Retiring or not retiring isn’t the point. The point is having financial freedom and doing what you like when you like. The word retirement doesn’t mean anything. The ability to live the remaining healthy years of your life with complete freedom is truly a blessing.
Financial freedom or live your life with complete freedom doesn't really mean anything either, because the reality is nearly all aren't and won't. Not really. 1987 Wall Street Gordon Gekko response to how much is enough: "rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars." That was in 1987, which is only $134m-$267m today. Mike Prince in Showtimes Billions basically says you need a $1b, which I think is correct. Sure those are fictious characters, but the basic premise is there. In order to actually be financially free and free to do what you want, you need f u money. I'd say today $1b or more is f u money.
@@hanwagu9967 yes $1B is definitely F-U money. Notice the FU in CAPs. I think I might have 1B, but in Indian rupees. So I would be free in India for sure !!
Exactly right. I know a lot of people who retired and took SS and Medicare. They are still working into their 70’s because they don’t have enough money to live on. It’s not retirement if you don’t have the financial freedom and resources. Most people don’t save for retirement and then all of a sudden they are 62 and don’t realize SS doesn’t give you much money to live on
As a 70 year old man, I can tell you what the problem is with men retiring. Our entire life we worked hard to provide for our families. We spent the rest of our young life raising a family, being a good husband and fixing things. What most men failed to do is learn, yes I said learn, how to have fun. Fun was never a priority or a focus in our lives. Sure, there was the occasional two week vacation….doesn’t count. Fun needs to be studied and nurtured. I believe God gave us this planet so we could have fun. If you’re having trouble with retirement, you’re having trouble having fun. Take fun seriously. You won’t regret it.
I’m 70 and in the medical field and can’t WAIT to retire and never see the inside of a hospital again! A bunch of noise and chaos I’ll gladly leave behind.
@@PETER394100 If you're 70 years old, you can retire right now if you want to. You're already 3 years past the required retirement age to receive all of your Social Security benefits. The full retirement age for Social Security, and to receive 100% of your benefits is 64, if you were born between 1943-1954, and 67 if you were born 1960 thereafter. I filed for my retirement early when I turned 62, and I don't regret it at all. I love it! If you are financially secured and have a nice retirement savings, then go for it. Whenever a person begins to lose interest in their job, get emotionally stressed out and resents going to work then it's time to leave because, it's a miserable feeling when a person dread going to work, and don't want to be there. It only creates problems in your work performance, anger and hostility in the workplace for yourself and towards other coworkers when your heart is not in it anymore. If you're beginning to endure those negative feelings about going to work, consider it a true sign that it's time for you to retire and start enjoying the rest of your life.
@@fearless6947 seriously? Well ok: long motorcycle rides on weekdays, gym three days a week, beach time, surf, long bicycle rides down the coast, play music, read books I finally have time to read (took a deep dive into the French Revolution about a year ago), amateur astronomy club, take college courses, improve my cooking skills, travel, spend quality time with friends and extended family, manage personal finances for myself and close family, volunteer at the local library and road clean up crews, oh ya and some days I just veg out and relax at home with my dog. Seriously I do whatever I want whenever I want to do it. Days and time are meaningless now. I haven’t set an alarm clock for almost three years because I don’t care what time it is.
Glad you have a career you enjoy. I have a career I like (not love) and can't imagine doing anything else. However, after 40+ years it's time for a change.
I never ever thought about retirement, thought I was way too young at 54. Then I was laid off the end of last year from an almost 25 year job. After the shock wore off, just for kicks I ran some numbers and was like "whoa, I can probably just retire." Saved, invested, always been very frugal, just worked. Wanted to do a good job, the financial rewards were secondary. After the lay off I realize that companies will discard you like trsh, so who cares. I may or may not get a job again, right now, I've loved every day of the last 6 months, my first real time off in 30 years.
@@Robert-z8z1z It sounds like you've found a silver lining in unexpected circumstances! Enjoying your time off after many years of hard work is well-deserved. What new activities or interests have you discovered during your first real break in decades?
Retired at 65. Been retired 14 years now. Knowing what I have experienced and learned over the years I would have prepared for an even earlier retirement. No regrets about retiring at all!
I’ve been lucky to enjoy solo private practice and continue practicing in my 60’s part time. I like living on practice revenue and building my portfolio. I am terrible at sitting on a beach so prefer contributing something to humanity daily. I wish I could enjoy sipping on a pint all afternoon, but I’ll just keep practicing for now.
