It’s Official, I’m Done.

[Ham]

So, I quit a little early or at least a little earlier than I thought I would, but it was time. I saw where a pro athlete said that if you were thinking about retiring, it was time to retire. I always hated missing great fishing conditions when I had to work, but I did not mind going to work. Well, work got more and more demanding and complicated and I would guess me getting older made it a little harder to adapt to the constant changing work landscape. There was no single event that had me thinking about leaving, but an almost daily dose of unpleasantness made me longing to get OUT.  So, I looked at everything and decided I could quit. I quit. I’m done. Mostly. I might work a couple days a month for gas money.

here’s an official notice to fishing buddies that my schedule is a lot more open these days. 
Keep in mind that I am retired, but not divorced. I don’t want to become divorced either so I can’t just do everything I want any time I want. Just saying. 
it’s only been a little while, but Man, this feels Great. I freaking love this.

I will miss my work friends. I will not see them very often and that will gradually erode those relationships. I’ll drown that sorrow by strengthening relationships with fishing friends. 

[Foghorn]

I highly recommend retiring! Good for you, bad for the fishes.

[rps]

I know your feelings. So does my wife. By 2000, I disliked being a professional $$$hole. Same year, wife became tired of superiors who did not know what they were doing and were killing the company for whom they worked. (BTW, they were successful. The company filed for bankruptcy less than a year after she left.)

That is when we decided to run away to Arkansas. 

To explain the state I had reached, I found eighth graders easier to deal with than lawyers.

[Ham]

27 minutes ago, Foghorn said:

I highly recommend retiring! Good for you, bad for the fishes.

My last day was 9/4/25. I’ve only caught 228 fish since then 

[Quillback]

I can't say that I miss working.  Not so much that it was a bad job, but working 40-60 hour weeks puts a big dent in fishing time.

Oh, and welcome to the ranks of the retired Ham.

Once it cools down you'll have to come over here and fish for some redears, I have not gotten around to fishing for them and the bluegill this year, but I have been told there can be some good fall fishing for them.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Good for you, @Ham!!!    I’m not far behind.  

[netboy]

Congrats.👍

[Dewayne French]

Congratulation's as a few have already said. The day of retirement is closer for me as well. Although the actual date is not written down it will more than likely be early next year. I still love my job, but changes in upper Mgt and retirement fundings make it a no brainer to leave with my head high and my health.  Enjoy your extended fishing trips and your family. As they say this is a crazy world.  

[FishnDave]

CONGRATULATIONS, @Ham !!!

That is so exciting!!   I can't wait for my day, whenever it is.  Probably at least a few years away yet.  But I'm beyond ready now.

[rps]

6 hours ago, FishnDave said:

CONGRATULATIONS, @Ham !!!

That is so exciting!!   I can't wait for my day, whenever it is.  Probably at least a few years away yet.  But I'm beyond ready now.

After about 55 or 60, you need reasons to keep working. A dear friend of mine is working at 80. Drinking days and 3 divorces leave him no choice. Another friend goes to the office every day, clean shaven and polished shoes. He loves what he does. Most are marking time. I am thankful, very thankful, I found a way to become a one of the keep working group because I loved it . I may have retired too early at 70.