This is a great point.

Why not split the difference and work till 57 or so and live MIDDLE middle class?

Seems like a good option.
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Quote of the thread :-)
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Live life. In other words, all those things you think about doing while you're at work but can't, since you're tied to your job. Can't think of anything? Get a hobby...or smoke more cigars.
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Whatever we damn well please. :-)
For me, it's "work all day". That's what I like to do when I can.
Most think they wouldn't be able to find enough stuff to fill their time because it's never been an option. I can attest that I still need 48 hour days and I still wouldn't get everything done.
The freedom to do what I want whenever I want is worth it's weight in gold. Just the ability to do it is satisfying enough. I work on the house, taking care of the family, things like that. It keeps me busy constantly. I get upset when I have to stop working for a day to go somewhere fun, like vacation. I'm ON vacation.
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Although it's a little tough for me to understand personally, there are people who have no hobbies, no interests, no social contacts outside of their work. These people honestly should be careful when it comes to retiring. They'll have a hard adjustment and probably won't be that happy.

I retired when my company offered an early out, and around 1200 people went with me. We had 10 leave just from my department; guys I'd worked with for over a quarter of a century. One of these guys went into depression for over a year after we left. While the rest of us were grinning ear to ear, he honestly didn't know what to do. His job had been his life. He's finally made the adjustment and is doing okay, but he's not as happy as the rest of us.

If you honestly don't know what you'd do with your time, maybe retiring isn't for you. There are people who truly struggle with it.
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Already made the decision to retire overseas in Northern Thailand. Looking to hang up my hat in the workforce in the next 3-5 years.
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Looking forward to Thailand Herf I! :-)
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One baht!
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You'll all be invited once our home is built, I promise.
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Heard!!! :-) Wife and I are thinking Hua Hin or Chang Mai. 5 to 6 years is the target at this point. Good times
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