My pension plan kinda sucks. I need to work full time for at least 5 years to pull it higher. This is not feasible with my health. Unless of course I can find a way into another department. This position is currently very elusive. I had an opportunity to get in last year but at that time there was tremendous chaos in our family and I was teetering on the edge of a complete breakdown.
(Someday, when the heartache isn't still so close, and on a different blog I will write about our experience.) So I ended up staying where I was and still am. It's not a fulfilling job. It's not a pleasant job most days, but brain numbing, and well paid! I also pick my own part time schedule. That part is fairly awesome! I'm able to go to all of kid3's sports and activities. My other 2 are both on their own now. Both working and one also going to school. I try to do a weekly meal with everyone so that kid3 doesn't feel like an only child!
With my maxed out RRSP's and also TFSA's these will top up my pension and make it feasible to retire at 55! I won't be rich, but I will be able to live as comfortably as I am now! Including some travel every year. And according to my investment person at the bank I will live until I'm 90! So that is the withdrawal number he worked with. As my Grandma would say "That's too long to hang around". I may lower that number as time rolls along 😉
My dh has to work likely for 10-15 more years after I retire as he didn't start his current job and contributing to his pension plan until 10 years ago. He has reached the top of his pay scale, and with his last review he was put on track for succeeding the current director. This is great $$ but more travel and longer hours. Thus me being able to be around for kid3 makes more sense.
As we know life can change in the blink of an eye. What the future holds and what you predict and hope are often very different. Dealing with change, coping with curve balls and staying grounded as the days go by is also a full time job. I love my little family. I tolerate my obnoxious parents and in laws, but I don't bust my ass to cater to them anymore. You can't fix or change stupid. Being used by them is tolerated no more.
I've found some great very extended family that we mesh with very well. I identify with them, and so do my husband and kids. Same goes on dh's side of the family. He has a 3rd cousin and family that we are very close to. Normal, intelligent, fun and kind people. Always laughter and enjoyable times when spent together. Being able to break away from the tight clutches of my in-laws has given us opportunity to expand our circle as I don't have to cater to them every stinking weekend like I used to! Spending time with wonderful friends does the heart good. Such a relief to look forward to weekends!!
I've found some great very extended family that we mesh with very well. I identify with them, and so do my husband and kids. Same goes on dh's side of the family. He has a 3rd cousin and family that we are very close to. Normal, intelligent, fun and kind people. Always laughter and enjoyable times when spent together. Being able to break away from the tight clutches of my in-laws has given us opportunity to expand our circle as I don't have to cater to them every stinking weekend like I used to! Spending time with wonderful friends does the heart good. Such a relief to look forward to weekends!!
Which reminds me -with days off this week I'm making a coffee date with a friend that retired a couple years ago. She makes me laugh with her dry wit! I've booked a pedicure, I'm going to try and get a massage too! Self care is an important part of life now too! And once or twice a year isn't going crazy with $$.
The good things:
My kids
This beautiful hot weather
No mortgage so that money is all going to retirement
Things that suck:
Getting a sunburn 😎
Not winning the lotto
Narcissistic parents
