I just retired from thirty two years of teaching. Isn't it fabulous!!!! I was so worried That I would be bored. I'm starting to realize I was bored at work. I'm not bored in retirement. The only thing I might miss is the kids. But I am so relieved to be away from The educational environment. I think I was in denial about how toxic it was for me. The politics the competition the bad leadership...onward and upward!!! I'm so sorry you had to go through health scares! And how incredibly strange it happened right after you retired. Seems to me like it's an omen, (had you stayed) saying well done on you. For getting out Of there and into the life god wants you to have.
Julie, I'm so glad your tests turned out okay and pray they stay that way! You've mentioned how you are focusing on your health during this season so good for you for continuing to put your health first. We just never know what can happen. Always look forward to a video from you! Have a great week!
I've been retired for a couple years now. I miss some aspects of my work but no disenchantment. The stress from work was terrible and there was more bad than good. After a year I tried some contract work. It was the best possible setup without stress or any real negatives. By the end of the contract, the commitment felt too constraining and I realized I'm "unemployable" and won't be working for someone else ever again. People ask if I would get bored with all the free time but somehow it still feels like there still aren't enough hours in a day. I may be doing less but I'm taking more time doing it.
Not that I'm retired yet, but this was my biggest worry: A 40+ hour work-shaped hole will open up in my life. Won't I get bored? How do I fill the time? I guess it's different for everyone. But as long as it isn't a problem once I get there then I'm fine.
I retire at 65 in April. My only regret is not being born into wealth so I didn't have to work for nearly five decades to earn a pension. Industrial civilization sucks, on so many levels.
I retired at 56 and that was four years ago. I haven't looked back. Life is good. It took me about three to four weeks to feel retired as I had taken vacations that were that long. Mentally I KNEW I was retired but after a month, I FELT I was retired, if that makes sense. The key to retiring at any age is to schedule your day. Don't just sit around hoping something will happen to keep you busy. I go to the gym in the morning, take a 2 mile walk with my wife when I get home. I love to golf, cook, do yard work and I try to take care of most errands on the same day. Retirement is great as long as you keep yourself moving and busy be it volunteering, hobbies and time with family and friends. Keep up the good work my friend!
I experienced most of the stages, but definitely not disenchantment! I doubt I will ever have any regrets for retiring from my stressful and toxic work environment at the hospital ( retired last year at 60 years old, after 22 years of service). I was relieved to hear that your second round of diagnostic tests came out negative! 😮💨 I truly enjoy my freedom, peace of mind and best of all mental health improvement after retirement. Life is worthless if you don’t have a healthy mental, physical and spiritual lifestyle. Wishing you and all who takes the big step to retire early the best that life has to offer. 😊❤️😃🙌🏾
HI, Julie! I try thinking like that quote you gave every day before I get out of bed. I also did not have all those stages of retirement. I went from euphoria (Stage 3, I guess!) to the stability of stage 6 in about 6 months. I have never been happier and still have remnants of euphoria now after 3 1/2 years of retirement. Zero regrets and great gratitude for each day are my norm nowadays. I knew I was stressed but never knew how much til I was able to leave it behind. Thanks for the video!
I retired Feb 2023. I have had moments of regretting quitting my job, but it never lasts for long. The thought of giving my time up is a deal breaker. I enjoy the freedom to do anything or nothing! I am still figuring it all out, but I wouldn't trade this life unless I just had to! I really enjoy following my own schedule and whims!!
I too had reservations about retiring. I worked since I was 13 yo and worked full time while going to college full time. Had FT job and PT jobs at the same time. Wasn’t sure what to do with my time when I retired. Still looking on what to do with all my time; however, glad I retired all the same.
I hope you stay in this happy phase with no more health scares. So glad you were determined and met your early retirement goal. Your sharing is inspirational and your realness not only provides guidance but is also reassuring. Hope you also realize how much we appreciate you and following along in your journey. I am almost 2 months retired and still in Stage 3 😊.
Retirement remorse.. YOU: "I personally can't imagine feeling that way." Made me chuckle! So glad your second set of tests came back clean. Thanks for the reminder that none of us knows what the future holds and to retire as soon as we can!
Congrats on your first 100 days in retirements. Thanks for sharing as it helps me figure out what early retirement may feel like with all its uncertainties.
I am glad that your health is good now! I love your channel! You have a nice way of speaking. Your voice is very clear, relaxing and keeps me interested! Take care, I wish you well!
Hey Julie, first off, glad you're okay!! Appreciate the videos and retirement experience. I'm in the anticipation stage....just a few more months! Wishing you the very best!
Great video Julie! Congratulations on your retirement and that your health scare turned out to be false alarms! Amen to much of what you said. My husband is a teacher at an alternative school outside Chicago. He can retire in November 2025, at age 55. He used to say that he wanted save one more kid from the streets. Now he ready to save himself. He will be running out the school doors on 11/15/2025. And I will be outside waving a big sign saying, we are done! Retirement, here we come! I have a long list of places for us to travel. I don't foresee any regrets. God bless you on your journey! May your retirement years remain happy, healthy and stress free! 🙂
The vast majority of folks I talk to tell me one of the biggest positives about retiring was eliminating the work stress they were under. Some weren't even aware how bad it was until they retired, and suddenly felt like a weight was lifted off their shoulders. One described it to me as an onion shedding layer upon layer of stress over several months until he finally felt normal. BUT, another friend I spoke with said he never felt much stress at work and upon retirement, didn't feel any reduction in stress. He's the only one who had that reaction, but it does point out that everyone's retirement journey is going to be unique.
Yes! Health scares are just that….scary. I have from L2-L5 disc bulge. It brought me to my knees. I thought the worst. It has been since June 17th and I am still trying to recover. I do my exercises and I can see improvements…..not walking through a store, yet! But, I believe I will make a full recovery. With God’s help. Please, start eating healthy and exercising!
390 days. Bliss. No bad. a year ago Friday I started a long walk across Portugal into Spain - the Camino de Santiago. I felt the stress leave my body like the relief valve on a pressure cooker. I analyzed problems on the walk and mentally prepared for a staff training without even realizing I have some friends that used to be my team. I have no staff anymore. And I don't miss it. Life is too short to spend more time at the office.
