I was listening to the Moody Radio Station yesterday and Chuck Swindoll was talking about if you have food, clothes and faith, you don't need to worry about money.
Today we met with our financial advisor about Jerry retiring and what it would mean to our long term financial security.
Jerry does not feel he can continue to work. Even with cutting back to 8 hrs a day - 5 days a week, he feels he is too worn out, hates the drive, and no longer enjoys his job or working with the people. He also finds it more of a strain because of the effects of "chemo brain" where he must constantly worry if he has forgot or confused things.
His doctors have classified him as "high risk" for cancer repeat although he is considered in remission. Add to that his resumed smoking and the chance for a third bought of smoking related cancer is high. With his weakened condition that they feel will not improve, resistance to future treatment and illness will be limited.
When I was offered the early retirement package, the way it was possible was if Jerry worked until he could get full social security (66) and be with CAT at least 20 years. At the time, it sounded the perfect senerio. Since neither of those will happen, it means we needed to adjust some of the projections. We have decided that no matter how much of a decrease in income we will have, it is something that we must do. As the doctor said, "Do you want to just work, come home and fall asleep and then die without enjoying life."
The first he can retire would be in May of next year so he is tentatively considering that but still needs to see how things play out at work through the end of this year. A good share of Jerry's self worth comes from his work and he will have to decide how important that is to him. So, even thought "we" decided he must retire, he's not there yet in his mind. At this point, it's going to be up to him on how this plays out.
While he's doing that, I have food, clothes and faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment