Looking for the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Retirement. Update/ GOOD NEWS!!!!!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Since Dk has been a big part of my life for the past 6 years, I've decided to reach out to all you dear people who are living the retired life to share some insight into what retirement looks like to you now.
I just turned 60, have a fabulous job, work 3 days, 11 hours per day, work with wonderful staff and new mommies and babies. I make what many would consider very good income. My work days are long and demanding and challenging, both mentally and physically as I probably walk an average of 5-6 miles a day throughout the unit, and am standing a good part of the day as well.

BUT, I am just tired. Tired of the committment, tired of the responsiblity, tired of all the requirements of hospital employment. Tired of being gone 3 whole long days a week. I leave at 6:30am and not home til 6:30 pm and just come home and go to bed because it's such a long mentally draining day. (I am also up everymorning at 4:20 to go to Crossfit at 5:00 before work)
I love, love , love staying home. I have always been a home body and have many hobbies and activities to be as busy as I want to be. First and foremost, I have two amazing grandchildren that I see and have hours and hours of playtime with at least 1-2 times a week, However, I just feel like I am missing out on more with them.
And the finanical loss would be considerate, but it would certainly not send us to the Food Stamp line or buying Purina.
When is it enough? When did you decide and what helped you make up your mind? Does anyone have any regrets or wish they had stayed employed longer? I would very much appreciate your thoughts and feelings about this, as I am just making myself miserable with indecision. Thanks in advance.

update:
After so much great input from everyone here and discussing this with DH and family, we have our sights set for this Oct. I feel such a sense of relief and that sense of dread on the mornings of work is greatly lessened. Still there tho. Find myself wishing it was Oct already. We are preparing financially and it's looking very do-able with some minor adjustments, but nothing earth shattering. I am as frugal as they come, so my spending habits won't change. I always said I'd still be looking for coupons and sales even if I won a HUGE lottery. Just in my blood I guess. Thank you to everyone who replied as your input was valuable and all taken into consideration in this decision. You are all just such a kind and generous group of friends.

GOOD NEWS!!!!! I will be very busy in retirement. We have grandbaby #3 on the way!!!!! Due in Feb. Wanted to share that with my Dk family. thanks

[Camilla and Darwin]

I have no advice - but I am sure you will make a great choice! Good luck and keep us posted!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I don't know if there would be an option for you to volunteer with those new mommies and babies if you retire, but that could help you through the transition. I found the transition difficult. Much of my social life was wrapped up in my work life. Volunteering helped me through the process of retiring. I, too, have many hobbies, but I needed the social interaction. 

You might try living on your husband's salary and just save your salary for several months to see how it works out for you financially. That's what my son and his wife did before having a family. It provided them enough money for her to be able stay at home with the children.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Sue - Boy, can I relate to this!!!  I retired last week!  I always said that if I have to work - I had the perfect job. I was a nursing professor and nurse practitioner in maternal-child health. I "walked those floors" for 20 years before I started teaching 17 years ago. I loved my students, loved my fellow faculty members, love our administrators, loved my patients - and especially loved nursing. BUT - I too, was just tired. I lost the "spark" that kept me going. I just wanted to stay home with my critters, clean my house, visit and play with my grandchildren, and just "chill."  I know that I can always volunteer at our local hospital and plan to be a "rocking grandma" when I need some cuddle time with the little ones. But I am really looking forward to not getting up with the chickens and being able to do what I want, when I want.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Joyce, how old are you and what are you doing about insurance?

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

I am 65. As far as malpractice insurance goes, I worked for a state institution, so was covered under the blanket plan of the medical center. They are carrying the tail for me. For personal medical insurance, I am on Medicare, plus have a supplemental policy through Mutual of Omaha.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

What is everyone doing about insurance?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I bought my own insurance after leaving a half time job. But now I am on Medicare, great for patients, not so great for providers. With supplemental insurance and Part D insurance it is far less expensive than private insurance was for me.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

What insurance co did you use for purchasing your own prior to Medicare? Obamacare is $370 per mo for me.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I paid around $800 pr so for United Healthcare several years ago. But I always opt for choose my own physicians : )

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I guess my husbands ins isn't looking so bad now. :) Like Karen said earlier, Fire fighters have cadillac ins policies. Although his does come with a high deductible now. Thanks F

[Pam Thomas]

what did you do for secondary? did you go with an HMO

[F, Calla & Luca]

Secondary, are you asking me? I use an AARP plan through United Health Care and it is not an HMO. As a physician I am not fond of having an insurance company choosing which doctors I can go to.