I eased into retirement so gradually I’m still not sure I’m actually retired. During the pandemic, my company shut down in 2020, so I launched an online work-from-home business at age 60. Now 4 years later, I’m financially independent with no plans to work for someone else. I enjoy what I do, my schedule is up to me and the business income supplements my Social Security and pension. Maybe my only real concern is staying healthy as I get older.
I hope everything is fine with your health. You just retired a few Months and I am glad you like being retirement. I am waiting until next year and I will pull the trigger to retire as 54. Every time I think about it, I am excite and give me more energy to do my work, keep telling myself, just only a few more months and this will be over soon. Retiring and enjoy your life is number 1 important as this stage. We live only once and can't work for our whole life then die. We need some time left to enjoy while our health still good. I wish everything is going to be fine with your health and enjoy your retirement while you can. Good Luck. Lam
Another great vlog and so glad you are coming through your health scare. I retired on my 54th birthday. To be honest, it’s hard to spend without feeling guilty and I look at my portfolio value too often. 😂. Whenever I have a wobble, I just think about still being at work and realise how blessed I am to be in this position. Wish everyone the best with their own journey 🙌🏻
Work trauma is a real thing. I find as you get older your tolerance for BS diminishes and your perceived self worth and the things behind it transform into a better sense of self. Retirement is a state of mind :)
That’s one reason why I want to retire 1st quarter 2025, I want to focus on my health. I work medical claims and am tied to my desk for 8 hours. I work remote, but I’m chained to my desk because of metrics and over micro-managing. It’s so draining, and the last thing I want to do when I get off work is exercise. Lately it’s been so busy I just drop on the couch after work, not good! I’m counting down the days. 40+ years in the corporate world is enough. I’m glad everything is turning out well for you, and all is well with your health. ❤
Thank you for sharing. I am on stage 1 planning. Listening to your experience was helpful, you are on stage 4 and it's good to hear all of it. Good, bad, and ugly.
❤ All my good thoughts for you, good health and ballance. I too can say that, after 10 months in retirement, the work causes a trauma which we must heal, and I am saying this as one who loved his job, for about 3/4 of my career. However after 38 years, I think I had enough. I did a lot of planning, somewhat similar to what you describe in your channel. Even if I downsized and live frugally, it is very easy to go over budget, which happened to me. I hope that for the coming year to keep it in a better check.
Glad you are okay! This just confirms that you made the right decision. I hadn’t heard the stages before so that was interesting. I’ll see if I experience these but I feel like I will skip the same stage you did. One more month!
Hey Julie! Praise Jesus, you're okay. So glad to hear. I was laid off in July and will be 60 in January, so I'm in a holding pattern as I look for a job with the option of being retired if I don't find a new one. I am relaxing during this time, as I can afford financially to retire should I choose to. As of now its so great having time to do what I want when I choose to do it. Thanks for your channel and for sharing your personal journey with us!
Congrats on the good health! My father died of prostate cancer at 77 after battling it for 18 years. I ALWAYS get my screenings as, like you, cancer runs in my family.
I retired early in April and didn't feel good for a couple months...headaches, gut issues, chest discomfort. Finally dealt with it, had some tests and was diagnosed with celiac disease. Since being gluten-free for a couple months I'm feeling pretty good and feel i can actually enjoy being retired. And yes, that colonoscopy prep is horrible. Enjoy your channel!!
I retired from teaching after 35 years in June at 59. Hope everything goes well in your retirement. Your description on teaching is accurate and don't miss it at all, prayers for your health 🙏
Very sorry to hear about your health scares. Great news to hear ytou are OK. But I am sure you know it has nothing to do with retiring. No cause and effect. In fact being retired gives you more ability to address your help issues and get them resolved. Good luck and good health moving forward!
Hi Julie, congrats on your 100 days! 🎉 So happy to hear that your re-tests came back good! Hope it stays that way! I really appreciate your videos and look forward to Tuesdays and Fridays to see what you have to share. You’re helping a lot of people, myself included!
I’m also a teacher who retired in June 2024. I was fine until September when I started missing my colleagues and felt guilty that I was not with them. I’m getting over it slowly. Your videos are a great help. Thanks so much.
I am so glad that everything was ok with you health! I retired just a few days ahead of you, June 7. No regrets, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows, just like when I worked, I have days I feel great and days I feel blah, in general though I feel so much better now than when I was working. I didn't go through the anticipation stage, I saved a bunch of money, felt stressed and burnt out, so I resigned. I guess I'm in the honeymoon phase now, like you I don't expect the disenchantment phase to happen. I feel like I need to get to stage 5, my health has improved with less stress and more time for eating well and exercising, but I feel like a rudderless ship. Oh well, I'm happy, and I have time to drift for a while if that's what I need. Thanks for another great video.
Congratulations on your retirement and a very nice video. What drew me to this video is I also retired from teaching in June and so many of the things that you said are very relatable. I’m reading this on my porch drinking my coffee with my golden retriever instead of dealing with behavior intervention plans,chaos and dysfunction lol. Great news that all those tests came back negative. The segment from saving to spending of your video was also very relatable. It was always a challenge to win to save as much as I could, and I did for 20 something years and I found it very interesting that most teachers really weren’t interested in that kind of thing. I left with a million in a 403 but that again was 28 years of maxing out. I started taking monthly withdrawals using the 4% rule. Look forward to more of your videos. Yes and work trauma is a real thing lol!
Thank you!! Sounds like we have a lot in common! I'm also drinking my coffee right now instead of on my way to work. 😆 Isn't it GREAT! You did well to start saving so early. Congrats!! 😁
Julie, I'm soo happy that everything turned out to be ok! I'm only 52 and I was considering retiring. The only thing holding me back is the gap between my work insurance or lack thereof when I retire and medicare. That 13 year gap is scary.
Glad you are OK! The way to best disenchantment is to get up most days to do something that benefits others! It’s the secret sauce to a great retirement at least for me. I turned my hobby photography into something I got more rigorous about improving and using it to help our local high school, family and organizations like Wreaths Across America and the Commemorative Air Force. Retirement is great! Thanks for sharing through your videos!
