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I retired at age 46, so I am in my early 50s. Many of them resisted me because they couldn't understand the idea of not working if it wasn't necessary. I considered the phases of my life. I worked very hard to achieve what I have now, but in my last years, I owe it to myself to "stop and smell the roses." In my instance, I departed the nation after retiring and currently reside in Latin America. It made it possible for me to appreciate my new surroundings while escaping all the bad things that were going on in America. Nobody that I know of regrets retiring has yet to come to me.

Congratulations on reaching your " settled in" phase. I'm not there quite yet, but I feel I'm close. I retired in May 2017 @58yo and the biggest struggle for me was getting past the idea that I needed to do something all the time, that I needed to be productive, isn't this what they say? What helped me was doing a lot of introspection and reflection and giving myself time and grace to adapt to this new lifestyle. I'm glad YT suggested your channel, I'm looking forward to finding out where this conversation is going to take us.

The “anything problematic can grow” is really interesting and something good to be aware of. I love your answer on “the beautiful”. What better reason to retire than to find your whole and true self and explore and live that out. Great insights, thank you!

Hello, I’m not sure how you came across my feed, but I’m so glad that you did. We are on the path of F.I.R.E., but find ourselves drifting or not being as serious as we need to be about reaching our goals. We would love to retire early and just had another “meeting” about our financial plan, present and future. We didn’t change our plan, just talked about rekindling. My husband may continue to work on a very part-time or as needed basis, but not me.😊. I just subscribed and look forward to more videos.

Hello Kerry Ann. This video just popped into my feed (as I'm a subscriber of other retirement channels). Not yet retired so I'm gleaning as much knowledge as possible to be as well-prepared as possible. Great video/content/thoughtfulness. I think my Good will be ample time to spend with my daughter and 5 grands (including school, sports, and church events). The Bad ~ I can see that being concerned about finances. I won't retire until I believe I'm well-prepared in that, but I'm sure I'll still be concerned as I never want to become a burden on anyone! The Ugly ~ I'm sorry to hear that you and others have experienced unwelcomed reactions from others who don't get that it's the retired persons choice, and not project their fear or reasoning onto you. Everyone needs to manage their retirement timing as they see fit. By the time I retire, I will be of 'retirement age' so I don't foresee getting that kind of feedback. For me, I would be concerned with loneliness being my Ugly. The Beautiful ~ finding joy, peace, beauty and a new perspective in the freedom of retirement ~ free from deadlines, work politics and negativity (though I really do love my job). Something I'm LOVING in these last few pre-retirement years, is working on an estimated budget and a three-part plan that I keep updating with BEFORE - DURING - and IN Retirement. I keep plugging in golden nuggets that I've been picking up from the various RUclips channels and the community in their chats. I truly feel like the CEO of my retirement plan. We're in control of so little anymore, so I've been loved taking control of THIS! Keep enjoying your retirement Kerry Ann and keep that beautiful spirit uplifted!

Ma'am! I'll have what you're having. You are so positive, and your personality radiates through your videos. I hit subscribe when in an earlier video you used the word "delicious" in reference to retirement. 😂 Looking forward to going on this journey with you...and planning my own delicious second half.

Vision loss was my reason for leaving the world of work. I am glad that you are open to feedback. Obviously you are a great speaker and leader, but the first couple of segments felt gimmicky. If I heard the word “complete” one more time I was going to scream.

Loving your videos Kerry Ann. So many of your reasons for wanting to retire early are very similar to mine. After reading Bill Perkins book, Die With Zero, I knew retirement was the right thing to do. I have 10 weeks left of work and am so excited to start the next chapter of my life.

