I stopped working to earn an income since the beginning of 2020. How does it feel now, after 6 months away from the workplace and in retirement? Frankly, it feels great.

Starting out

The first few months were rough as I wrestled with doubt that taking a break was the right thing to do. I worried if I’ll ever be employed again, and if I was condemning myself to a lower salary and dimmer career prospects. I never had a gap in employment before, and I didn’t know what to do with myself. I was also trying out a new treatment, which had serious side effects. I had headaches and my insomnia worsened. I had doubts it would work, and thought about quitting it early. Finally, I had the great misfortune to stop working just a couple of months before the greatest stock market crash in decades. I watched in horror as my portfolio dropped over 30%, leaving me scrambling to add funds so to avoid a margin call....