Julie! Great video. I don’t remember knowing that you were a teacher-I was too, after I retired from the Air Force. Don’t get me started on my teaching experience in the public schools in Montgomery, Alabama--very, very bad juju. Anyway, I’ve been retired from the schools since 2016, and I haven’t hit Stage 4 yet, heh!
I retired 11 years ago at age 52. I took me almost a year to feel retired without worrying about running out of money!.. Now I love every day. I just got back from a week in Moab where we get together each year with other early retirees and younger folks working on it.. Had an absolute blast.. Life is good. Yes, spending is hard.. I still look at prices on menus, even though I have 3.5 times what I had when I retired..:). If ou get on the ACA you can get very low cost health care.
Hi Julie! Well conceived and produced video! Your topics are very helpful. Thanks for your transparency - what a scary health situation. Glad you are well. Also, how exciting that you are nearing the next big subscriber milestone! 👏
Julie that was a great presentation about your retirement journey experience so far! As for me retired since May 1st 2024. Stages of retirement well, I'm a planner myself and like to be organized. So in regards to the Retirement Stages all completed. However, I have never felt disenchantment or Stage 4 as of yet. I think if you have purpose you will never feel that. I too love being retired and I am not looking back to my career. The only thing I miss are the people that were on my team. They made me successful. Now I have my family and my extraordinary retired life. Happy to hear your health scare was just that nothing permanent. Y. ou can always make more money but you can never make more time.
Retired three years, and I've never experienced the disenchantment phase either. I think it had a lot to do with not just planning the finances, but also planning my time after I retired. I had a whole series of hobby projects that I wanted to do but didn't have time while I was working. Now I do, and fortunately my hobbies are inexpensive (I budget $100 per month). Like you, I found out that I was spending less in retirement than I had planned, and this is quite common. I've seen statistics that say that for people that have always been diligent savers, about two thirds die with more money than they retired with. It makes sense - if you're following the infamous 4% rule for retirement withdrawals and your investments are growing at more than 4% annually (in real terms) your portfolio will continue to grow.
You are using your days really well. Excercise every day. Wake up when you want to. Saying YES. Well done. I am about 240 days into early retirement. I am sorry about the health scares. No retirement remorse.
I skipped the disenchantment stage as well. I was 2 years from my retirement plan of 60. A very blessed relative bequeathed me more money than I could save in 2 years, so I resigned, retired immediately. It took me 100 days too, but I'm so greatful to be here now. Cancer survivor , every day is a gift
I have been retired 3 1/2 years. My “good” items are exactly like yours, except I have no grandchildren . I have never felt one second of disenchantment and don’t expect I ever will. I am still so very thankful every single day that I never plan to wake up to an alarm and go to work for a day of meetings, deadlines, bosses, co-workers, or employees. I so so so love retirement!
I was laid off shortly before my 56th birthday, and trying to find work has been a challenge. I'm currently contemplating taking my 401k Rule of 55 and retiring early, but it's difficult to actually do the cash out and know that a retirement plan is now set in stone. I think "this is all I'm ever going to have to show for 30 years of work drudgery". I know I would feel that way regardless of when I retired, but it's a difficult mindset to get out of.
Really enjoying your videos, Julie. I think you have a great outlook on life and as someone who is approaching my own early retirement it’s interesting seeing how you are getting to grips with your newfound freedom! Keep up the great work.😊
It really is! Thanks. I also forgot to mention that I am glad your health scare wasn’t as concerning as first thought. I think we are all scared of a major health issue just after retirement and a lifetime full of hard work and intensive saving. 😊
Well, we retired on almost the same day, I was just half a week or so ahead of you. It still seems like an extended vacation to me but it is _so_ nice to be able to just do things when you want. Not to have to wait for the weekend, or be too wiped from work to want to do anything in the evenings. And boy do I hear you on the switch from saving to spending, I just scream "no! I worked so hard to save you" on every dollar spent. No health scares for me (yet) but I lost a close friend a couple years ago and another one is having health troubles. That was a big part of my deciding to retire. And I also doubt I'll feel any remorse/disenchantment. I grew up on a farm and I'm used to an unstructured non 9 to 5 day. For me it was the working years that were hard and I'm glad to be back to that unstructured style.
I'm getting to the point where I'm researching retirement 3 to 5 years out. I have watched many videos and I have to say "Your honesty" about "Only a few work colleagues I care to keep in touch with hits home"
I have 176 days to go. Can't wait. Maybe its more of a transition as I will be helping my 94 year old mother once I retire. I have a detailed two tiered plan that works on paper. we'll see how it works in reality. Everyone out there stay healthy and enjoy your lives.
Great information I love your honesty 💕yes health is everything, I hope you get further good news in 6months I’m sure you will, I really think stress plays a big part in cancer development and you have removed that but that’s just a personal opinion, not scientific just observation of friends and colleagues over time. I’ve retried 3 years now and I’m loving it but unfortunately sadly I feel a little limited now, I needed a knee replacement last year which was rather stressful but successful and I’m pain free on that side 🥳 which I’m very grateful for but now the other knee is going the same way😳. I wish Id got fitter younger but just too busy immersed in a wonderful career and family. Taking a simple walk now, something I always took for granted and enjoyed is a chore and impacts on my plans but I’m working on it. Yes life is too short, try and enjoy every day of it as much as we can, that is my mantra too.😊🥰🏴🇬🇧
Thank you so much! I completely agree that stress can cause cancer and all types of illnesses. My knees are not great either. I'm hoping to put off surgery as long as possible! 🤞🙂
@ thank you for your reply, that was very kind💕 I’m now attending a qualified doctor in acupuncture, it’s making quite the difference to my pain and I’m a bit of sceptic about these kind of treatments 🙂 but Iwished I’d found him a few years back! Might be worth a try if you can find a good local qualified practitioner in your area.
I retired in January. It was odd but great. The first few days I expected my boss to call me and ask me where I was because I was not a work -:) It took many months for the stress and work crap to finally melt away. I cannot explain it. You just need to experience it.
I'm a teacher in the UK. Done 34 years so will be calling it a day at the end of the academic year. So glad your tests all came back positive. My health is OK but you've reinforced that time is more important than money.
