May have to take forced early retirement (10 years early)

[Bradshaw3]

4. I retired as soon as I could and it's worked out

Of course I don't know all your circumstances but sometimes it's not as bad as it seems. I believe SS will be around and, combined with a university pension, the two income streams have served me well. Also you can work while on SS, the first year especially. I worked in academic media and was able to free lance to add to my income. Sounds like you two may be able to do the same. While universities are cutting back, they still have to provide services but doing with with freelancers cuts their cost. Not good for workers but if you can have multiple income streams you may be able to make it work.

Also, don't know if this will be part of the offering but I had a choice between taking a lump sum and a monthly pension and chose the latter. So glad I did. The AARP has an article this month on that very topic.