Ever known anyone to just say F#$% it I am outa here

[XLexusTech]

Talents... I am really good and pride myself on my leadership skills. I love, literally.. teaching mentoring and making others happy. Its the only thing that makes me feel accomplished. My technical skills, problem solving abilities have gotten me to a place where I solve the most challenging technical issues for the largest financial institutions in the world. (my job today involves the software they use to move money) I can weld, Fix cars, and if its mechanical... I can figure it out..

My "plan" was to retire at 52 join the peace Corp.. and eventually work my way to a place where the Money I had in investments provided me the ability to do whatever .. wherever..... I wanted... I have no children.. no baggage...

I realized long ago money nether motivates me or makes me happy... Security.. it very important.. (i have an irrational fear of being destitute).

Jesus .. i need a couch somewere

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I retired my self from the automotive service industry and opened my own business in wholesale manufacturing and proto typing. I'm also working on and restoring older vehicles. I'm now entering the retail side of the industry. I did it all with one of the retirement funds that I started in high school and an investment IRA with the help of Apple and AIG . You can do what ever you want but you have to be smart about it. I still have my other IRA's and union pension to keep growing for retirement.

I would suggest you hire an investment adviser and make a plan. I'm not too sure how far you are from retirement age but it's never too late. Plan it right and you can do what you want and live your life.

Rental properties are nice but I doubt you have enough to over come the insurance and taxes.

I gotta tell you going out on my own was the best thing I did. Living outside of corporate control gives you a freedom everyone should have. Even my worst days as a business owner doesn't give me the stress of working under someone.

[strtcar]

You have no kids, no baggage, 500k in the bank, I'd say your probably ahead 90% of everyone else who is burned out and wants a change. I'd say do it.

[WSSix]

Damn this thread isn't helping me, lol. I'm in the same boat I think. Just search my thread start history and you'll find my thread from, I think, a year ago asking this same thing. I'm still in the same place as I was last year though. Not gonna lie, I'm terrified that if I quit now that I'll never get back to a job making good money even with my engineering degree. Good money to me is 60s or 70s yearly. If some one wants to convince me I'm nuts and can live my already modest lifestyle on less, I'm all ears because yeah, I have no life other than work.

Good luck to you whatever you decide.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I don't know trey, you gotta plan for it. Either money saved or a solid 5 year plan. Sit down and see what it is costing your to live. See what you can cut or reduce and go from there.

[tones2SS]

Originally Posted by strtcar

You have no kids, no baggage, 500k in the bank, I'd say your probably ahead 90% of everyone else who is burned out and wants a change. I'd say do it.

^^I agree with this. 500k is a lot of money for a single dude, but it can go quickly too. You can never tell what the future may bring, obviously.
I would make sure I had a SOLID backing to fall on in case things start to unravel.
Good luck!

[DETON8R]

My Father-in-law did that, sort of. His life-long outlet was racing motorcycles and hunting.

After raising 5 kids, and on his third wife, and after working like a dog for a defense contractor from the time he was out of high school (age 18) until the age of 55ish, he wanted something different. He left the work-a-day world and opened an archery store. I think he was under the impression that he could have fun doing what he wanted, get paid for it, write off hunting trips, and have a retirement "fun Job" making good money to supplement his retirement/pension. With a full retirement for somewhat steady income, and some cash (nowhere near $500,000) and his home's equity, he opened an archery store.

It could have worked, he was doing well for the first few years, however when that "fun Job" become a "Job" a few years later the store downsized, and moved, then closed a year later as it slipped into bankruptcy. Don't know how much he lost, but when the bankruptcy filing was finalized the debt was just under $100,000, and the majority of the houses' equity was gone.

I think it could have worked, as I think the failure was more about a few bad risk decisions that didn't pay off from the inception, and not working the business as hard as he should have by himself, without hiring others in his place. The first two or three years there were losses, and the accountant didn't think there were exorbitant. The timing of an economic downturn, employing family members and friends, then the wearing off of the "fun factor" by he and his wife resulted in its demise.

I think he really needed a good business plan, some sound 3rd party advice, and the ability to tell himself, friends and family "no" even when it wasn't the fun answer. I respect him for doing it, and there were a few things he could have done better, mostly he needed to rely on his own industry and not the industry of others, and when he didn't know what the right answer was, he needed someone to go to make sure he wasn't making the wrong decision from a business perspective.

Others have done it, these pages are full of entrepreneurs that have done it. It really helps to have business associates that are in a similar line of business (but not the competition) to talk about your decisions, direction, and possible next steps to expand, insure stability and not burn out of it.

[camsdad]

You can do anything if you apply yourself.
The first hurdle is taking that first step.

I worked for a company for 24 yrs with lots of false promises and no retirement even though I requested over the years that they sponsor a 401k plan for the employees.
I was positioned and fully capable of taking over and pursuing newer technologies but the Gen manager/Vice Pres left disgruntled and wanted to see the company fail.
Boss retired, family member came in, 3yrs of back stabbing so I put in my 2 weeks notice.
Scared as hell the first 2 weeks out and wondering all the time if i made the right decision. Then my personal phone started ringing off the hook and I was soon recruited and worked for a competitor for 5 yrs.
On a job site towards the end of that time I made a comment to the customer that I would never pass up an opportunity any more if it benefited myself and family.
A month later I received a call and was asked about my comments. That led to a new job with good pay and benefits in the IT field in local govt. In addition I was encouraged and started a business to cater to my customers of my previous communications industry.
Bottom line is I enjoy what I do so I look forward each day to either go to work or do my business. I may not be wealthy but I guess I'm successful.
The funniest thing is the company I worked for of 24 yrs is hanging on to residual customers and they have tried to get me to come back and run their business in which I have declined stating that "That ship has come and gone" I now sub contract for them from time to time on my terms and at my business rates.
Sad thing for them is when I get out their the customer ends up contacting me directly for any future business needs.
Got to love free enterprise.

[youthpastor]

check out Dan Miller at 48days.net. Not that I have arrived by any means. I work solid hours, but I enjoy it. Dan Miller helped me come up with a transition plan and the tools to make it happen. If you knew what I started my business with you would laugh. We are debt free and in the black. Life is good but is still comes with different challenges.

Dan will help you figure out what it is you are passionate about and THEN you can move towards that goal. Life is short and last time I checked we only get one go around- make the most of it! - Chris

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Originally Posted by youthpastor

check out Dan Miller at 48days.net. Not that I have arrived by any means. I work solid hours, but I enjoy it. Dan Miller helped me come up with a transition plan and the tools to make it happen. If you knew what I started my business with you would laugh. We are debt free and in the black. Life is good but is still comes with different challenges.

Dan will help you figure out what it is you are passionate about and THEN you can move towards that goal. Life is short and last time I checked we only get one go around- make the most of it! - Chris

Ok, where do I sign up for that Chris?