Talking about talking about termination

I just got out of a particularly "busy" session with T. As bad as the last year has been, I realize that I have really grown, and so has Little Cool. I talked about that a lot in the session. I talked about SO MUCH in this session; I could have gone on talking another hour or more.

I know she and I will terminate in 2 or 3 years, because she is going to retire then, but it is already on my mind A LOT. She is the only t I have seen individually (I did some family therapy years ago.). I have seen her for more than 30 years.

At the same time, I am considering retirement for myself. I have worked in my current job for over 35 years, a job I used to love, but which I now hate. I've looked at my finances, and I know I can probably retire by the end of this year. If certain things (which I won't talk about publicly, as much as this forum is, lol) happen at my job, I can see working there another few years, but I don't HAVE to.

So far, it has been ok (for me) to talk about my retirement but not T's retirement.

There is so much more I can say. For now, let me share what I shared with T a little while ago: I still have everything T has ever given me (emotionally, intellectually, physical gifts), and they won't go away just because she will.

@coolibrarian sorry to hear your T is retiring but a lot can happen in a couple years.

If you want to retire now, having some project to work on can really take away the anxiety of not having a focus and direction. Some people find volunteering very satisfying.

In the US, if you qualify for Social Security, another trick to make the cash flow better assuming we live a long time, is to postpone taking benefits until age 70. Every year after 62 the benefits go up 8% which can mean a big difference assuming we get into our 80's or 90's which is not uncommon. What that means is having enough money to form a bridge to pay expenses until age 70, or as long as you can postpone it up to age 70. Benefits max out at age 70. Apply for benefits 4 months before you want to begin taking them. Plan on starting on your birthday of whatever year you retire to max out the benefit for that year.

Is part time work an option where you work? 4 days working and 3 off is a lot better than 5 days working and 2 days off.

Hugs @coolibrarian im sorry to hear your t is retiring.

@coolibrarian, I am sorry that you are going through this.

The highlighted portion of my post is so true. I have been seeing my therapist for over 40 years. 2 years ago, he told me he may be retiring in two years. Well, it's 2 years now, and he said that he loves his job so much that he may never retire. He may just reduce his hours.

So, it's possible she could change her mind.

My therapist is 70, claims she has no plans to retire, but...she's 70. So. I feel where you're at with the T retirement event.

As for your own retirement, it feels sad to hear you say that you hate your job. Why keep going...I know, there's the money and such, but...

I am in the US and know about Social Security. I will probably file my SS paperwork this month. After I retire, I may work at a part-time job for a while, and I will give most of my free time to writing. I am a published poet and am currently working on 2 books, which I would like to publish in the next year or two.