I’m planning to leave my career in 8 months at 58. I’ll work part time after that, but only at things I’m passionate about, and only part-time/project work. In anticipation of this, I’m already on a health journey. The first thing i did was cure an anxiety issue I’ve struggled with for 20 years after my sister died. Now I’m addressing a little bit of menopausal weight gain and establishing exercise habits. Really dialing in my relationship with food and building some sustainable habits so that I can have this well established before i walk from work. And finally, I’m letting go of some relationships that don’t serve me. they might even be a little bit toxic. In order to have good relationships it seems to me you have to first let go of the bad ones, and start to expect more. All of these things together add up to my preparation for post-career life. I’ve never been identified with my corporate job and can’t wait to leave that world behind and start living a life more aligned with my values.

As a SATH, I retired when my second child was born 27 years ago. I still get anxious when asked what I do. I love your response of “I’m not currently working”! I will add (outside the home) because I will always be working for my family; husband, children & grandchildren 😊 So glad I stumbled upon your channel.

Thank you for sharing! I'm 56 and just announced my retirement with my last day 12/31/24. I'm single (long ago divorced) and the idea of doing this on my own has been a little terrifying. But I am utterly burnt out and my body has made it very clear it's time for a change. As you can probably tell, I'm also type A so one of my concerns has been how that will manifest when I no longer have the big career. I love the idea of segments and will no doubt implement something like that once I give myself a few months of recovery and Netflix! I'm curious to hear what has helped other type A women in early retirement, so thanks again for sharing your experience and hope to glean wisdom from the other comments

Thank you for sharing your retirement experiences. You are so fortunate to be able to retire early. I worked until 75, eight years ago. During my honeymoon period, I floated through my days without getting much accomplished. It was glorious for a while because I have no sense that time is passing. Finally, I set alarms on my phone to remind me it was time to attend to the next task. I had to question and figure out what my focus was. After much contemplation, I realized my avocation was teaching yoga. I love helping students become aware of their bodies and how to be able to safely in a natural way improve their well-being and health. At 83, I'm still teaching. Sometimes 3 classes a week. I truly love the way you divide your day into segments. Thx again for sharing. 🙂

I believe the retirement crisis will get even worse. Many struggle to save due to low wages, rising prices, and exorbitant rents. With homeownership becoming unattainable for middle-class Americans, they may not have a home to rely on for retirement either.

Thank you for this great and positive video Kerry Ann! Early retirees can still say that they work in finance, since we are managing our investments/finances in retirement. 🙂 So even "portfolio manager" would be a valid answer here! (even if it only takes less than 5 mins a day). ☺

I subscribed when I heard “I love me some church” 😊 God and my faith are thriving beautifully in early retirement through staying active in my church, attending Sunday School and Bible Class where my faith increasing. Love the active busy street sounds here 🚘

So glad your channel popped up on my feed! I've been thinking I need a bit more structure in my retirement. I'm just getting out of the honeymoon phase, and I have so many more goals to accomplish! So many more things to learn😊 New sub💕 PS you remind hubs and me of Annie Potts ❤

Would love to know how people have gone off on you. I wonder if it’s just an LA thing? I haven’t seen that in New York. I get high fives.

I developed some things to say back to anyone who gives negativity when hearing I retired. Now, some may see snark, but I basically flip the script. For instance, *"What will you do all day?"* To that, I answer, "The real question is, what will YOU do all day when YOU retire? What's important is how *you'll* spend *your* time." (people project their fears onto others & then judge them). The other thing I've said to some rude coworkers when they asked the same question above, "well, you weren't concerned with what I did all day a month ago, or a week ago...why would you be concerned with what I do all day next month?" That worked well because, it was true, they didn't care how I spent my time before...it always comes back to them and their feelings about work, leaving work, retiring, etc. So I acknowledge the truth of the matter, which is, what the "r" word brings up for them.

What did you do in your work years? I was in banking for 31 years. Enjoying your content!

This is just the kind of content I’ve been looking for! I’m 58, five years retired . You’re beautiful with a pleasant voice and personality! May I ask your age? 😊

You are a great communicator. I just shared this with my wife. We are at the stage in our lives where we need to be intentional about how we will transition form working to “Not Working Right Now “.

