Submitted my retirement/resignation letter today!

[Curmudgeoness]

3. Congratulations.

I know just how you feel. I have also had this worry about when to retire and if I could afford it. And I have no pension, so it was even more of a worry.

I have an "early retirement" now, because I lost my job of 12 years on my 61st birthday in September. I have not had any luck finding another job even though I have had many interviews, so I have decided that it is fate and I will just call this retirement now, come hell or high water. I can't get SS for another 6 months, but I have made the transition to thinking of myself as retired. It is a good feeling, even though I will never stop worrying if I have enough to live on in the coming years. I have found that I need a lot less money now though, and I am sure you will be surprised at that too.

Enjoy the grandkids. Nursing is a hard job, and takes a toll. It will be great for you when you get used to retirement. I no longer miss it.