Thread:JenniferLNW/@comment-32738051-20160730004224/@comment-32738051-20160730141021

I agree with your hubby. I was laid off from my job in March and it's too soon for me to retire. I worked with some really great people so it wasn't as bad as it was for you but while I worked there I was married to both the job and my laptop and I didn't know how badly I needed the break until I got it. I got a really good severance, though, so I haven't had to go back to work right away. But I do have to return to work and it is going to be that much harder for having taken this extended break, especially since the first several months at least will probably be temp work.

If you can afford to retire, just take however much time you need. If you're anything like me, you'll have to fill up the free time as much as possible as soon as possible. And taking care of the house and home probably isn't fulfilling enough. There are lots of part-time jobs out there, some of which are even work from home. And if you're the arts and crafts type, you might even be able to start a home business, making things you can sell on eBay, Facebook, at conventions and/or at festivals. I've known people who ran small catering businesses out of their homes and also lots of people who make all kinds of knick knacks and jewelry and artwork and other stuff that they sell online, on the road and in galleries. And if you don't need the money, or better yet have some extra to spend, there's all kinds of groups you can get into (like wine tastings and/or wine tours 😋🍷🍇 - or you can host your own at home and get some great use out of those beautiful champagne flutes of yours 😉). The world is your oyster...time to discover a new you.

Assuming, that is, you're ready to retire. If not, don't wait too long to jump back in. This will be my 5th time in my career doing temp work and I can tell you jumping back into work, whether temp or perm, is much easier when there is less of a break between. I've needed mine and I've enjoyed this time off I've taken, which has been longer than any before now, but I know it's going to be that much harder once I'm working again. Ugh.

In the meantime, enjoy your freedom...it's so hard to come by these days. 🏆💃👏👍😎