Why I Retired When I Did | My Retirement Story

[@Judy-dq6kl]

I can completely understand why you would feel bad when you saw a stranger in your car driving away. Its almost like saying goodbye to CEO Kris and tangibly seeing it. I plan to retire in 2 years and I'm really starting to mentally prepare myself. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. It helps me prepare myself for doing the same things.

[@RobinsonKris]

Ok, thanks for the validation! Identity and purpose are two of the things that people don't talk enough about in terms of transitioning into retirement. Sometimes it takes that tangible thing to trigger the response. The car, it was! My advice would be to start trying to form an evolving identity for yourself beyond work (if you haven't already) so that you have something in motion when the time comes.

[@Mary-tj5qx]

Thank you for sharing your story. My sister died of ovarian cancer, after being diagnosed while pregnant with what would have been her first child at age 31. She was diagnosed with advanced disease. She was the closest person to me in this life and i took care of her at home so that she didn't have to die in a hospital. I was in my late 20's. We were both so young and had no other family around. A brush with death and seeing people dealing with massive health issues at a young age, really does focus the mind. Life is incredibly short. Too many of us work too long, convincing ourselves we need money that's really all about vanity. I'm in my mid-50's and will "take a package" next year in June. So just 8 months to go. I could easily make the case to continue if all I looked at is finances. But looking at the cost/benefit of working it's clear it's time. My "number" is whatever I have when this ends next June. You have clearly done the right thing, retiring early. Well done.

[@jgheart3018]

You are a strong and passionate woman who speaks with kindness, love & honesty. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@RobinsonKris]

I really appreciate that, thanks for watching!

[@TrekkingwithDebandMike]

I worked in critical care for 30 years and saw how life could change in a heartbeat. Good for you. We retired early and haven't looked back.

[@RobinsonKris]

So you've seen it over and over! People think "life is short" is a cliché but it gets really real when your health takes a turn, doesn't it? Good for you for finding a way to retire and LIVE!

[@DrWelp]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! My mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was 52. Unfortunately, her cancer was not caught early and was quite advanced. She lived 3.5 years. My dad couldn't retire because at the time the ACA did not exist, and my dad's job carried the health insurance, so he had to work. The ACA was implemented just few years after my mom died. I'm so grateful it exists now. If it had existed back then, I'm certain my dad would have retired early to be with her full-time. You two were smart to retire and start enjoying your lives full-time together!

[@ManhattanRats]

Thank you for sharing your story. It's helping us to grapple with our own challenges. Robert in NYC.

[@bonaventure5668]

I fully understand you because I retired at the age 55 at the peak of my career, while I was the dean of an engineering faculty and a full professor, but I retired to provide full time care to my late husband. He fought prostate cancer at the last stage. On the hind side, I am proud of myself making such a tough decision.

[@RobinsonKris]

You bring up a huge point. We can't ever get back the limited time we get with our loved ones. I'm so glad you were able to focus on caring for him and maximizing the time you had left. I'm so, so sorry for your loss.

[@michellem8284]

I had a similar reaction to your car reaction when I downsized and sold off a lot of my possessions. The item that really got me for some reason was the front porch chairs. Go figure. I walked into my soon-to-be-sold house and cried over stupid chairs as the new owners drove away with them. So, I get it. I'm retiring today and definitely stressed about the transition, but recognize that time is precious. So glad you found your way and are healthy.

[@Lifeinthewyldewest]

Holy smokes! This video is reaching so many people! I absolutely love it. As you know, I watched this last night on the big tv! I love how people are here for your story. It’s such an important and inspiring story. I don’t think it was shallow at all regarding your car. I think it was so brave and so hard and I’m sure I would have had the deep well of emotion as well. I’m so very proud of your continued success here on youtube. I’m glad to be here with you. I’m also glad your cancer was caught soon and I’m in awe at all you have been through, all for a purpose to show us we can do hard things in hard times. Keep going Kris! You are changing peoples perspective by sharing your story!

[@RobinsonKris]

I had to get over that voice in my head that said "nobody wants to hear this, why are you doing this?" But I also feel that context matters and I want to be able to point back to it from other videos as I go through more topics in case people want more context. You light me up, Tracie! I REALLY appreciate your encouragement and continued support. I find myself thinking "I wash my videos were more like Tracie's" because I love how artistic and vibey you are. I'll get there....

