[Tink]

Marilyn, I understand all too well.
I was where you're at almost a yr ago.
While my situation was different, the longing to have more time to do my own thing was very strong and that's what I'm reading from you.

We only get one chance to live. Once that's gone there is no turning back. There is no perfect solution... only "best" ones. Will you be financially disadvantaged if you were to quit now? Will the difference in your 401K make a real difference in your quality of life at retirement? If not.... then what are you doing it for?

My Dad retired at 64... after many years of back and joint problems and still when he retired he felt guilty... as if he really should have kept working longer. His first Soc Sec and retirement account checks arrived the day after his funeral. He died suddenly of a massive heart attack and never got to enjoy his retirement or collect on any of the money he'd worked so hard to put away.

Had we known, we would have encouraged him to retire sooner. But we can't know. Sometimes you DO have to start thinking about yourself... and what better time than while you're still able to enjoy it? Now that your nest is empty you are entitled to be focusing differently. So many years you've lived for and devoted yourself to others... if your turn is to come, you need to choose it.

Whatever you decide to do, you know we will all stand beside you and celebrate it with you. Just try to decide based on the reality of the situation rather than a false sense of obligation. You're a smart lady... you'll make the right choice at the right time.