How soon is too soon?

[Clay1184]

I'm getting out in a about 382 days, but who's counting. My question is how soon can I start applying for jobs? I'm trying to steer clear of head hunters. I would really love to get out and walk right into a new job with little to no gap. Any advice would be great. I'm sure that I'm not the only one to ask this question.

[Higgs]

3-6 months.

Justin

[DDMurray]

I'm getting out in a about 382 days, but who's counting. My question is how soon can I start applying for jobs? I'm trying to steer clear of head hunters. I would really love to get out and walk right into a new job with little to no gap. Any advice would be great. I'm sure that I'm not the only one to ask this question.

Retired December 2008.  Interviewed July - October.  Started December 2008.  Wish I had taken a month off.

[MMM]

You should start applying about 6 months out, although depending on your experience and what the company needs you're not likely to get any interviews until about 3 months from when you're starting terminal leave. Some companies also take a long time to make selections (Exelon took 3 months for me and a friend of mine) while others take a few days to a couple weeks.

Granted this is just from my personal experience.

[Gamecock]

Wish I had taken a month off.

I agree.

My retirement date was 1 December, but I started terminal leave at the end of August, and started a new job just  prior to Thansgiving.  

The time off was wonderful.  If you have the terminal leave time, I highly recommend using it prior to starting the next phase of your life.

Cheers,

GC