I'm surprised to hear that, as your profession is quite prestigious. Think of how hard you would of had to study to become a lawyer in the first place. However I do understand that stress is the biggest killer in society. I wish you well
I retired at 64 for 3 years. Then one day I was recruited back into the tech industry by a forner colleague to spin up a new competitive intelligence practice at a major Silicon Valley company. I’m still working at nearly 72 years young. Still having fun traveling on vacations globally and very active. The money is great, social Interaction rewarding, I have a great team, and the company is very flexible giving a lot of freedom on work / life balance- I work from my home office in West Michigan. All good for now.
My former company laid me off in December, after 24 years (age 54). They had just taken away working from home. I didn't want to drive in there and sit in a cubicle or dumb elbow to elbow conference room meetings anyway. If I could get a work from home job I'd take it in a heartbeat. If not, I'm financiallly ok, and will simply retire early. To heck with any strangers or neighbors judging me. I don't owe them any explanation.
That's incredible dedication to fostering dogs! The emotional rewards must be fulfilling. How do you manage the physical demands while finding joy in this rewarding work?
Do you do any work? We retired at 49, 2 and a half years ago, which was awesome, but now we work 2 to 3 days a week in work we enjoy, helps with the finances and I think we enjoy the days off more. We also do some volunteering, we enjoy achieving with others.
@@Chimpangel tbh the most important question is how much do you need annually. We made the decision as we have multiple passive income streams. But it was definitely understanding how much needed until access later pensions.
@@flukeylukey7559 no we don’t work. We have been trying to exercise more, relax and spend time with family. Tbh it’s so busy - we’re lucky our adult kids still want to hang out and now we have two grandkids (they are even more fun!)
I was financially able to retire at 64, my full retirement age was 65, and I liked what I did, so I worked until I was 66 and continued another 6 months after that as a consultant for a couple of people. I'm no millionaire, and my consulting income was great, but I was ready to let go of this phase of my life and do other things, so I told everyone my end date and stuck to it. No regrets and doing well.
I retire in January at 55. I hated working. I hated being told what to do. The biggest source of stress/depression in my life was due to work. I can't wait to get out of it all. Edit: I retired at 54 (late). I just couldn't take it anymore. I got my pension in January the following year. It's the best thing I have ever done.
I am 42 and I can't wait to retire. I hate wasting 8-10 every single day to do my job. I literally feel like I waste my life. I don't have time for my hobbies, exercises etc. At least not as much as I would like to. Hopefully I will be able to retire at 57 🤞🏻
@@princesswong24 I invested in one particular pension that was on the old Final Salary Pension. I put the maximum amount that I could monthly afford into it. It's on that pension that I have retired on. I took all my other pensions (many different workplaces) and lumped them all into Pension Bee on the highest risk investment. As of today it's earning 67.88% interest. You won't believe how many young people I have advised to invest into their pensions. It falls on to deaf ears and there they go drinking and partying it all up.
Retirement at 57 is a blessing I will never go back to the ratrace. I Walk the dog many times a day, golf 3 days a week with buddies. I shop at quiet times of the week for our food ect, cook lots and read, travel 2 or 3 times a year and entertain my family often. Small house, old truck, good friends. I will never work again! I'm loving my freedom and time is something you can't buy!
I’m 70 and retired last month. It was a 47 year nightmare. I probably could count on one hand how many work days I enjoyed. Have no experience in working something at something I love. Very few people would keep working at their jobs if they won the lottery.
Sounds like MOST of us. Seems he's probably talking about office type people who don't work out in the elements, make a lot of money, not US manual labor guys.
Good on you for being able to stick it out that long. I can't stand work too, and it seems a lot of the world has been turning that way as companies get more and more abusive.
If you are in a position like Rob Berger, you have no idea how lucky you are. I work a 70 hours a week job that is killing me. I am planning to quit this January. My mental and physical health is worth more then what they are paying me.
I used to do exactly that. I've chosen less hours just to save my health and sanity. It still stinks on ice, but at least I'm less likely to send myself to an early grave over it.
I retired at 56 (two years ago) and haven't regretted it. But if I had worked for an employer that treated their employees decent, I would have worked longer. Luckily, I saved very hard and was able to leave early.