I am retiring early at the end of the year. Unfortunately, I have already experienced the ugly pre-retirement. I’ve been passionate about saving and early retirement, but have found others don’t really want to share my same enthusiasm. It has been a big downer as the months have gotten nearer to the big day that I no longer talk to others about it or be open to any questions about my future plans. Thank you for this video.

I will take away “I’m not working right now!” That is such a skillful way of removing the possibility of jealousy and envy. From watching videos on retirement, I have learned that it will not be an option for many people of our generation.

This is the channel I've been looking. Loving your video style! Your flow is engaging and refreshing. I'm bored of the 10 steps to ..... style of video, which are often just copied from another channel. Can't wait to learn more!

Maybe it's an American thing - when I say I've stopped working at 56 (I'll admit I don't like the R work as it feels 'old') most people say things like "oh wow good for you" Several years back when I reduced my hours to 4 days my American colleague asked "why??" and seemed puzzled that time could be important than money (neither of us were financially struggling) whereas my UK colleagues said "that must be wonderful". 11 months in I've had a relook at the objectives I set and I've not done everything I planned (some) but I'm not going to berate myself just set a new plan and acccept I needed 'down time'. It took me several months to stop thinking about work multiple times a day but I think it's like the end of a long term relationship it takes a while to adjust I don't miss it though

I'll be retiring early in 5 months. Yeah!!! I'm a list maker and need to achieve loads of things in my days off. Often to the point of wearing myself out!!! I like the idea of segments of the day to gain balance, but still achieve. Great video!

I'm just now finishing my 7th yr of early retirement. Retired at age 56. Waited to get laid off, which I knew was coming, after a dissatisfying job that I hung on to for 2.5 yrs, one of several in a decade+ of jobs where my role was nebulous, undefined, and I had to make it look like I had work to do. I wanted out once & for all. Did the math, knew I'd be OK, I had saved and invested enough to cover my expenses. I wasn't going towards something as much as I was escaping from something ... toxic environments. From that standpoint, it's been great, simply "being," not having to look busy or answer to anyone or try to justify my existence at work.

Good luck Kerry Ann, I think your channel will be of interest to many women. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and I am looking forward to joining the conversation!

Your channel is like no other. I really appreciate the content. I'm not retired (yet) but I am planning it and it's interesting to watch someone who is so thoughtful about the how to approach life after there's no job to structure life around.

Retiring early? I would've said "attagirl!"

I like your perspective that decision doesn’t need to be rushed, but it is important to pay attention to the “slow building awareness”. Thanks for sharing

Hi Kerry Ann! You just popped up in my feed. Glad you did, thank you for the video, very helpful! I retired almost a month ago, single 54 and wanted to retire for many of the same reasons and to focus on my creative side that I have not had a chance to explore. I’m still in the honeymoon phase but appreciate that you pointed out that my bad habits may grow if I’m not attentive to them. I must admit that I can see that easily happening! The most exciting part so far is the freedom of time and setting my own pace. There is still the lingering urgency to get things done quickly and I’m trying resist it and just savor the moment. Thank you again!

I was looking for someone to talk about retirement in some way not focused on finances or wardrobe or makeup or cooking but rather on what a life transition it is. I also am curious about what people do, creatively, with the gift of time. I am sorry that strangers were not as supportive as one would expect. I retired at the regular time, 65, and did not experience that. White hair seems to entitle one to retirement. GOOD: sleeping late, reading books, taking long walks, not planning days, planning days in new ways, enjoying grandchildren, staying longer on visits with relatives...Bad: totally agree on the "bad habits expand to fill more time" thing, also it is a hard transition socially and that is a bit difficult particularly because I moved cities, it is also hard to feel that I have as meaningful a role to play in the world. Ugly: Well, not ugly but challenging anyway is that staying healthy seems to take a lot of time and you keep on aging so this is an ever more demanding issue. Beautiful: It is like being a teenager with wisdom. You have time to try all kinds of things,-explore places and ideas and hobbies, routines.