You're so right, your health is everything. I made the mistake of putting off a lot of traveling until after retiring. Sadly disability has struck and I'm just not going to be able to do what we planned . My wife has just retired aged 60 but sadly more of it is supporting me now. I am stopping next year aged 54, but I already left it past my healthy life expectancy. Your health really is everything .
@HappyonMonday thank you , that's very kind . Great video btw . So much of what you say rings true. My wife says it took much if this year to truly feel retired. I'm glad you're enjoying it and had such a great summer.@@HappyonMonday
I'm a little over 100 days myself. I do not miss being at work at all. It is so nice not to be dealing with the stress of that place. I help out my wife and do the cooking and cleaning but that is pretty normal. I have always been the homebody over here. Now I can give her a nice breakfast and lunch in addition to dinner. In-between I hit my workshop or do home improvement tasks. Stuff i want to get done around the house. Gym is 3 times a week but it's going to be more as I'm switching to the gym closer to the house.
Hi Julie 🤗 I just retired two weeks ago so it's definitely "early days" but I must say that so far it's wonderful 😍 I do have a lot of active hobbies though so I think this will fill up a lot of my time. My future plan is to take the best care of me that I can so that I can be healthy and fit in my old age.
Retired 6 months now. There is no way I will feel remorseful. Glad you are ok
I don't think I will either! Thank you!!
"Work Trauma" makes a lot of sense. Glad it is in your rear view mirror.
Yes, it's a real thing! Thank you! ☺
Having a health scare is affirmation you did the right thing at the right time! We don't always have tomorrow, so make today count!
Thank you. I 100% agree!! ☺
I just retired from thirty two years of teaching. Isn't it fabulous!!!! I was so worried That I would be bored. I'm starting to realize I was bored at work. I'm not bored in retirement. The only thing I might miss is the kids. But I am so relieved to be away from The educational environment. I think I was in denial about how toxic it was for me. The politics the competition the bad leadership...onward and upward!!! I'm so sorry you had to go through health scares! And how incredibly strange it happened right after you retired. Seems to me like it's an omen, (had you stayed) saying well done on you. For getting out Of there and into the life god wants you to have.
Thank you so much!! I agree! I miss the kids but NOTHING else!! ☺
Julie, I'm so glad your tests turned out okay and pray they stay that way! You've mentioned how you are focusing on your health during this season so good for you for continuing to put your health first. We just never know what can happen. Always look forward to a video from you! Have a great week!
Thank you!!! Yes, you never know what can happen. Focus on health!! ☺
Wake up without an alarm clock..
That's my #1 retirement goal
It's amazing!! 😃
"Work Trauma" is so real (I've got a lot of it 😟) Thankfully, that's behind you now. Thanks for another great update, Julie. 💕
It is!! Thank you and you're welcome! ☺
I've been retired for a couple years now. I miss some aspects of my work but no disenchantment. The stress from work was terrible and there was more bad than good. After a year I tried some contract work. It was the best possible setup without stress or any real negatives. By the end of the contract, the commitment felt too constraining and I realized I'm "unemployable" and won't be working for someone else ever again. People ask if I would get bored with all the free time but somehow it still feels like there still aren't enough hours in a day. I may be doing less but I'm taking more time doing it.
I love this!! I totally agree. This is how I feel! I'm "unemployable" too! 😃
Not that I'm retired yet, but this was my biggest worry: A 40+ hour work-shaped hole will open up in my life. Won't I get bored? How do I fill the time? I guess it's different for everyone. But as long as it isn't a problem once I get there then I'm fine.
I retired at 61 this year. No regrets. I have plenty of money and I’m getting healthy. Life is good.
That's aweome!! 😃
What are you doing for insurance until 65? That is my issue trying to figure out what to do until 65 when I retire early.
I retire at 65 in April. My only regret is not being born into wealth so I didn't have to work for nearly five decades to earn a pension. Industrial civilization sucks, on so many levels.
NO Disenchantment! Retired 1/5/24 and I am not looking back 🙌🏻
That's AWESOME!!! 😃
I retired at 56 and that was four years ago. I haven't looked back. Life is good. It took me about three to four weeks to feel retired as I had taken vacations that were that long.
Mentally I KNEW I was retired but after a month, I FELT I was retired, if that makes sense.
The key to retiring at any age is to schedule your day. Don't just sit around hoping something will happen to keep you busy.
I go to the gym in the morning, take a 2 mile walk with my wife when I get home. I love to golf, cook, do yard work and I try to take care of most errands on the same day. Retirement is great as long as you keep yourself moving and busy be it volunteering, hobbies and time with family and friends.
Keep up the good work my friend!
That's awesome and good advice! Yes, we need to stay active in retirement!! 😀
I experienced most of the stages, but definitely not disenchantment! I doubt I will ever have any regrets for retiring from my stressful and toxic work environment at the hospital ( retired last year at 60 years old, after 22 years of service). I was relieved to hear that your second round of diagnostic tests came out negative! 😮💨 I truly enjoy my freedom, peace of mind and best of all mental health improvement after retirement. Life is worthless if you don’t have a healthy mental, physical and spiritual lifestyle. Wishing you and all who takes the big step to retire early the best that life has to offer. 😊❤️😃🙌🏾
Thank you so much!! I still don't think I will feel disenchanted. I also have mental health improvement since retiring! 🙂
HI, Julie! I try thinking like that quote you gave every day before I get out of bed. I also did not have all those stages of retirement. I went from euphoria (Stage 3, I guess!) to the stability of stage 6 in about 6 months. I have never been happier and still have remnants of euphoria now after 3 1/2 years of retirement. Zero regrets and great gratitude for each day are my norm nowadays. I knew I was stressed but never knew how much til I was able to leave it behind. Thanks for the video!
That's awesome!! I love hearing that! I totally agree about not realizing how much stress I had until I left!! You're welcome! ☺
I retired 7 years ago. Loving every single day! Having structure to the day is important.
That's awesome!! I agree structure is important! ☺
I retired Feb 2023. I have had moments of regretting quitting my job, but it never lasts for long. The thought of giving my time up is a deal breaker. I enjoy the freedom to do anything or nothing! I am still figuring it all out, but I wouldn't trade this life unless I just had to! I really enjoy following my own schedule and whims!!
