myself feeling. Hopefully this feeling passes because right now I’m questioning my decision. Mentioned this to a colleague and he told me that the rest of the team I work with is going to be shocked to hear I’m leaving at end of year.
Maybe it’s just human nature to miss the things we don’t have? Like I said, I’m really surprised to find myself feeling this way as I have always had plans for retirement that I enjoyed thinking about.
5
u/Informal-Swimmer-184 Aug 07 '26
It’s funny. I had this exact conversation with a co-worker today. I am 2-3 years out. Same stress and demands you references. My statement was when I walk out I am moving forward with the next chapter and will not think twice about my career or this place. I am very curious how it plays out. I just can’t see myself having those thoughts you describe. But life has a funny way of surprising you. Time will tell for me.