My wife would not respect me if I wanted to quit my job and she still works. Common sense tells me you are asking for trouble.

Using back issues as a reason to retire at 40? Trapping is had on a man’s back too.

If things get tight, wifey could always pick up some OT, or get a second job.

I’d be sure she is working from home. Save money on not having to commute and you can keep close tabs on her to monitor if a second job is doable. Win/win

I know the grass is always greener, but think about the fact that you are saying your back is shot but you want to hunt n trap like there's no tomorrow? Dude, serious trapping is back breaking work!

Why don't you look into a different career path? At 39 you're plenty young to take a new road?

I would wait and think about it in another 5 years meanwhile since you don’t need your income put the next 5 years earnings in savings.

Today is my first full day of retirement. Worked in a Coal Mine for 28 and a half years. No regrets yet.

That's not retiring, that's called quitting your job. When you retire for me is I have money coming in from other avenues.

I am in a similar situation, although not retired. I worked a 50 hr/week manager job for 15 years and I was offered an opportunity to start farming with my dad(not nearly as prolific as my other job). My wife and I discussed this and she agreed to our change. Most of the year, I have a lot more time on my hands than I used to. Other times I am very busy obviously. She is very dedicated to her job and honestly prefers to be the bread winner. We had similar salaries at the time I quit my job, but she has since gotten raises that almost puts us where we were when I quit. Sometimes it is tough, I'm not going to lie, and there are a lot of days that aren't hunting season and I would be resented if I filled my truck and boat up with gas 3x/week to go fishing. I think you will find after about a month or 2 of retirement that you will have to find a way to remain productive and make some money. I know I don't want to be 70 years old greeting people at Walmart. Way to go on the paid off house and vehicles though.

You got back problems?Trapping is harder on my back than my real job was.