Thank you for sharing!! I also really enjoy following my own schedule! I haven't had moments of regret yet, but it's quite possible. 🙂
I too had reservations about retiring. I worked since I was 13 yo and worked full time while going to college full time. Had FT job and PT jobs at the same time. Wasn’t sure what to do with my time when I retired. Still looking on what to do with all my time; however, glad I retired all the same.
@@monikaw1369 I read that it's normal and very common! 👍
I hope you stay in this happy phase with no more health scares. So glad you were determined and met your early retirement goal. Your sharing is inspirational and your realness not only provides guidance but is also reassuring. Hope you also realize how much we appreciate you and following along in your journey. I am almost 2 months retired and still in Stage 3 😊.
Thank you so much!! Yay for the homeymoon phase!! 😁
Retirement remorse.. YOU: "I personally can't imagine feeling that way." Made me chuckle! So glad your second set of tests came back clean. Thanks for the reminder that none of us knows what the future holds and to retire as soon as we can!
Thank you! And you're welcome! 😁
Scary!! So glad it turned out OK and hope it stays that way!
Thank you. Me too! ☺
Retired for 3 years. No disenchantment at all. Enjoying life.
Wonderful!! 😃
Congrats on your first 100 days in retirements. Thanks for sharing as it helps me figure out what early retirement may feel like with all its uncertainties.
Thank you! You are very welcome! 😁
I am glad that your health is good now! I love your channel! You have a nice way of speaking. Your voice is very clear, relaxing and keeps me interested! Take care, I wish you well!
Thank you so much! ☺
Hey Julie, first off, glad you're okay!! Appreciate the videos and retirement experience. I'm in the anticipation stage....just a few more months! Wishing you the very best!
Thank you!! I remember the anticipation stage well! Just a few more months - you got this!! 😁
Great video Julie! Congratulations on your retirement and that your health scare turned out to be false alarms!
Amen to much of what you said. My husband is a teacher at an alternative school outside Chicago. He can retire in November 2025, at age 55. He used to say that he wanted save one more kid from the streets. Now he ready to save himself. He will be running out the school doors on 11/15/2025. And I will be outside waving a big sign saying, we are done! Retirement, here we come! I have a long list of places for us to travel. I don't foresee any regrets.
God bless you on your journey! May your retirement years remain happy, healthy and stress free! 🙂
Thank you so much!! Yes, I felt just like your husband. You only have one year left - yay! It will fly by! Congrats! 😁
The vast majority of folks I talk to tell me one of the biggest positives about retiring was eliminating the work stress they were under. Some weren't even aware how bad it was until they retired, and suddenly felt like a weight was lifted off their shoulders. One described it to me as an onion shedding layer upon layer of stress over several months until he finally felt normal. BUT, another friend I spoke with said he never felt much stress at work and upon retirement, didn't feel any reduction in stress. He's the only one who had that reaction, but it does point out that everyone's retirement journey is going to be unique.
Oh for sure! Everyone is different! I'm still decompressing from work stress but I think I'm about done. 😄
Yes! Health scares are just that….scary. I have from L2-L5 disc bulge. It brought me to my knees. I thought the worst. It has been since June 17th and I am still trying to recover. I do my exercises and I can see improvements…..not walking through a store, yet! But, I believe I will make a full recovery. With God’s help.
Please, start eating healthy and exercising!
I'm so glad you're seeing improvements!! Yes!! Eat healthy and exercise!! 👍
390 days. Bliss. No bad.
a year ago Friday I started a long walk across Portugal into Spain - the Camino de Santiago. I felt the stress leave my body like the relief valve on a pressure cooker. I analyzed problems on the walk and mentally prepared for a staff training without even realizing I have some friends that used to be my team.
I have no staff anymore. And I don't miss it.
Life is too short to spend more time at the office.
That's fantastic!! I LOVE hearing this! 😃
I eased into retirement so gradually I’m still not sure I’m actually retired. During the pandemic, my company shut down in 2020, so I launched an online work-from-home business at age 60. Now 4 years later, I’m financially independent with no plans to work for someone else. I enjoy what I do, my schedule is up to me and the business income supplements my Social Security and pension. Maybe my only real concern is staying healthy as I get older.
That's wonderful! Working from home on your own schedule doesn't really feel like work! 🙂
So glad you're okay! Love the transparent videos. Thanks for sharing your journey. God bless you, Julie.
Thank you so much!! ☺
I hope everything is fine with your health. You just retired a few Months and I am glad you like being retirement. I am waiting until next year and I will pull the trigger to retire as 54. Every time I think about it, I am excite and give me more energy to do my work, keep telling myself, just only a few more months and this will be over soon. Retiring and enjoy your life is number 1 important as this stage. We live only once and can't work for our whole life then die. We need some time left to enjoy while our health still good. I wish everything is going to be fine with your health and enjoy your retirement while you can. Good Luck.
Lam
Thank you!! Next year will come before you know it!! I 100% agree we need to enjoy the time we have left. Good luck to you too! ☺
Thank you Julie.
Another great vlog and so glad you are coming through your health scare. I retired on my 54th birthday. To be honest, it’s hard to spend without feeling guilty and I look at my portfolio value too often. 😂. Whenever I have a wobble, I just think about still being at work and realise how blessed I am to be in this position. Wish everyone the best with their own journey 🙌🏻
Thank you so much!! Yes, it’s hard to spend without feeling guilty! Thinking about still being at work is a great way to combat that!! 😃
Work trauma is a real thing. I find as you get older your tolerance for BS diminishes and your perceived self worth and the things behind it transform into a better sense of self. Retirement is a state of mind :)
I agree it totally is!! I love this! 😁
I'm not sure what it is but I just adore you and your content. I wish you all the happiness and success in life... and the most peaceful retirement❤
Thank you so much! That's so nice of you! ☺
@discoveringhealthandfinanc8328 I absolutely agree
That’s one reason why I want to retire 1st quarter 2025, I want to focus on my health. I work medical claims and am tied to my desk for 8 hours. I work remote, but I’m chained to my desk because of metrics and over micro-managing. It’s so draining, and the last thing I want to do when I get off work is exercise. Lately it’s been so busy I just drop on the couch after work, not good! I’m counting down the days. 40+ years in the corporate world is enough.
