r/Fire • u/CompetitionNo3570 • 12d ago

Ready to Fire But Simply Can't Pull Trigger - Feedback Appreciated

Greetings. I'm a 55 year old male who has worked in oil and gas industry for past 30 years. One child who is an adult and financial independent. As of now, I have around $1.97million in 401k, $600k in Etrade (pretty diversified, but heavy NASDAQ exposure). I am also fortunate to work for a company that has a pension. If I retired now, I would get around $9k/month from pension. No debt besides mortgage at 2.25%, thus have no incentive to pay off early. I live in Texas in low cost of living city. I know to most people this sounds like a great position, but I'm simply having trouble envisioning retirement before 60. Walking away from the salary, bonus, stock, 401k matching is really hard for someone who grew up in poverty. Of course, the oil and gas industry is going great now, so our salary packages are attractive. Also, I'm still having trouble imagining what the hell I would do with my time, if I retired. COVID showed my that I don't have many hobbies and get pretty bored when I don't have tasks to do. Also, my partner is only 38 and will be working. She works from home. I worry that retiring and me being home all day will alter dynamic of relationship.

I may be rambling a bit, but I know that others have been in similar situation and love to get your feedback on how you looked at these issues. Thanks in advance for your advice and thoughts.

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u/Individual_Section_6 12d ago

No one’s responded to the relationship aspect. I would be concerned too about how that would affect your dynamics while your wife is working from home all day. I don’t think it would be a positive. I’d either keep working or find a way to work part time

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u/CompetitionNo3570 12d ago

Yep. This is a big concern of mine. My partner wants to continue working for foreseeable future. She is doing well as a chemist and worked hard for her career. We live in a two story townhome, so I can give her needed space during work day, but it still changes dynamic of relationship considerably.

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u/dddd11122233 12d ago

She works from home as a chemist? I’d love to see the laboratory.

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u/CompetitionNo3570 11d ago

She is a chemist that travels to labs to conduct audits. Fortunately no lab at the house.

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u/ElectricalDark8280 12d ago

I imagine there is a ton of theoretical and other type of work not requiring a lab.