[mgarblik]

First congratulations on your retirement. I was forced into retirement July 1, 2013. Ten years ago now! I was 55. My employer made a package offer in conjunction with the state retirement system and "Strongly suggested" we take it. Approximately 10% of the employees took the deal, myself included. I thought I had all my ducks in a row, but I had greatly miscalculated the cost of paying 100% of the health care costs for my wife and myself out of pocket. It was absolutely shocking. We didn't meet the requirements for any of the various handouts in Obamacare. As a result, Crappy healthcare for my wife and I cost right at $25,000 a year and had a $7500.00 deductible, and a maximum $30,000 maximum out of pocket each year. It was horrible and paid for almost nothing. Now that we are both on Medicare, it's like getting a huge raise every month. Make sure your health care is what you expect at 56 years old. I also worked at home with a single lift and a nice shop. I could be working 24/7 on customer cars if I wanted to. I raised my labor rated 3 times, $10.00 an hour each time to try and slow the work down. Made no difference. Got 3-4 calls for repairs a day, every day. I would pick and choose what I want to do. Trying to do more old, collector car work than late model cars. Customers have money, the cars are nicer and they are willing to wait. As of July, 1, 2021 I formally closed my little shop. Now I just work on my stuff and family cars. Overall, you will love it and soon will not understand how you ever had time for your "regular job". Congrats and enjoy. You earned it.