Yes!! A different conversation is needed. As a post-menopausal 54 yo woman who retired in Aug. 2024, I want this second "half" to look very different than the first and I want my internal environment to change radically. Let's go doc!! I'm ready to learn, to contribute, to discuss, and to make some serious progress.

Hello Kerry Ann: It's outstanding to find someone with your professional background as a early retired woman in her 50s as am I. The topics most interesting to me come down to resolving for personal issues around freedom, commitment, and purpose anxiety. I'm also type A but as a recovering perfectionist and entrepreneur since college, I struggle with embracing the freedom and following passions vs. choosing and committing to them. I really want to learn how to let go and play versus needing to produce or perfect. Good luck with your channel!! It's is really needed as your topics are underrepresented. I should know as I've been reading/watching early retirement vids for 8+ years.

Wow! This could have been a TED talk! Excellent articulation of your retirement experience.

Congrats on 7 years of retirement Kerry Ann. Freedom and lack of stress have been the biggest early retirement benefits for me as well. As for the Ugly, I haven't had a lot of negative responses when I tell people I retired early. More often, people seem confused at why I retired so early and how I was able to pull it off financially.

I can’t imagine what sorts of negative comments people would make about your being retired. I’m truly curious.

Love it! Retired 7 years and still healthy and vibrant. That's awesome!

Wow, Kerry Ann, I don't know why you came up in my feed today, but so blessed that you did! I just retired with my husband at age 53 (hubby 55) and you are spot on about the mental habits that you have before follow you into the after. I can't wait to subscribe and learn more from your 7 years of earned wisdom! Separately, if you're looking to discuss these topics as part of developing ideas for your videos, I'd be happy to have a video call. I think you could be the inspiring voice for 50+ women in early retirement that is NOT out there right now. I'd also be interested in joining a Patreon or other online group of women in the same boat. Congrats on your new channel!

You are lovely. I really appreciate your beautiful part of retirement. I am going through a similar situation needing g to explore myself more. I retired at 53. Thanks for your video.

If you told me you were retired, I’d say well done!! 👏 ❤😀 I’ve been planning it for years 😊

The ugly part of others reactions to I'm Retired surprises me. When I talk to folks who mention they are retired, I feel joy for them mostly. From the ugly perspective, it seems like another reason to not see you or treat you as though you are invisible. Well thats on them for sure. I work hard at protecting my joy. 63 and still working at a California state job. Oh crap, 64! Omg. Omg. Omg. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

Soo true! The bad creeps in @ no structure. I was def institutionalized, but way more productive. Getting back to hobbies but I do need a PT job. Also La job forever. Now I can’t say retired LE, it’s never a good convo. 😂

Planned for retirement for 20 years. I have been retired for over a year now and am 56. I get to spend everyday experiencing every moment I can with my beautiful 14 year old and her passion for being a competitive equestrian. Everyday is a new adventure and I wouldn’t go back to work for anything,

This really resonates. I’ve been “not working” at my former coroorate career for a year and a half. My experiences are so similar to yours. Definitely felt a “seismic shift” in who I was and what I wanted to be in the final couple years in that office job. Now I am never bored or lonely without an employer, but god yes, do the bad habits now have room to get worse! That was my biggest surprise so far. With abundant time to dream and accomplish things, I tend to start 10 different projects at once and maybe - when I’m lucky - finish one. But as you say I have space to work at improving. This video was really good, thank you.

Love your channel!

How are you able to support yourselves?

Definitely had the ugly from people and it’s like all down hill now 🙈but it’s wonderful thing ,downsized my house and I’m now gardening a beautiful garden and traveling when I feel like it ,keep enjoying and be happy 🥳

I had a forced retirement 12 months ago being made redundant. I was looking forward to some free time and no alarm clock. Then sudden health issues happened with myself, and at the same time, my elderly parents went down hill fast and needed my help. Then a sudden serious illness with my sister. It was all too much. I decided I had to look after myself better and make life easier and more relaxing. Worry was my biggest enemy. Some days are good. Some days are bad. Stick with your job as long as possible is my advice. It has more going for it than retirement.