Right now, I have something to fall back on. My husband has a great job (finally!) that he absolutely loves. I think he will work there as long as they have a spot for him doing engineering.

But last year was very scary. The company he worked for lost the contract he was on. He was so good, they wanted to keep him, so they kept trying to find things to put him on. But it was just little things. So one week he would have a job, the next they would say they were finally laying him off. It became untenable and he finally said let's quit horsing around. After a month of him at home, he finally received another offer and saved my sanity. But yuck!

Although it was at the same salary, it was probably the worst job in the world for him. He was bored to tears and just didn't fit in with the company at all. And they were stupid enough not to take the benefit of his expertise and experience. Their loss. But during that time, it was all I could do to keep him hanging on. He even applied for jobs before I thought he should since he had just started the new one. But he was right and was very fortunate to get the one he has now.

Last year was a real eye opener. We are not ready for retirement, forced or otherwise. I need to get my act together.

As for quitting, I have that option now. But when I look at what I would do otherwise...NO WAY! It's been too many years out of the work force raising kids to go back to being an engineer again. I really don't think after all this time of running things my way, I could stand to work for a boss.

I could lay around all day, watch soaps, and eat bonbons but I'm too fat now. I could spend lots of time reading books, which is probably the only thing I would like to do more of. You should see my pile of books.

Even if I never get my act together and really start making decent money, I don't think I will ever quit IM. Take breaks maybe, but not quit. It's something that can go with me regardless of where we end up. Besides if I didn't have this, my husband would drive me crazy when he does retire and is at home all day. And it keeps me out of the mall, which is what I tell my husband. He thinks he would rather I was at the mall.