Retirement?

How do you know for sure when it is time to hang it up?

When you ask that question its time.

My decision was 2 fold.
1st, the regs governing what I did changed from being able to stay until "age" to "20 and out" so they made up my mind for me. To be honest, I had been contemplating retiring, and had already sent in the request, was approved, changed my mind and had retracted the request thinking I'd ride out the harder economic times and tougher job hunting for a couple years, get another promotion and then my mind was made up for me by the changing of the regs.
2nd, for me was the math. I'm 45 and that leaves me 15-20 years to get out and nail down another pension. That and I was starting to think that MOTRIN 800 was really a part of my diet....everything hurts more and longer trying to keep up with those younger folks doing what I was able to do (pain-free) 10-15 years ago. So,really, for me it all came together at 20 1/2 yrs and the timing couldn't have suited me better. No regrets, loved my job but it was time to go.

1. When you ain't having much fun. Happened to me at about 19 years. I retired at 20.

2. It's just like Social Security. You can draw a little bit for a long time, or you can wait and draw a little bit more for a shorter time. Play your own odds of a long life.

If you are going for a second career it seems that the earlier you start, the better. Put your retirement check in CDs or the stock market if you can live on your second income. That's what I did. In at 17, retired at 37. Another 21 in civil service, retired at 58.

I was with the Army Recruiting Command at Ft Sheridan, IL and was getting disgusted with the way I was treated by Uncle Sugar. Consequently I put in my retirement and was told I had an assignment to Germany coming up. I discussed it with my wife who wasn't too happy with it. I was excited because to that point I'd never been to Europe. It was to be in Frankfurt in a Sgt Maj slot with a guaranteed promotion to that rank and guaranteed housing. I wanted to go to Fort Gordon as an instructor but it wasn't to be. Also, I didn't like the direction the Army was heading. Lowering standards for enlistment; lack of discipline, etc. So I retired. Just remember to have a plan before you submit your papers. I didn't. I was always prepared to stay in for a full 30 year career. I gave it up at 20. Good luck on your decision.

Larry G.

hung it up in dec 81 and started second ....Teaching for 26. never regreted my decision.