I’m glad everything is turning out well for you, and all is well with your health. ❤
I was the same way!! I only exercised on the weekends when I was working - which is bad! That's coming up soon for you then - yay! Thank you!! ☺
Thank you for sharing. I am on stage 1 planning. Listening to your experience was helpful, you are on stage 4 and it's good to hear all of it. Good, bad, and ugly.
Thank you!! Planning is an important part of it!! 😁
❤ All my good thoughts for you, good health and ballance. I too can say that, after 10 months in retirement, the work causes a trauma which we must heal, and I am saying this as one who loved his job, for about 3/4 of my career. However after 38 years, I think I had enough. I did a lot of planning, somewhat similar to what you describe in your channel. Even if I downsized and live frugally, it is very easy to go over budget, which happened to me. I hope that for the coming year to keep it in a better check.
☺
Wishing you continued good health. Thanks for being so transparent with your fans. It only adds to your credibility!
Thank you so much!! ☺
Glad you are okay! This just confirms that you made the right decision. I hadn’t heard the stages before so that was interesting. I’ll see if I experience these but I feel like I will skip the same stage you did. One more month!
Thank you! Yes, the stages are interesting. Yay one more month!! 😃
Hey Julie! Praise Jesus, you're okay. So glad to hear.
I was laid off in July and will be 60 in January, so I'm in a holding pattern as I look for a job with the option of being retired if I don't find a new one.
I am relaxing during this time, as I can afford financially to retire should I choose to. As of now its so great having time to do what I want when I choose to do it.
Thanks for your channel and for sharing your personal journey with us!
Thank you so much!! 🥰
Congrats on the good health! My father died of prostate cancer at 77 after battling it for 18 years. I ALWAYS get my screenings as, like you, cancer runs in my family.
Yes it's SO important!! 👍 Thank you!!
I retired early in April and didn't feel good for a couple months...headaches, gut issues, chest discomfort. Finally dealt with it, had some tests and was diagnosed with celiac disease. Since being gluten-free for a couple months I'm feeling pretty good and feel i can actually enjoy being retired. And yes, that colonoscopy prep is horrible. Enjoy your channel!!
My daugher has Celiac! It took forever for her to get diagnosed. I'm so glad you figured it out and are feeling better now! Thanks! ☺
I retired from teaching after 35 years in June at 59. Hope everything goes well in your retirement. Your description on teaching is accurate and don't miss it at all, prayers for your health 🙏
Thank you!! And congrats to you!! 😃
@@HappyonMonday It looks like you have a lot of teachers following your journey. We needed someone like you.
@@beatricerights Thank you!! 😁
Very sorry to hear about your health scares. Great news to hear ytou are OK. But I am sure you know it has nothing to do with retiring. No cause and effect. In fact being retired gives you more ability to address your help issues and get them resolved. Good luck and good health moving forward!
Thank you!! Oh 100% being retired will be good for my health!! 😁
So sorry to hear of your health scares!
I did go through regret but I’m good now…
I am doing some consult work which I truly enjoy
I’m a teacher today
Thank you! I'm glad you're good now!! ☺
Hi Julie, congrats on your 100 days! 🎉
So happy to hear that your re-tests came back good! Hope it stays that way! I really appreciate your videos and look forward to Tuesdays and Fridays to see what you have to share. You’re helping a lot of people, myself included!
Thank you so much! ☺
Glad to hear you’re okay. We enjoy your videos.
Thank you so much! ☺
So happy your medical issues were by positively resolved! I appreciate your transparency.
Thank you!! ☺
Love your presentation style, Julie! You’re a born educator.
Thank you!! ☺
That sounds very scary! Glad it is all sorted out and you are feeling well. Here’s to the next 100 days!!
Thank you so much! It was scary.
Thank God you're ok. Enjoyed your video as usual!!
Thank you so much! ☺
I guess retirement is different for each one of us. God bless you on your new chapter of life.
Thank you!! ☺
I’m also a teacher who retired in June 2024. I was fine until September when I started missing my colleagues and felt guilty that I was not with them. I’m getting over it slowly. Your videos are a great help. Thanks so much.
It is strange!! You are welcome!! 🙂
I am so glad that everything was ok with you health!
I retired just a few days ahead of you, June 7. No regrets, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows, just like when I worked, I have days I feel great and days I feel blah, in general though I feel so much better now than when I was working.
I didn't go through the anticipation stage, I saved a bunch of money, felt stressed and burnt out, so I resigned. I guess I'm in the honeymoon phase now, like you I don't expect the disenchantment phase to happen. I feel like I need to get to stage 5, my health has improved with less stress and more time for eating well and exercising, but I feel like a rudderless ship. Oh well, I'm happy, and I have time to drift for a while if that's what I need.
Thanks for another great video.
Thank you! I agree life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Yes, I think we should allow ourselves to drift if we need to! You're welcome! ☺
Congratulations on your retirement and a very nice video. What drew me to this video is I also retired from teaching in June and so many of the things that you said are very relatable. I’m reading this on my porch drinking my coffee with my golden retriever instead of dealing with behavior intervention plans,chaos and dysfunction lol. Great news that all those tests came back negative. The segment from saving to spending of your video was also very relatable. It was always a challenge to win to save as much as I could, and I did for 20 something years and I found it very interesting that most teachers really weren’t interested in that kind of thing. I left with a million in a 403 but that again was 28 years of maxing out. I started taking monthly withdrawals using the 4% rule. Look forward to more of your videos.
Yes and work trauma is a real thing lol!
Thank you!! Sounds like we have a lot in common! I'm also drinking my coffee right now instead of on my way to work. 😆 Isn't it GREAT! You did well to start saving so early. Congrats!! 😁
Blessings your way!
Thank you!! ☺
Julie, I'm soo happy that everything turned out to be ok! I'm only 52 and I was considering retiring. The only thing holding me back is the gap between my work insurance or lack thereof when I retire and medicare. That 13 year gap is scary.
It is scary and expensive! 😕
Thank you for sharing and being very open, glad you are doing OK.
You're welcome and thank you!!☺
Congratulations on 100 days!
