Because I did this the last time I was briefly “retired” and it changed the way I looked at the amounts I needed to save, I would recommend you live off of the amount you would have if you were finally retired, and bank the rest.

Good luck with whatever you pursue.

Best Wishes,
D4L

Some career advice - stick with what you do now - nothing else pays as good!

Mike

I was equally shocked and saddened to hear of your departure from the company this morning. It won’t be the same without you and our fellow departed colleagues.

You mentioned about the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. I’m not really a fan of these. Purchasing stock in your company is like putting all your eggs in one basket which usually isn’t a good thing. If the company is in a volatile industry such as IT, it makes for an even worse idea. The restrictions with these plans also serve as deterrents. In my opinion, I would only recommend investing in these only if you have the extra cash to spare but certainly don’t count on it as your ticket to retirement.

Good luck in your future ventures Mr. Financial Jungle Guy. As my mentor Tarazan Dan would say, “It’s a jungle out there!”

Good luck and keep sharing your opinions!

Best of luck,
DD

Based on Patty’s recommendation, I’ll attempt to tighted the belt this month. I.e. less eating out, and more coupon cutting. A quick math reveals that my severance package should last us 1.5 year, since my wife income is nearly enough to cover our monthly expenses, although I don’t expect to remain unemployed for that long since BC is wrestling with labour shortage.

Looks like there’ll be no lavishing adventures to Asia or Europe this year. Very well. I guess I’m not like George Costanza who needs to take a vacation from a vacation.

Might I suggest taking a week to just let it all settle in. Relax and decompress from the job. It will also help you to determine what you like/hated from your last job and what to look for in the new one.

Best of luck,
Tim

Take advantage of this excellent opportunity you’ve been given to re-think your career. Best of luck, and keep us updated on your blog of your progress!!

Each position I move to is a world of improvement. This includes the development of new skills, starting a successful consulting business on my own, and being a part of two startups.

Good luck in your search!

James - I’d be interested to learn what you ended up doing each time you left your job.

Nurse/Brad911 - Tentatively I’m considering splitting my time between blogging and finding short-term contract work. My blog’s feed count is reaching 400. I wonder how many I need to earn $1,000/month. Million Dollar Journey and Canadian Capitalist seem to be doing quite well with 2,000+ readers. Something tells me Million Dollar Journey (FrugalTrader) is earning serious money from his blog.

Scott

Best luck.

Just a quick update, I went to Costco to replenish my contact lens supply before the company benefits expire, the optometrist referred me to her friend who runs a gaming company. There’s a lead from reader Ahmed, plus 4 more from other sources. Things are looking promising, and I just might come out of retirement a little early.

[Edit]

later
d

Seriously.

The only job I ever found by applying out of the blue was my first out of school.

Since then, every position, whether contract or full-time has been through a friend (or friend of a friend, etc…).

Brush up your resume, and reach out to this fantastic networking/marketing tool you have here. I’ve even called up previous bosses, and been successful at wringing a contract or two out of them.

I’m a long time reader, and definitely look forward to hearing where you end up.

I also live in Vancouver, and can appreciate the job climate here!