“The only thing I felt I knew to a certainty was if I were to work for another five years, by the time I retired I would be at least five years closer to being dead.

Besides, I was done with my job. Time to move on.”

Hear,Hear! Great posts sutton, as always. Thank you for sharing!

Your point reminds me of Andy then Red’s simple but profound realization in Shawshank:

“Get busy living, or get busy dying”

Agree with wise man Buffett, who said (even in his 30s) that wealth is really about the freedom and independence it offers. I saw my father pass away within a month, from no symptoms to passing, from an aggressive lymphoma a decade ago. That life experience (& the pandemic) facilitated my decision to retire mid-late 50s, nearly 3 years ago. It is so nice to enjoy that time with friends and loved ones, nature, travel, sport, slowly sipping on a hazelnut oat latte in obscurity or doing whatever is dear to your heart and supporting some causes dear to your heart along the journey.

Wishing health, happiness & peace to all for 2025 & beyond!