Yep. In my humble opinion, you're a perfect candidate to find an easy part time job. Something with very low stress, that will keep you active and give you a little more money to splurge. I could have retired a couple of years ago. I only work part time. I spend the extra money I make and it definitely adds a little spice to my life, plus keeps my mind active.
I was laid off last December after 24 at the same company at age 54. I never thought about retiring before 60 or 65, but I ran some numbers and was like "whoa, I may be able to just retire." I always just wanted to do a great job and help the company. Well, the company will discard you like garrbage. I don't want to go through that again. The main concern I have is being judged by others as "lazy" or a "bum." That's the one thing I'm worrried about, even though I know I shouldn't care.
Retirement is a very recent (historically) development. If you can work keep doing it. Stay active in mind and body. Why work hard to sit on your butt when you have creativity and work that is enjoyable!
Thank you, people don't know this. Not that long ago there was no such thing as retirement. The last people who would remember died probably 40 years ago. You didn't retire, you just stopped doing various things as your physical ability declined, but you lived with your whole extended family in the same house. When they created social security for 65+ a minority of people lived that long at all.
Most people didn't live past 40. They didn't have much time to retire. Old people who did live that long would often sit in the hut and dispense advice to the villagers. There's no real one historical model we can look to cross culturally.
That's wonderful to hear! Enjoying retirement together must be a fulfilling journey. What activities or adventures have you both found most rewarding during these years of retirement?
@@joeinterrante7873 We both have state pensions. I spent a career working in a couple of jobs that most people wouldn’t do. I heard a lot of “I would never do that.” Then, when I retired at 52. I heard, “It must be nice.”
Retire as soon as possible and enjoy life. I'm 61 years old been out of work because I just had surgery I love it so much I decided I'm not going back. Don't ever work if you don't have to
Never heard anyone say they wished they spent more time working as they gasped thier last breath on this earth. As soon as you can swing it, go enjoy the rest of your days not beholden to a job or a schedule.
Coming up on my first year anniversary of retirement. Having to no longer deal with idiots everyday, crawl out of bed every morning to fix other people's problems caused by their stupidity. Having a great time
I think the main reason people leave early is because they were treated poorly. I do agree that people can look at doing something they enjoy even if it doesn't pay much.
There is no such thing as semi-retirement! Either you're retired or you're not. If a person is still working only just a few hours a week, that's not retirement.
@@slimdude2011 Most likely if a person is just working a few hours a week, they probably don't need the job and they can walk away whenever they want. It's not like being tied down to a full time job that you actually need. Big difference.
I retired from being a mechanic and truck driver job at 65 I’m still in really good health. I have my own garage workshop that I fix things for my self and other people. I know I will never run out of projects, always be something to fix or repair. I still ride a motorcycle and have an ATV for fun. I also ride a bicycle for exercise. Me and my wife have two boys and four grand children to keep us busy. People you should enjoy life every day because tomorrow could be a storm coming and life changes.
I retired 4 years ago at 59 and have never regretted that decision. Being fully retired is an incredible opportunity to learn about the world and ourselves, to make new friends, all without the preoccupations of working. I've found it to be an amazing way to live and is the best time of my life.
Exactly! My parents 'retired' early in life but they kept on working on their passions (antiques). I retired early at 62 and I continued working with my passion (plants). Mom and pop are still kickin' at 91 and 93. I think the secret is eating right, sleeping well, and continue to M-O-V-E!
That's inspiring! Staying active and pursuing passions clearly keeps you and your parents thriving. How do you balance your retirement with pursuing your passion for plants, and what benefits have you noticed from staying engaged in what you love?
My dad worked till he was 89. He had a small insurance agency and loved it and literally worked at the agency until he died. I retired from teaching at 60 but I'm not retired. I don't teach anymore but coach and have a small business. This gives purpose, income, and social interactions. I plan on working the rest of my life, but not a daily 9 to 5.
I feel the same way! I enjoy working yet. I'm going to work until I just don't want to anymore. I've done just about everything I wanted to do and see over the years. Maybe I'll slow down some day.
I agree that it is hell to be retired. I will never retire, because I love what I do. To get paid for doing what you love to do is pure joy. I will never retire. The day I retire is the day I die.
