Yesterday I turned 40.
Ugg.
This has been that milestone I've not looked forward too. 20 means you are one year away from drinking legally. 30 usually means you are married, or with a partner of some sort, and have a direction you are going (job, kids, home, etc). 40, well, it's not so easy. My wife and I have been married 17 years as I turn forty, and I've spent more time alive with her vs. without. My kids are 12 and 10, beginning to spread their own baby wings and taking those first steps into the world to find out who they are. I've been at my job for 11 years now, with major changes that have taken place, and that will take place (I could write forever on that place). So 40 leaves you with very little as a direction as which to travel, which is where I'm at right now.
Which path? One that is the safe one, keep teaching, coaching, and playing the business as usual way of living. It's normal, accepted, and what people want to hear about ("how was school?" "how's life out there?")
OR
Cash it out. I'm finally starting to buy into the idea that my 403b, my state pension won't be there. I knew all along that SS wouldn't last for me, but after the last financial bump in the road, I've stopped making contributions into any retirement account. I've purchased tools, seeds, things to better our little piece of land, and things to store as well. Cash that and cash out of teaching, period. We have very little debt (mortgage not withstanding), a payment every six months coming from my wife's family farm, and I know I could substitute constantly if need be. What would I do? Turn my little piece of heaven into a money making venture. I know we could be successful, but would really have to cut back/cut down on the things we do right now. A few more chickens, a little more garden with a hoop house sort of set up or an addition to the house with a greenhouse, all of which are certainly doable.
Direction. Focus. I talk about it with my own children all the time.
Where is mine?
