Early retirement after decades of doing what I loved

It's official, I'm now in early retirement after decades of doing what I loved, mostly on my own terms. leading me on an interesting great adventure all while meeting some interesting, smart, and very cool people while making some life-long friends, and even a few haters along the way.

Retirement? Well, mostly retiring anyway, I don't think most Advantage Players ever fully retire.
I'll be doing some online stuff, including some sports betting, and certainly, if a big play comes along I will be there with bells on. I'll also have action on some ongoing plays.

Why retire when there's still plenty of money to be made? I really dislike the Nevada desert, and while Las Vegas has much to offer, it doesn't have what makes me happiest.

It's been a dream of mine since I was a teen to own waterfront property and enjoy all the beauties of the great outdoors while fishing, hunting, panning, rock hounding, camping, and 4 seasons. I'll get to enjoy the mountains, the rain, the snow, the ocean beaches, the green, the trees, lakes rivers, steams brooks, and creeks every day. I hope to be able to walk outside my door and enjoy my own creek/river/oceanfront property.

I will not be sitting on my ass doing nothing. Obviously, fishing, boating, and traveling, but I will also be doing much more than I do currently, hopefully building/restoring and improving property/land with sweat equity, all while taking the time to do the stuff mentioned above.
I'll be selling my Mercedes and lowrider truck and buying electric Bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, 4-wheel drives, backhoes, boats, and chainsaws.

I already have a 35' class A, Winabago, a small boat along with a few hefty solar power banks, a few generators, and recently bought a cargo van.

I bought 24+ acres in northern California, and I plan on buying something similar in Washington State. I spent about 3 months on the road looking for the perfect places, I have a few in mind. Perhaps I'll change my handle to River Wolf.

I can't say 100% for sure exactly where this will all lead me, or what's in the cards, but I have a vision in my head and a flexible plan.

May all the good-hearted AP's and the new generation of AP's crush the casinos, make millions, and lead a happy life.

And who knows...

♪♪ Now you swear and kick and beg us that you're not a gamblin' man. Then you find you're back in Vegas with a handle in your hand.♪♪

Congratulations.

Very cool, rock on. Of course, someone will be along soon here telling you you are doing it all wrong, the left coast is terrible, blah blah

Wow, all this stuff you want to buy and stuff you want to do and places you want to live that you think will make you happy. It doesn't work like that. If you're not happy now and you obviously are not, happiness is not a thing you can buy or go after. But you can only know that after you try to do it.

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” Nathaniel Hawthorne

Some environments are better to be in, others are just the worst or bordering on the worst.

A lot of A.Wolf's posts are about things he has bought, thinking about buying, or will buy soon. In this post he mentions a Mercedes in another about how he used to drive a Porsche. He's told us that he was very lucky with the girls in high school. He's also pointed out that "guaranteed" he'll have a 19 year old girlfriend if it doesn't ever work out with his wife. None of these things is a problem, but that he feels compelled to tell us these things, well, I agree with your conclusion.

Congrats. Retirement is the best job I’ve ever had. Do what you want, when you want.

Quote: SOOPOO

Congrats. Retirement is the best job I’ve ever had. Do what you want, when you want.
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It takes some getting used to.

For what it is worth, I've ridden in a Mercedes that Axel had when I was living in Henderson.

Very awesome to hear! I did the same thing this year, but in reverse. Got the bittersweet news in June that my employer of 30+ years was folding up, and by August I had sold my boat, had house on market, sold my car, and sold/donated everything I owned that did not fit in the U-Haul trailer on the back of my SUV, then headed west to Vegas! Blessed that I was able to do this when my age still starts with a 5.

You'll be back!

Quote: EvenBob

Wow, all this stuff you want to buy and stuff you want to do and places you want to live that you think will make you happy. It doesn't work like that. If you're not happy now and you obviously are not, happiness is not a thing you can buy or go after. But you can only know that after you try to do it.

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” Nathaniel Hawthorne
link to original post

I never said I wasn't happy, normally I'm fairly happy, however, I'm just happier doing other things I can't really do in Vegas. I'm in total bliss trout fishing in a beautiful creek. I love RVing, and the outdoors.

It's not as if I'm just running off on a whim doing it without any test/experience. We spent 3 months doing it this summer, and have spent time in previous years doing it.

Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: EvenBob

Wow, all this stuff you want to buy and stuff you want to do and places you want to live that you think will make you happy. It doesn't work like that. If you're not happy now and you obviously are not, happiness is not a thing you can buy or go after. But you can only know that after you try to do it.

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” Nathaniel Hawthorne
link to original post

I never said I wasn't happy, normally I'm fairly happy, however, I'm just happier doing other things I can't really do in Vegas. I'm in total bliss trout fishing in a beautiful creek. I love RVing, and the outdoors.

