[Tommy]

Olddog,
This discussion has evolved a lot since my earlier post, so I'll add one more thought. The timing of my decision to retire early was driven by factors beyond my control. But the decision was made easy when I realized I was having more fun at home in my garage than I was at work. I had been fortunate to have two careers that I really enjoyed, so I was not trying to escape from a bad work situation. I just wanted to do some non-work things even more. ..... I've long believed that people should retire so they can do things they enjoy more than work. If you enjoy going to work and its not stopping you from doing something you'd rather do, then keep working. Sitting around being bored is no fun and some jobs are very fulfilling. But if the job is just filling your days without being fulfilling, then start researching other activities you might like better. For many people a good start is in volunteering to help others. For example, for several years I volunteered as an advisor to a robotics team at a local high school. With a little luck, you may find something that you and your wife can do together to make retirement more fun. And it doesn't have to have anything to do with a car. ... Good luck.