It finally happened. I retired from Corporate America last Monday. A big sigh first — “Ahhh…” And of course, “WOO HOO!!!”
If you followed this blog for any stretch, you’d get the impression I would waffle in my cubicle until age 65. But here I am, a certifiable non-W2 human, ready to take on a bunch of new adventures at the ripe middle age of 50.
After spending 26* years in the workforce, there is an odd sensation about walking away from a steady paycheck. The last few weeks felt like being a senior in high school, excited for the future, but wistful about some of the good parts being left behind.
* Not including the year after a layoff I spent finishing my grad degree (a taste of retirement at 30!)
Why Now?
Honestly, the work just wasn’t fun anymore. Good leaders left the company, and the ones who remained went back to dated ways of command and control software delivery. Ick.
I was no longer leading a team after the forced resignation of my senior leader “blew up” our department. (Even if the work isn’t fun, guiding, supporting, and mentoring a team can be rewarding enough.)
So, I took a good reward cycle and tendered my three-month resignation back in March. I was told the door would stay open until my last official day, but I never looked back. We saved over half our income and lived small all these years for a reason!
Thank Yous
First I’d like to thank my wife for supporting this decision. We talked about this day for a long time, and I think that’s key. I didn’t spring some novel half-cocked idea on her last month. This was a project nine years in the making.
I’ve got a few years on my lovely wife, and she enjoys her gig as a solo practitioner, so she’ll continue working until she’s ready to downshift. She doesn’t have to keep working to keep us afloat: she’s making a real impact in her patient’s lives and that is the kind of work we should all be fortunate to do.
I’m incredibly thankful for the writings of Mr. Money Mustache. His blog kept me hopeful during some dark days in 2014 when I was burned out from all the negative energy that permeates big insurance company software development.
I’m also thankful for the FIRE blogging community and the wealth of inspiration that showed me the path: Fritz at Retirement Manifesto, Carl at 1500 Days to Freedom, Gwen at Fiery Millenials, Angela at Tread Lightly Retire Early, and our good doctor Leif at Physician on Fire.
And of course, my good friend Uncle Daryl of Jump to Consulting. Poor Daryl put up with my hesitancy to retire like a champ – or more aptly, a true uncle!
To sum up week 1: Retirement doesn’t suck.
What’s Next for Cubert?
I’m quickly learning that there’s no retirement from pure work. You can retire from a job, but you shouldn’t retire from being useful.
Since our basement renovation wrapped up last week, I’ve got a huge list of projects around the house to keep me occupied. I also had two rental homes turnover leases in the same week and the list of maintenance items on these homes is lengthy.
Handyman stuff will occupy a good chunk of my time this summer, along with some travel to Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, and California.
Finally, I’m studying for my real estate agent’s licensing exam. Having this feather in my cap will open up more possibilities for the rental business, which I’ll write about soon.
Speaking of which, I know this blog has been running on fumes these past few years. Looking back, I blame the promotion I got at Corporate Fun Land back in late 2019. It wasn’t so much that the promo took away my blogging free time, but it took me out of the early retirement mindset.
Going forward, I have a lot more time and a lot less excuses. Time to get these rusty writing chops back in gear. Buckle up!
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Congrats on the retirement, look forward to reading more about the rentals, real estate license and all the fun that comes with retirement from a day job (although I’m sure you’ll still be working a ton.)
Hey Peter – Thanks so much! It’s been a fun few weeks with the rentals to say the least. A lot can go unnoticed with 8-year turnovers in two separate houses!
Ahhhh!!! Congratulations!!! I’m so proud of you for pulling the trigger and hella jealous. Can’t wait to read all about your retirement exploits!
Thanks, Gwen! I really appreciate that. Your time will come real soon – you know all the secrets at a younger age than I did by a long shot. I’m going to take a page out of your book and check out a few mid week day games at Target Field. 🙂
Nicely done, brother!! Welcome to the Fun Side 🙂
Thanks, J$! I’m excited to be part of the Fun Side crew finally. Appreciate all your support over these past 7ish years or so – Super grateful!!
Congrats dude!
Thank you, Josh!! How are you doing? Long time no see!!
Wow. Unreal. Keep in touch it was great working with you over the years.
Hey Jon! Same here my friend. We went through some of the rougher waters together a few years back, didn’t we?? Keep in touch!
Congrats “Cubert”, I look forward to reading your coming adventures while catching up on the blogs I haven’t read.
