This first year of early retirement has been one of the hardest of my life

[SunSeeker]

6. Wow. I have no problem filling my days. I really don't get that part of it.

Sure, the financial part can be a problem. I do miss the much bigger paycheck, but not enough to put up with the rest of it. My new freedom is magnificent.

If anything, I am too busy. I need to learn to say no to people who keep asking me to do chores for them because they think I have a ton of time on my hands, when I really don't.

I love being able to go hiking on a weekday when local trails aren't crowded. I love being able to indulge myself with things like posting on DU, or exploring old rock music videos on YouTube for hours. I love being able to spend time with my husband and son without worrying about work or getting to bed early so I can get up in the morning for work. I love waking up when my body wakes up by itself instead of when an alarm clock jars me awake.

I guess I just didn't love my job as much as I love my leisure time. The folks who love their job more than their leisure time should never retire early, if at all.