Started work life as a Munitions Maintenance guy ( BB stacker ) in the Air Force and got to visit very warm and unfriendly places. Took a 4 year break for school and worked as bartender/car valet/stocker,etc. Rejoined the USAF and moved over to Refrigeration-A/C and got to visit some far away, remote places. This was during the 'Cold War' days. Retired with a total of 21 years and went to work as a distillation guy making ethanol. ( 15 years ) Now I just maintain Boilers/Chillers and other HVAC equipment (part-time). As you can see, I have a real problem 'sticking' to a job.
Soon you can retire, maybe. At least you got to see a few countries, probably the unfriendly ones weren't so much fun.
"Now I just maintain Boilers/Chillers and other HVAC equipment" Old chiller removed last year from the River Lodge Hotel in Laughlin, NV. Below, the new replacement unit being worked into it's new workplace. These are BIG machines, folks!
I'm also looking forward to my retirement. I just don't have that option for now since the social security pension here is not sufficient to keep me alive decently. But I have no regrets in sticking with my job because the compensation is quite good and I have many benefits. However, the work pressure is so great sometimes that I cry with frustration. Being in an executive position has its advantages and disadvantages, I just want to think that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. At least that idea gives me the strength to go on with life in the office.
The timing on when to retire is of course different for each of us. I figured I had a few more years to continue to work, but not at the pace I was at. My military retirement plus Social Security, allowed me to reduce my hours. A couple of old injuries started rearing their ugly heads and slowing me down.
If I had to guess, the old one in the first picture is a York chiller and the new one going in is a Carrier. Those are some bad boys.
Yes, after reading quite a few of your posts, it does seem to me that you have quite a stressful life or day. The traffic alone you deal with is enough. But you also have some nice luxuries like the 2 housekeepers, lots of trips, etc. I guess it's a delicate balance of what you are willing to deal with to have the lifestyle you want.
Yeah, the luxuries somewhat neutralize the stressful life I have. In fairness to me, I'm not the only one complaining about the heavy traffic, it's already getting to the nerves of everyone. Even the president is being challenged by the crowded roads in the city. When I come home, I act like a princess, sitting in front of the tv or just cuddling our dogs. The housemaids do the house chores and the cooking is handled by my husband. And when we have extra money, we plan a trip just to get away and rejuvenate.
It seems like your home is your oasis, and sanctuary and soft place to fall, as it should be. I know I would not be able to cope with any high stress position at this point in my life. I know how hard it can be. Hopefully at some point you will be able to retire and enjoy the good life. Maybe you can make a plan to retire on such a such a date in the not too distant future, so it doesn't seem like a time that will never come. That may help you cope with the day to day events as they happen.