Thank you!! 😁
What a great update! Following your story is a source of inspiration. Thank you ❣️
Thank you!! And you are very welcome! ☺
Glad you are OK! The way to best disenchantment is to get up most days to do something that benefits others! It’s the secret sauce to a great retirement at least for me. I turned my hobby photography into something I got more rigorous about improving and using it to help our local high school, family and organizations like Wreaths Across America and the Commemorative Air Force. Retirement is great! Thanks for sharing through your videos!
Thank you!! I agree helping others is a great retirement activity! That's awesome that you do that! You're welcome! ☺
Very sorry about your cancer scares! Health is everything. Good luck!
Thank you!! ☺
Glad your health is good. Paying myself is rough. A routine is key and working on yourself physically and mentally key.
Thank you! Yes, routine & health - I agree!! 😁
Congrats on the first 100. Best of luck during the next 100
Thank you!! ☺
Julie! Great video. I don’t remember knowing that you were a teacher-I was too, after I retired from the Air Force. Don’t get me started on my teaching experience in the public schools in Montgomery, Alabama--very, very bad juju. Anyway, I’ve been retired from the schools since 2016, and I haven’t hit Stage 4 yet, heh!
That's awesome!! Yes I taught elementary for the last 20 years. It's exhausting! I love that you haven't had retirement remorse yet! 😃
I retired 11 years ago at age 52. I took me almost a year to feel retired without worrying about running out of money!.. Now I love every day. I just got back from a week in Moab where we get together each year with other early retirees and younger folks working on it.. Had an absolute blast.. Life is good. Yes, spending is hard.. I still look at prices on menus, even though I have 3.5 times what I had when I retired..:). If ou get on the ACA you can get very low cost health care.
That is so great to hear!! I am planning on ACA. Thanks for sharing!! 😁
So glad you received negative reports on both fronts Julie. Enjoy the journey of success in retirement! ❤❤❤
Thank you!! ☺
Thanks for sharing, it's helping me make my decision.
You are very welcome! 😁
congratulations, I am also on path to have financial freedom. But I wish you good luck and hope you never have cancer!
Thank you so much! ☺
Congrats on the good health outcome. Newly retired … Enjoy your videos.
Thank you!! ☺
I am 13 months in, and still have no regrets.😉
That's awesome!! I love hearing that! 😃
I based my video this week on your video and the 6 Phases that you discussed. I linked this video in my description 😊😊😊😊
Oh yay! It's really intersting isn't it? I look forward to watching it! 😁
Hi Julie! Well conceived and produced video! Your topics are very helpful. Thanks for your transparency - what a scary health situation. Glad you are well. Also, how exciting that you are nearing the next big subscriber milestone! 👏
Thank yo so much!! ☺
Glad to hear you are ok! 🙏🏾 Those annual physicals are so important!!
Thank you! Yes they are! 👍
Julie that was a great presentation about your retirement journey experience so far! As for me retired since May 1st 2024. Stages of retirement well, I'm a planner myself and like to be organized. So in regards to the Retirement Stages all completed. However, I have never felt disenchantment or Stage 4 as of yet. I think if you have purpose you will never feel that. I too love being retired and I am not looking back to my career. The only thing I miss are the people that were on my team. They made me successful. Now I have my family and my extraordinary retired life. Happy to hear your health scare was just that nothing permanent. Y. ou can always make more money but you can never make more time.
Thank you! Yes, I don't think I'm ever going to feel disenchantment, but many people do! I'm glad you have a great retired life - I do too! ☺
Retired three years, and I've never experienced the disenchantment phase either. I think it had a lot to do with not just planning the finances, but also planning my time after I retired. I had a whole series of hobby projects that I wanted to do but didn't have time while I was working. Now I do, and fortunately my hobbies are inexpensive (I budget $100 per month). Like you, I found out that I was spending less in retirement than I had planned, and this is quite common. I've seen statistics that say that for people that have always been diligent savers, about two thirds die with more money than they retired with. It makes sense - if you're following the infamous 4% rule for retirement withdrawals and your investments are growing at more than 4% annually (in real terms) your portfolio will continue to grow.
I LOVE hearing this!! Yes, my hobbies and activites keep me really busy. I'm hoping to at least have a little money left when I die! 😁
My work anxiety kicks in on Sunday night. Hopefully, I will be able to enjoy some form of retirement.
Sunday scaries are the worst!! I don't have them at all now - yay! 😄
Thank you for your inspiring videos. Thanks for sharing on your health. It’s so important I agree! I hope you will stay well!
You're welcome and thank you!! 😀
Glad you’re ok. You had me worried at first. Stay healthy. 😊
Thank you! I was worried too but luckily I'm OK!! ☺
Glad you are ok!! God Bless you!! ❤️ 🙏
Thank you!! 🥰
You are using your days really well. Excercise every day. Wake up when you want to. Saying YES. Well done. I am about 240 days into early retirement. I am sorry about the health scares. No retirement remorse.
Thank you! I LOVE hearing that most people don't have that retirement remorse!! 😄
Glad you're ok.
Im hearing from most that it takes a year to adjust to retirement and all its challenges. Some call it the mulligan year.
Thank you! That sounds about right. I haven't heard it called that before! 😁
I skipped the disenchantment stage as well. I was 2 years from my retirement plan of 60. A very blessed relative bequeathed me more money than I could save in 2 years, so I resigned, retired immediately. It took me 100 days too, but I'm so greatful to be here now. Cancer survivor , every day is a gift
That's so great to hear!! I can't image what you went through, but yes, every day is a gift! ☺
This was great! Glad your health scare was a non issue!
Thank you! Me too!! ☺
I have been retired 3 1/2 years. My “good” items are exactly like yours, except I have no grandchildren . I have never felt one second of disenchantment and don’t expect I ever will. I am still so very thankful every single day that I never plan to wake up to an alarm and go to work for a day of meetings, deadlines, bosses, co-workers, or employees. I so so so love retirement!
I love hearing this!! I love retirement too! 😃
Retired at 52 . Now 10 years later best decision ever . Helps that money isn’t an issue at all . Freedom is king .
That's awesome to hear!! 😀
What are you doing for insurance until 65? That is my issue trying to figure out what to do until 65 when I retire early.