Thank you, Gary! I love having new readers along for the journey! 🙂
Congrats! I’ve been following your blog quietly since 2019. I hope to make it into that side at some point in the future.
I can relate about working in IT for a big insurance company…
Hey there Fernando! Thanks so much and I’m glad you’ve been following for these past few years, despite the relatively sparse writing on my part!
Well, it’s about time 🙂 And CONGRATULATIONS!
Back in MN for the summer — coffee? No longer needs to be on the weekend — whenever is fine.
RE the real estate license. A realtor friend in AZ “retired” at 50 from an IT job, and did the same. Had so much fun that he did it p/t for the next ten years (nice $$$ too.). As there was no pressure to make money, he could take his time and focus on helping his clients. He finally “retired” again (but we will for how long…)
RE the first week being great. Got a similar comment when getting married, as in “no matter the ups and downs, the first two weeks aren’t bad at all.” Still true a half century later. So glad you are now free to live life on your terms. All the best!
Hello Daryl!
First off THANK YOU! Not only for the Congrats, but also for your sage wisdom and support these past several years!
Yes, we are long overdue to connect. I will be in touch.
I love the marriage analogy. Ha! For me, it’s been a bit stressful simply because of the abrupt change in lifestyle. I think I’ll calm down as time moves on and the new health plan kicks in. Talk soon!!
Way cool Cubert! These last seven years I’ve been retired have been incredibly fun even though I liked my career quite a bit also. But if you are tired of the job, and have the resources that you do, it would be crazy to stay. It’s nice to see nice people do well!
Thanks, Steve!! You nailed it – I remember some pretty lonely times at the office, but worse, the times when people just basically lost their shit or started playing political games. The bad outweighs the good, unless you’ve landed the trifecta of a great boss, great colleagues, and fun work. Unicorns!
Congrats, Cubert! Great to see a post pop up in my inbox. Another Twin Cities resident here and I’ve always enjoyed your content. We just went with an “Option 1” renovation this last year. Not nearly at the price tag you were quoted but man it’s still a lot of cash. Four kids and FT WFH in a 60s rambler was very tight, but we love our neighborhood and didn’t want a McMansion. We still have some finish work to wrap up, but who needs window trim…right?
Hoping to see some more activity here!
Hey, Britt – Thanks so much!! And I promise there will be more posts to come. Things are settling down with the rentals. I’ve had to put a substantial amount of time into those due partly to neglect, and partly to two turnovers in the same week! OY.
Good for you on your Option 1 renovation! Window trim is sooo overrated. Just slap up some brick mold with a nail gun and call it a day LOL!!
Congrats on your retirement Cubert, at least from from corporate life! Look forward to hearing about the future rental property updates, Where in Michigan are you headed to? We will be up in Frankfort Michigan in a couple weeks. If you’ve never been there or to the Northwest side of the state in general, it is well worth it!
Hey Jim – Thanks, sir!! Yes, there will be lots more property updates. They need more TLC and I finally have the time. I just cleaned three AC units and man it’s intensive work – inside and out. We’ll be up near Traverse City later this summer. I LOVE Frankfort – Grew up spending a week each summer at my grandparent’s place on Crystal Lake nearby. Love the area!
Many congratulations on your retirement, I’m sure you won’t regret it. As you say, sometimes it’s simply the nature of the job which changes rather than any sudden change in our attitude towards work. I think that was probably the case with me. The idea of remaining useful is a good one, especially in directing energy and creativity in a more worthy direction.
Hello, Ben! Thank you!!
I believe you’re right about the regrets. I feel more rested even if I am putting in lots of effort on home maintenance and five properties, plus kid’s activities, etc. Nevertheless, no alarm clock waking this guy up! 🙂
I’m glad the “useful” nugget resonated with you. Remind me what sort of things you’re putting your energy towards of late?
Cheers!
Congrats Cubert and welcome to the best side of FIRE! I can’t believe you actually pulled the plug. I mean, when I started following your blog, years ago, it seemed you were on course to beat me to FIRE, by a big margin. But I retired from the corporate world almost 3 and half years ago and …you were still not and didn’t seem like you would. Really happy for you!
Are you still in the Minneapolis area? We should try to meet up someday.
Hey Sir! Thanks so much! Yes, I “pulled the plug” finally, on my stubborn hesitancy! Good work beating me to the finish line – How has it been for you? We are still in MPLS – and yes, a meet up would be fun!