Retirement. I wish. I’ve worked most of my adult life and I am several years away from being able to take the full amount of my social security benefits, but I don’t believe that is going to happen for me, not anytime soon.
When you don’t plan well, or make stupid mistakes, you then have to work past the typical retirement age. It can be difficult when you hear about friends celebrating early retirement, to know you didn’t draw that lucky stick. It’s harder now to do the things I could do when I was younger. I rely on calendars and other tools to help get me through each day. I notice the changes.
To get through this time of life, the goal then has to shift to vacations. Having time off doing fun things makes the frustration of being tied to a job less frustrating. My next real adventure will happen just before summer begins next year. I am so excited for this journey. There will be several weekend jaunts around my home state before this big road trip but having something to look forward to is necessary for my survival.
The other joy that sustains me will always, always, include the wonderful blessing of watching my grandkids as often as possible. I can’t wrap my head around the thought of not spending as much time with my little loves as their parents will allow. They are the second greatest gift I have ever received.
My advice to young adults starting out – plan. Make a plan and stick to it. Don’t spend more than you make. Avoid debt as much as possible. Invest. Do what you need to do so you can celebrate early retirement. Be smart.
grammyjoy 
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