[@Lifeinthewyldewest]

@ Kris! You make plenty of artistic videos. Your voice over when you filmed the garden analogy. I won’t forget. You are resonating with many. You shared such a great story in this video. I’m glad you didn’t listen to that inner critic and told your story anyways. I finally had a recent light bulb moment. I dont care anymore about the subs and watch hours. I’m having fun and I love creating and that’s what I’m going to keep doing. Today I filmed a lot and I filmed for ME! I filmed what I like. It may or may not be a voice over. I have not decided until I go to edit. Experimenting is fun. That’s what I’m doing over this way.

[@anitaluevano9643]

Yes your videos are very calming thank u

[@RobinsonKris]

Oh, thanks! That's great to hear. I appreciate it.

[@iamjane9628]

Thank you for sharing your story. This is very inspiring and helps put my own concerns into perspective. I am excited to watch more of your videos. I am so glad that you were able to retire when you did. ❤

[@asprelskcalling1151]

The best thing to do ❤

[@Midlifeanticrisis]

So glad you retired when you did. Stress is a killer. I’m getting ready to retire too before I’m in the same boat. My best friend died of ovarian cancer at 59. I am not giving g anymore of my time to this corporation.

[@RobinsonKris]

Right? I felt like if I stayed on, I would have been giving away more years of my life and that was not an option. I'm so sorry you lost your best friend so young.

[@Danielle-ku5iz]

What a blessing.. I enjoy this video.

[@RobinsonKris]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for stopping by!

[@anitaluevano9643]

Thank you for sharing

[@beautifullifesageg.3951]

Thanks for your willingness to share your vulnerability. ❤ Although you’ve been through so much, your story shows how much it’s possible to endure…and still come out thriving! ❤

[@Dr.DorisTorres]

Thank you Kris! ❤ What a heartwarming and inspiring story! 🙏🏼✨🤗🥰❤️❤️

[@unacleary8002]

Thank you for sharing your story💖

[@Approaching60]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Kris. I related to so much of what you said and appreciate your wise advice. I’m contemplating retirement right now, partly prompted by unplanned life happenings, and this was truly helpful. Don’t ever underestimate your impact.🩷

[@chollypaderanga307]

Thank you, Kris for sharing your experience Very helpful to me 😇

[@RobinsonKris]

Oh, I'm so glad! I appreciate you stopping by.

[@PeriwinkleRabbit]

I am new here. We are ready to retire now, but pre-65 medical coverage holds us back. I looked in your channel for an answer, but did not see it. Perhaps I overlooked it? May I ask how you and your husband handle this? Thanks so much. ❤

[@tanyafulton583]

New subscriber who is getting close to retirement. If this question is too personal to answer, I understand but what do you owe your cancer diagnosis being caught so early to?

[@RobinsonKris]

Thanks for asking. I have always had endometrial issues and ovarian cysts so I was always paying attention to what I was feeling. I felt bloated and "off" and when I felt my abdomen I felt something that felt different. Went to my doctor who believed what I was saying, sent me for an ultrasound and within hours we knew I had a mass about the size of a fist in my abdomen. I got into a GYN oncologist within a few days and after seeing him was on the operating table in less than 24 hours. Radical Hysterectomy and stage 1B Ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is very rarely caught before stage 3. There is no test, no screening for it and the symptoms are symptoms that every woman has off and on. Bloating, indigestion, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, digestive issues, feeling full quickly, back pain or...no symptoms at all. Me paying attention to my body, my doctor believing my sense that something was wrong, and both doctors acting quickly lead to my ability to beat it. This Feb I will be officially done with my monitoring process (blood work and exams every 3-6 months) and considered cancer free!

[@RobinsonKris]

And THANK YOU for subscribing!

[@tanyafulton583]

@@RobinsonKris Thank you so much. My grandmother passed many years ago from it because by the time they found it there was nothing they could do. Your response might help save someone else. So glad you listened to your body!

[@anitaluevano9643]

When did u decide to start a channel?

[@RobinsonKris]

I started in May of 2024. It's taught me so much and I really enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by.

[@JackieWolven]

I love your story! So brave!!! You can do anything, Kris! And I’m so glad they caught your cancer. And I get the car! It’s our independence and relearning how to be interdependent is new for most of us. 💙🩵💚

[@RobinsonKris]

You get me, Jackie! I felt so silly about the car at first, but when I started digging deeper into what was really happening, I quickly saw that one of the things I hold most dear, my independence, felt threatened. I also have been having conversations with myself about what happens with aging and the loss of freedom and independence THAT can bring. I need to start prepping NOW! Practicing vulnerability and letting people help me. Whew.