It's not as if I'm just running off on a whim doing it without any test/experience. We spent 3 months doing it this summer, and have spent time in previous years doing it.
link to original post

Taking what you do when you're on vacation and doing it full time as your lifestyle are two different things. Galloping full speed into what you consider happiness is not going to get you there. Either you're happy or your not and you obviously are not. It doesn't matter, you'll find out. Then you get to go galloping off into another direction. If you're paying attention you will eventually realize that Nathaniel Hawthorne was correct. True happiness only lands on you briefly and you know it when it's happening. But if you go searching for it you'll never find it.

Quote: MDawg

A lot of A.Wolf's posts are about things he has bought, thinking about buying, or will buy soon. In this post he mentions a Mercedes in another about how he used to drive a Porsche. He's told us that he was very lucky with the girls in high school. He's also pointed out that "guaranteed" he'll have a 19 year old girlfriend if it doesn't ever work out with his wife. None of these things is a problem, but that he feels compelled to tell us these things, well, I agree with your conclusion.
link to original post

All of those things are true, so what's your point? Heck, when I was 35 I dated a 19-year-old for a few months before she went off to college.

I had a lot of fun crazy times over the years, perhaps more to come.

Not everything has been peaches and cream, I came to Vegas with almost nothing, no car, no license, and only a few hundred dollars. Just my luck, I got a situation my first night here, and now I'm actully in the hole.

There was a time before coming on the forums when my wife and friends were told I probably wouldn't make it through the night. A year later after a long time in the hospital kept alive via TPN, I was finally told by hospital doctors I would never eat again and my only choices were to be sent to hospice and die or get a feeding tube. I walked out of the hospital the next day and figured it out despite what the doctors were saying(we searched for the best gastroenterologist in NV). That's not even the half of it. I rarely think about that stuff.

I remember running into other Advantage Players after I recovered. They were very surprised as they thought I had passed away.

I have overcome much adversity in my life and often bounced back even stronger.

When I set my mind to doing something, I figure it out and accomplish it, one way or another.

Quote: EvenBob

Either you're happy or your not and you obviously are not.

Don't project man, don't project.

Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: MDawg

A lot of A.Wolf's posts are about things he has bought, thinking about buying, or will buy soon. In this post he mentions a Mercedes in another about how he used to drive a Porsche. He's told us that he was very lucky with the girls in high school. He's also pointed out that "guaranteed" he'll have a 19 year old girlfriend if it doesn't ever work out with his wife. None of these things is a problem, but that he feels compelled to tell us these things, well, I agree with your conclusion.
link to original post

All of those things are true, so what's your point? Heck, when I was 35 I dated a 19-year-old for a few months before she went off to college.

I had a lot of fun crazy times over the years, perhaps more to come.

Not everything has been peaches and cream, I came to Vegas with almost nothing, no car, no license, and only a few hundred dollars. Just my luck, I got a situation my first night here, and now I'm actully in the hole.

There was a time before coming on the forums when my wife and friends were told I probably wouldn't make it through the night. A year later after a long time in the hospital kept alive via TPN, I was finally told by hospital doctors I would never eat again and my only choices were to be sent to hospice and die or get a feeding tube. I walked out of the hospital the next day and figured it out despite what the doctors were saying(we searched for the best gastroenterologist in NV). That's not even the half of it. I rarely think about that stuff.

I remember running into other Advantage Players after I recovered. They were very surprised as they thought I had passed away.

I have overcome much adversity in my life and often bounced back even stronger.

When I set my mind to doing something, I figure it out and accomplish it, one way or another.
link to original post

Don't let the naysayers get you down. They are just envious of your success and your contentment. Remember what Willy Wonka said to Charlie Bucket:

Wonka: "Don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he wanted."
Charlie Bucket: "What happened?"
Mr. Wonka: "He lived happily ever after.

Quote: billryan

Quote: SOOPOO

Congrats. Retirement is the best job I’ve ever had. Do what you want, when you want.
link to original post

It takes some getting used to.

For what it is worth, I've ridden in a Mercedes that Axel had when I was living in Henderson.
link to original post

Was that the Black E-350 or the silver/grey C250? The C250 was totaled.

Oddly enough, all my car accidents seemed to have happened in OCT. Oh sh*%, it's OCT.

Quote: SOOPOO

Congrats. Retirement is the best job I’ve ever had. Do what you want, when you want.
link to original post

I have Mostly been doing that anyways ever since I got into AP in the 90's.
Over the last 3 or 4 years I haven't really put in all that much time.
Yeah, there were a few times when it could be very long hours and not always fun, and a few times when you couldn't wait for the play to end.