@@Gunner662 work had a dental and health plan for retirees
@@Gunner662Obama care
I was laid off shortly before my 56th birthday, and trying to find work has been a challenge. I'm currently contemplating taking my 401k Rule of 55 and retiring early, but it's difficult to actually do the cash out and know that a retirement plan is now set in stone. I think "this is all I'm ever going to have to show for 30 years of work drudgery". I know I would feel that way regardless of when I retired, but it's a difficult mindset to get out of.
It is difficult, especially because you were laid off! Good luck! ☺
Really enjoying your videos, Julie. I think you have a great outlook on life and as someone who is approaching my own early retirement it’s interesting seeing how you are getting to grips with your newfound freedom! Keep up the great work.😊
Thank you! I'm glad it's helpful! 😁
It really is! Thanks.
I also forgot to mention that I am glad your health scare wasn’t as concerning as first thought. I think we are all scared of a major health issue just after retirement and a lifetime full of hard work and intensive saving. 😊
@@markkitchen4916 Thank you! Yes it was very scary and I'm so thankful I'm OK! ☺
Agree with becoming a spender rather than saver. The change is hard
It really is! 😮
Best of luck on your health and retirement.
Thank you! ☺
I retired June 28 my 100 day is coming up October 6... Glad you are ok.
Thank you!! It goes by fast! 😃
Well, we retired on almost the same day, I was just half a week or so ahead of you. It still seems like an extended vacation to me but it is _so_ nice to be able to just do things when you want. Not to have to wait for the weekend, or be too wiped from work to want to do anything in the evenings. And boy do I hear you on the switch from saving to spending, I just scream "no! I worked so hard to save you" on every dollar spent. No health scares for me (yet) but I lost a close friend a couple years ago and another one is having health troubles. That was a big part of my deciding to retire. And I also doubt I'll feel any remorse/disenchantment. I grew up on a farm and I'm used to an unstructured non 9 to 5 day. For me it was the working years that were hard and I'm glad to be back to that unstructured style.
This is awesome - thanks for sharing!! It's great doing what you want when you want! Yes, the spending is hard. 😬 Congrats on retirement! ☺
I'm getting to the point where I'm researching retirement 3 to 5 years out. I have watched many videos and I have to say "Your honesty" about "Only a few work colleagues I care to keep in touch with hits home"
Yeah it's true. Colleagues can be great to work with, but there's often only a couple that you see outside of work.
I have 176 days to go. Can't wait. Maybe its more of a transition as I will be helping my 94 year old mother once I retire. I have a detailed two tiered plan that works on paper. we'll see how it works in reality. Everyone out there stay healthy and enjoy your lives.
That's exciting!! Congrats and good luck! 🎉
Great information I love your honesty 💕yes health is everything, I hope you get further good news in 6months I’m sure you will, I really think stress plays a big part in cancer development and you have removed that but that’s just a personal opinion, not scientific just observation of friends and colleagues over time. I’ve retried 3 years now and I’m loving it but unfortunately sadly I feel a little limited now, I needed a knee replacement last year which was rather stressful but successful and I’m pain free on that side 🥳 which I’m very grateful for but now the other knee is going the same way😳. I wish Id got fitter younger but just too busy immersed in a wonderful career and family. Taking a simple walk now, something I always took for granted and enjoyed is a chore and impacts on my plans but I’m working on it. Yes life is too short, try and enjoy every day of it as much as we can, that is my mantra too.😊🥰🏴🇬🇧
Thank you so much! I completely agree that stress can cause cancer and all types of illnesses. My knees are not great either. I'm hoping to put off surgery as long as possible! 🤞🙂
@ thank you for your reply, that was very kind💕 I’m now attending a qualified doctor in acupuncture, it’s making quite the difference to my pain and I’m a bit of sceptic about these kind of treatments 🙂 but Iwished I’d found him a few years back! Might be worth a try if you can find a good local qualified practitioner in your area.
@@Diana-007 Good to know! Thanks!! 🙂
I retired in January. It was odd but great. The first few days I expected my boss to call me and ask me where I was because I was not a work -:) It took many months for the stress and work crap to finally melt away. I cannot explain it. You just need to experience it.
100%!! I have decompressed and rid a lot of that stress, but I think it will take a bit longer to be completely free of it! 🙂
Hi…thank u for sharing your experience….glad you’re doing good…continue enjoying your retirement….will join u soon❤
You're welcome and that's awesome!! Thanks! ☺
I'm a teacher in the UK. Done 34 years so will be calling it a day at the end of the academic year. So glad your tests all came back positive. My health is OK but you've reinforced that time is more important than money.
34 years is a long time!! Congrats on retiring soon! Thank you. Yes, health is everything! 🙂
You're so right, your health is everything.
I made the mistake of putting off a lot of traveling until after retiring. Sadly disability has struck and I'm just not going to be able to do what we planned .
My wife has just retired aged 60 but sadly more of it is supporting me now. I am stopping next year aged 54, but I already left it past my healthy life expectancy.
Your health really is everything .
I'm so sorry to hear that! Yes, health is everything! ☺
@HappyonMonday thank you , that's very kind .
Great video btw . So much of what you say rings true. My wife says it took much if this year to truly feel retired. I'm glad you're enjoying it and had such a great summer.@@HappyonMonday
@@KernowFishy Thank you! ☺
I'm a little over 100 days myself. I do not miss being at work at all. It is so nice not to be dealing with the stress of that place. I help out my wife and do the cooking and cleaning but that is pretty normal. I have always been the homebody over here. Now I can give her a nice breakfast and lunch in addition to dinner. In-between I hit my workshop or do home improvement tasks. Stuff i want to get done around the house. Gym is 3 times a week but it's going to be more as I'm switching to the gym closer to the house.
Nice!! Congrats on retiring!! That's nice that you cook for your wife. ☺
@@HappyonMondaybeen doing it for decades. Always been the cook in the family. She does the money and does it very well.
Hi Julie 🤗 I just retired two weeks ago so it's definitely "early days" but I must say that so far it's wonderful 😍 I do have a lot of active hobbies though so I think this will fill up a lot of my time. My future plan is to take the best care of me that I can so that I can be healthy and fit in my old age.
Congrats!! That's awesome!!
Great channel name, mine would be miserable on Monday for now 😂
😆Oh no! Hopefully you can retire soon then!
@@HappyonMonday thank you 🙏