Updated My Ticker!!

[JudyJB]

As you might remember, my ticker had my retirement at about 18 months out.

Well, after a couple of miserable months at my regular job, and a bit of a kick by Colliemom and some friends, I have decided to move my retirement (and collection of SS) up by almost a year. I was hoping to work my regular job until I was 70, but I just don't think I can do it. I have sleep problems and having to get up early and go into work with lack of sleep and my aches and pains, I have decided it is time to take it a bit more easy.

Got a lot of sorting through and cleaning out to do, and need to get some things paid off, but I am determined to do it. This also moves up my purchase of a motor home and need to put my condo up for sale (maybe March?), but it really takes a load off my mind. I'll continue to teach online since I can do that on the road and will need the income, but that will be only about 2-3 hours a day, down from my current 12+ hours per day of work. No commute either! And teaching is what I really like to do!

So, lots of planning to do. I really appreciate all the answers to my questions. I think the next thing in terms of motorhome shopping is to rent one in the early spring after the snow melts. I was told by a dealer that they would do a 3-4 day rental if it were off-season.

Now I will have nightmares about gas stations, parking, toll booths, and how to get into Canada without going over a large bridge!

[BirdbyBird]

Congratulation for taking a big leap of faith... Time does not always wait for us to be ready.... And the promise of tomorrow is not for sure. Have fun and enjoy the anticipation and planning. So glad that you can get to your dream.

[bigmamma6868]

It sounds like you have some big plans ahead..... Good luck with the sell of your condo, and your search for a coach. I am a newbie and I have a 31 ft class c motorhome, just over a month now, and I am loving the outdoor life. I am from Kansas, and hate the winters, so I am presently in Texas, at the beach!!! I never thought I would be doing this, but here I am. You said you teach? What? I would like to find a money tree, so I don't have to work, right now I am a camp host, so at least I am not dishing out money for my spot! That's a good thing. Good luck on your plans. I hope to meet up at a gtg sometime. Jacque (Jackie)

[JudyJB]

Thanks, Jackie. I have been teaching a junior level college business communication course for 21 years, and have worked hard to keep it so I could have it for retirement. I started teaching in a classroom in 1984, and taught for 13 years, then quit for a while in 1997, starting back up in 2002 teaching online only. I spend a lot of time doing it, so the pay-per-hour is not fantastic, but it is made up for by the fact that I can do it in my lazyboy in my nightgown! It is a relatively small, non-proft but private college in Michigan, and another benefit is that they support instructors which is not always the case when you teach part-time. (College politics are incredibly horrible at all college and universities, but I stay away because I don't go to the campus!!) Being able to teach college is an advantage of being a bit over-educated, but I am very grateful, and I really do my best for my students, who are mostly adults from age 20 to 50+. I like teaching the older ones best because they are more motivated, but overall my students are respectful and ambitious.

I have no pension so I will need to keep teaching a few years so I don't have to spend my meagre 401K. I had a messy divorce 25 years ago and did not do well financially, and have lost most of my equity in my home. I have stuck out changes and two new department chairs over the years, which has not always been easy, to keep doing this. And frankly, I have no guarantees, but what does??

How do you do driving your 31 foot motorhome? What made you decide on that size? Do you manage without a toad? Was this your first RV??? And where did you go first? I envy you in Texas because we had some snowflakes this afternoon.

I am getting very nervous about all these changes, but I am sure I am making the right overall decision to semi-retire.

[Nasoosie]

When I read the title of this post, I thought you had had a heart transplant, or, perhaps a new pacemaker!

BUT-----Congrats on your decision! I agree that life must be lived while the body is still able and willing!

[Echo]

I'm with Soos!!! I thought well dang??? Can you do that without going into the hospital or doctors office?

[Carolinagal]

Have to give you credit for a catchy title !!!! Good luck in your decisions, as Tina mentioned none of us know what tomorrow holds. So if you want to do something, do it, it will always work out. I'm in the midst of sorting clutter and trying to get free of all of my responsibilities so I can play. So I wish you luck in working towards your goal.

CArol

[JudyJB]

Thanks, my real ticker is fine.

I have always liked catchy titles. I am a sucker for an article or book with something clever for a title.

Yes, I am still worried about running out of money in my old age, but I just can't wait any longer, so I will have to take chances if I ever want to live my dream. My parents waited too long to travel and then not only couldn't afford it but physically couldn't do it.

[Readytogo]

Figured you didnt mean that, but was hopeful for a minute to see what else we could get updated!

[Getupngo]

Congratulations, Judy. That takes courage to "let go" and move into another phase of life. When my DH passed so unexpectedly, I realized that life can be short and I set out on my own path.