Quote: GenoDRPh

Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: MDawg

A lot of A.Wolf's posts are about things he has bought, thinking about buying, or will buy soon. In this post he mentions a Mercedes in another about how he used to drive a Porsche. He's told us that he was very lucky with the girls in high school. He's also pointed out that "guaranteed" he'll have a 19 year old girlfriend if it doesn't ever work out with his wife. None of these things is a problem, but that he feels compelled to tell us these things, well, I agree with your conclusion.
link to original post

All of those things are true, so what's your point? Heck, when I was 35 I dated a 19-year-old for a few months before she went off to college.

I had a lot of fun crazy times over the years, perhaps more to come.

Not everything has been peaches and cream, I came to Vegas with almost nothing, no car, no license, and only a few hundred dollars. Just my luck, I got a situation my first night here, and now I'm actully in the hole.

There was a time before coming on the forums when my wife and friends were told I probably wouldn't make it through the night. A year later after a long time in the hospital kept alive via TPN, I was finally told by hospital doctors I would never eat again and my only choices were to be sent to hospice and die or get a feeding tube. I walked out of the hospital the next day and figured it out despite what the doctors were saying(we searched for the best gastroenterologist in NV). That's not even the half of it. I rarely think about that stuff.

I remember running into other Advantage Players after I recovered. They were very surprised as they thought I had passed away.

I have overcome much adversity in my life and often bounced back even stronger.

When I set my mind to doing something, I figure it out and accomplish it, one way or another.
link to original post

Don't let the naysayers get you down. They are just envious of your success and your contentment. Remember what Willy Wonka said to Charlie Bucket:

Wonka: "Don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he wanted."
Charlie Bucket: "What happened?"
Mr. Wonka: "He lived happily ever after.
link to original post

Good advice. I'm sure EvenBob figured out that when I'm in Washington doing my thing I don't post much, if at all. He is just afraid I'll leave him for good. He shouldn't worry since there are a lot of cold rainy days in WA. I'm sure I'll find some time to spend with him here.

Quote: EvenBob

Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: EvenBob

Wow, all this stuff you want to buy and stuff you want to do and places you want to live that you think will make you happy. It doesn't work like that. If you're not happy now and you obviously are not, happiness is not a thing you can buy or go after. But you can only know that after you try to do it.

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” Nathaniel Hawthorne
link to original post

I never said I wasn't happy, normally I'm fairly happy, however, I'm just happier doing other things I can't really do in Vegas. I'm in total bliss trout fishing in a beautiful creek. I love RVing, and the outdoors.

It's not as if I'm just running off on a whim doing it without any test/experience. We spent 3 months doing it this summer, and have spent time in previous years doing it.
link to original post

Taking what you do when you're on vacation and doing it full time as your lifestyle are two different things. Galloping full speed into what you consider happiness is not going to get you there. Either you're happy or your not and you obviously are not. It doesn't matter, you'll find out. Then you get to go galloping off into another direction. If you're paying attention you will eventually realize that Nathaniel Hawthorne was correct. True happiness only lands on you briefly and you know it when it's happening. But if you go searching for it you'll never find it.
link to original post

I lived there full time for 18 years man. I have missed it ever since.
And 3 months isn't really just a Vacation.

Quote: AutomaticMonkey

You'll be back!
link to original post

It would have to be something fairly extraordinary for me to come back for any good length of time. I will definitely come to visit, possibly more than I think, I can't imagine missing our annual Superbowl Party.

But, I will never say never.

Good for you AW. You've shown us some of your retirement plans and it looks like a great adventure. Don't be a stranger.

Quote: OnceDear

Good for you AW. You've shown us some of your retirement plans and it looks like a great adventure. Don't be a stranger.
link to original post

WMOAT! 🍻

Congratulations, AxelWolf! Hope your future holds even more of the things you love.

Dog Hand

Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: AutomaticMonkey

You'll be back!
link to original post

It would have to be something fairly extraordinary for me to come back for any good length of time. I will definitely come to visit, possibly more than I think, I can't imagine missing our annual Superbowl Party.

But, I will never say never.
link to original post

That's all I meant, back to visit. It all looks different as a visitor.

I'm still catching on to being a local. Funny thing is, when I'm on the Strip (yes I actually do play the Strip!) I feel like I'm obliged to make sure the visitors can find their way around and enjoy themselves.

.
great for you dude - doing the things you love
what could be better__________?_________nothing
wishing you the best

.

Retirement is about knowing what makes you happy and doing the things that make you happy. If Axel doesn't like the Vegas desert (which is very understandable) then moving to places he does like is understandable.

Regarding 19 year old girls - I would never want one for a girlfriend for longer than 1 - 2 days. I'm into relationships, and having someone I enjoy talking with is important. I guess we're all different that way.

Congrats Axel!

