I've put off retiring for a number of reasons from the economy, the people who work for me at my company to having both children back at home. But I think the real reason is fear of taking the next step. Once I leave the workforce, it's like a door shutting behind me. One of those Fire Exit doors that only opens one way...out. It's also coming face to face with your own mortality. Admitting that you have lived the better part of your life and you only have a few more years left. I used to think that 10 or 15 years was a long time, but no more. I look back at the past 10 years and am amazed at how fast that has passed.
I had double bypass surgery in May 2009, a short 7 months ago. I guess that really started me to thinking about what time I have left. While we all live and realize the possibility that an accident could cause our death at any time, it's something that we all push to the back of our mind. If we dwell on it too much it ends up taking over our lives, making it unlivable. And dying from old age, well that is so far out there that it doesn't really seem real, like it will never come. Kind of like trying to imagine a never ending universe. But now, all of a sudden, it's there, right in front of me. While I can't see the end, I can almost feel it moving toward me and it's coming at a faster rate than I expected.
Well, I'm meeting with my financial advisor next month. She is running some simulations for me so I'll see what kind of lifestyle I'll be able to afford. I have a sneaking suspicion that Aston Martins and Lamborghini's are out. Oh well, I doubt the local shade tree mechanics in Wimberley could have worked on them anyway.
And so, here we go.....
