Yesterday I , for the first time and after better than 30 years of putting money in, began the process of taking money out of my retirement fund. I appreciate that as I am mostly, and soon to be completely, retired that this is appropiate and planned. It is, however, disconcerting as it is a rite of passage that in someways is just as dramatic as puberty. I think I'll leave work now, go home, change and go for a ride or maybe I'll take a nap first.

Just leave work and celebrate. If that means going for a ride then do it- but like you- Just coming up for retirement--Can't wait but may have to due to the pension fund Taking a knock in the last couple of years.

And forget the nap--You will be too busy.

I think I know your pain. A couple years ago I realized that I was married longer than I wasn't, which was more eye opening than realizing that I was 20 yrs old and no longer had the excuse of being a teenager.

Three years ago I thought I was financially independent and therefore able to retire whenever work no longer entertained me. However, 18 months ago my employer shut down abruptly. My investment portfolio got a 25% haircut, from which it has largely recovered. However, when I look at today's investment returns, bond and savings interest rates, etc., I figure I need a bit more money before I can retire in a secure and comfortable fashion.

When I was out of work I found myself engaging in some rather severe belt-tightening, and since I am already a tight-fisted Yankee son of Scotland, I arguably overdid it. I concluded that I am not psychologically ready for retirement, and when a local company recently offered me a full-time position instead of the temporary or part-time contract work I was seeking, I said yes. I start a new chapter this Thursday, back with a full-time regular employment gig, after 18 months of being a self-employed consultant and contractor.