I don't think I could ever retire as a AP unless things dry up.
I don't do it as a job. It's a hobby i enjoy.

I find it fun to play +EV and casino gives me perks for taking their $.
I like free overpriced rooms and free overpriced food.
But i stopped with the knick knack gifts. Got a garage full of junk.

I need to do like you and scope out a new place to live.
There's nothing holding me to my house any longer. Hasn't been for years.
But i'm just too lazy.. too comfortable.

Good luck with your new adventure!
Keep us posted

Wishing you very good health, safe travels, and lots of joy.

tuttigym

Congratulations, AxelWolf!! I’m very excited for you as you start into this next chapter.

I hope you’ll still hang around this board and post.

Quote: gordonm888

Regarding 19 year old girls - I would never want one for a girlfriend for longer than 1 - 2 days. I'm into relationships, and having someone I enjoy talking with is important. I guess we're all different that way.

You just have to learn to speak their language. Talk about Barbie dolls and Pokemon cards.

Quote: unJon

Congratulations, AxelWolf!! I’m very excited for you as you start into this next chapter.

I hope you’ll still hang around this board and post.
link to original post

We have two retirement success stories here. Me and terapined. Both were full time workers and both of us took the plunge with our own separate plans. As different as night and day. But both worked out. I’d be going crazy doing what terapined does. And I doubt he’d be happy in my life situation.

I think though that you are more ‘changing’ than retiring. Hard for me to imagine, knowing you, that you just won’t be making more $$ on online plays and of course less in B and M casinos. Kinda like you are switching to a full time ‘work from home’ position.

You haven’t mentioned wifey in your plans. Is she content on retiring and leaving civilization as much as you are?

Quote: SOOPOO

Quote: unJon

Congratulations, AxelWolf!! I’m very excited for you as you start into this next chapter.

I hope you’ll still hang around this board and post.
link to original post

We have two retirement success stories here. Me and terapined. Both were full time workers and both of us took the plunge with our own separate plans. As different as night and day. But both worked out. I’d be going crazy doing what terapined does. And I doubt he’d be happy in my life situation.

link to original post

So you don't think he'd go from living in trailer parks in the back of his truck to living in The Villages? Yeah, right.. But then I wouldn't do either one. I wouldn't live in The Villages if it was free. Year-round humidity and bugs and nothing but rich retired people with a stick shoved up their hindquarters. No thanks.

Quote: EvenBob

Quote: SOOPOO

Quote: unJon

Congratulations, AxelWolf!! I’m very excited for you as you start into this next chapter.

I hope you’ll still hang around this board and post.
link to original post

We have two retirement success stories here. Me and terapined. Both were full time workers and both of us took the plunge with our own separate plans. As different as night and day. But both worked out. I’d be going crazy doing what terapined does. And I doubt he’d be happy in my life situation.

link to original post

So you don't think he'd go from living in trailer parks in the back of his truck to living in The Villages? Yeah, right.. But then I wouldn't do either one. I wouldn't live in The Villages if it was free. Year-round humidity and bugs and nothing but rich retired people with a stick shoved up their hindquarters. No thanks.
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Of course it’s not for you. Your negative attitude about pretty much everyone and everything pervades your existence. My point was that all 3 of me, terapined, and Axel saw something beyond work that was attractive to us, and went for it. The details are not what’s important.

I’ve been there November through April. Not humid nor buggy where I’ve stayed. I’m sure the summer is different.

Quote: DRich

Quote: gordonm888

Regarding 19 year old girls - I would never want one for a girlfriend for longer than 1 - 2 days. I'm into relationships, and having someone I enjoy talking with is important. I guess we're all different that way.

You just have to learn to speak their language. Talk about Barbie dolls and Pokemon cards.
link to original post

It can be hard getting them off their iPad long enough to converse.

Congratulations on retirement, Axel. If it's anything like others I've spoken with, there may be occasional weekend long vacations from leisure, to play unusually lucky games you hear about.

Congratulations on early retirement! This is the dream we all wish to become a reality. Who wouldn't want to extricate themselves from 12hr days slaving away behind a computer desk, wheels of a truck, scrubbing toilets, or cleaning up after other people.

Looking at all my colleagues who were able to retire, early, on time, or late, the happy one's do the following:

1.) Develop a routine that includes fitness and learning as dedicated activities
2.) Keep in touch with friends and family
3.) Beautify your abode, garden, yard, etc.
4.) Let go of the things that give you stress, anger, or negativity
5.) Some but not all like to explore, depending on their animal spirits.....others just drink their spirits (in moderation?)
6.) Cross off the bucket list

In my own preparation, i did come across some people that find early retirement lonely. I think they are doing it all wrong!!! Retire me now, and I would be on the move crossing off my bucket list.

Safe travels and bring back stories!