Maree’s specific advice to Peter about Getting Out of the Rat Race really hit me.
Billy and Akaisha, I’ve written you before about my retirement thoughts being similar to yours (although my “early” retirement was at 55). But Maree’s comments were spot on — if you can retire, just do it.
Ten years after I retired, the unexpected hit — the heart attack. But first I had ten great years of retirement (low budget, tracking expenses, and so on…) The amazing thing is that I lived — triple bypass. The widow-maker artery and another major artery were totally (100%) blocked. There was also more blockage.
Do not let Fear make your decisions for you. Risk has a price and so does security.
Two years later, I’ve recovered, I’m fine. I have more years and will continue to enjoy my retirement. As my cardiologist recently told me, “just keep doing whatever you’re doing”.
If I had not retired, I fully expect the attack would have been much earlier and that I would probably not have lived. But I got out of the Rat Race.
If you can retire but just can’t make the decision, you might want to consider my story.
Rich
Hi Rich,
Thanks for sharing your story with us. Congratulations on your good health and for enjoying your retirement!
Stay well,
Akaisha