This post will be short and sweet, but I am proud to announce that I am officially entering the retirement phase. I actually gave notice to my work before the holidays, but we’ve been negotiating and I wanted to make sure it was final and communicated to my direct reports and my company before I posted.
Why “phase” you may be asking? Well, I was just going to retire for real, but recognized an opportunity to use my leverage to work a bit more and do a soft transition. In the proposal I submitted, I’ll be working on a contract basis and will help get my product to general release in the US and assist in finding my replacement. In return, I get to live full-time in Mexico with the company paying for any travel needed. I committed to a maximum of one week a month in the US, which means I am now living here full time. WOOHOOO!!! My plan is to work until the time looks right and I feel the team is in a good place, then I will submit my two weeks and retire.
For those of you following along, this was not planned. When I joined my current company, I only expected to be there for 6 months, but 2-ish years later, I am finally making the move. One thing that has been very difficult to get a handle on is how much money we really need as a buffer. You can always have more of course, but you will also live within whatever means you have, so it is tough to determine that sweet spot. We have reached our original target, but I still have anxiety about the nest egg and whether it will be enough. So this extended time frame will help build up a bigger buffer and allow us to do some of the side projects with help instead of by ourselves.
Anyway, I’m stoked to be finally nearing the light that has been so elusive. It is certainly a cliché, but I can truly say that I’m leaving my work to spend more time with family. In my final hours on this earth, I can guarantee that I won’t be thinking about that amazing deal I sold or the slick product I built. I will be thinking of my friends and family, experiences I’ve had and my community. Here’s to getting closer to those things that really matter!
9 Responses
Octavia
Congrats! I am truly happy for you 😊
suga@dirtandcactus.com
Thanks. I am super excited to start this new chapter. I see that you are still living the cruising life. Great to see all your gorgeous pictures. Keep ’em coming!
Firen
This is so amazing Suga! Way to go on building the life you want and committing to what’s important. I can’t wait to come visit!
suga@dirtandcactus.com
Yes! It would be great to have you both down. <3
Mez
Congratulations!
suga@dirtandcactus.com
Thanks, Mez! We would love to have you down at some point. Let’s coordinate!
Ginger White
Wonderful! Very happy for you guys! It is great that you have your priorities straight and that it is working out!
Hugs,
Ginger
Jeff
What the hell? I was the one who supposedly “retired”, but you’re actually doing it? Congrats (I’m so jealous)! Who’s taking your spot?
suga@dirtandcactus.com
Ha! Thanks! Yeah, I thought about you when the notification went out. Tulika is taking over for me! Did you meet her before you left? She’s great and she’ll do a great job with the product.