I've examined from both side. I'm semi-retired working only 24 hours per week. Some days, I want to retire completely. Some days I get depressed because I feel like working. I'm coming to the conclusion that 16-24 hours a week is perfect. Some structure and discipline in your life is good and healthy. Those that hate their jobs should find a better job that they enjoy. But there are too many drawbacks to being lazy every day.
My wife retired at 62, but I'm working until 70 in case I die before her. She can benefit from my SS. I'm going to continue to work part time after I retire to enhance my income. My work is 13 minutes from my home and I enjoy it. I work with one guy who is 82. He basically helps out training people. I work with two guys who are 74 and 77. They just work 2 days a week to get out of the house. My health is good and I am very blessed for my age. I'll be able to work as I please or not work. I think it will give me peace of mind in case the economy tanks, SS becomes insolvent or I want to buy a 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS.
On the contrary! I’m 70 and will be retiring very soon after 50 years in the medical field. My retirement day will be the happiest day of my life. 😀I will “dread” it about as much as I dreaded high school graduation! The noise pollution that goes along with hospitals…….constant overhead announcements and bulletins, co-workers constant chattering and hollering to each other down hallways, nurses screeching and laughing (like they’re at some drunken bash), alarms from several different types of machines, dealing with patient’s family members, patients continuous pressing their call buttons, patients moaning and yelling!…….backstabbing supervisors and coworkers…….work hours and schedules which prevent any type of normal life. A hospital is HELL ON EARTH! Only a moron would be ‘sad’ about retirement!
Hi Rob, thanks for posting this clip, now I can go on and keep on working without having a second thought. Man, I always thought that working longer I would look 👀 stupid, but now, after come across you, I am no longer afraid…I love what I do, and in turn, I got to keep my mind in shape…millions thanks to you, looking forward for more of your posts.
I’m a federal employee that works from home and don’t really answer to anyone. I get paid for my technical advice and don’t have to report to anyone. I have 5 weeks vacation every year and lots of free time. I have a lifestyle friendly way and feel like I’m retired. All the freedom in the world.
Same! They offered a buy-out. Seemed like a no brainer. Sounded great for about 2 days, but then to my utter amazement, I found myself bummed. So i scratched the retirement idea. I then had an overwhelming attitude of gratitude. I was offered a chance to change everything but opted to change nothing. How blessed is that?!
Treasury rates are rising quickly, the markets are collapsing, inflation is skyrocketing, and the Fed is imposing a significant interest rate hike-all of which will result in further losses for portfolios this quarter. How can I take advantage of the present market volatility? I'm still undecided about whether to sell my $125,000 worth of bonds and stocks.
There are a million interesting things to do in life. Many of which don’t pay anything. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to be locked into a rigid existence if they don’t have to. People work so long they lose their imagination and miss out on enjoying life. Play tennis, play basketball, play board games, read, write, paint, do photography, astronomy, gardening, woodworking, learn a musical instrument or 2. This is without me even thinking.
Thank you, Rob, for this perspective. You make a difference. I’m 53 with a company full of employees, I daydream of retirement all the time and worry about dying too young like my Dad and Grandpa who never got to really enjoy a retirement. But I love what I’ve built and enjoy it. Nice to hear that’s okay too. Thanks.
I had a company with 25 employees and retired over 4 years ago just before my 55th birthday. I'd been happy with what I'd built until the last 2 years when some beaurocratic issues tipped the balance. I think you just naturally come to a point when you realise its no longer making you happy, be it 54 or 94. When you do retire - or if - my advice would be to enjoy the not having to get up and be somewhere for say 6 months before making big decisions, though have small plans to go places, see people, take up a hobby. I managed to fulfill a long held ambition to get a narrowboat (I'm in the UK), and it's been fantastic, I'm very happy I retired when I did.
There is a huge difference between jobs. If your a office professional you can physically do a job much longer. I think we need more advice for people who physically can't do a job into there 60s.
Bravo! This really needed to be said Rob! Life is not one-size-fits all! If working brings one great joy, why should they quit working? No one can judge whether what brings one person joy is better or worse than what brings another person joy. Too many youtube channels seem to look down on those who don't retire early. And a second bravo for not claiming to be "retired" when you are really more like semi-retired. Enjoy your channel and the honesty you bring!
Rob obviously never did any manual labor jobs,,its one thing to chill out in air conditioned building writing financial articles its another breaking your back and knee's breathing in harmful chemicals,risking severe injury every day for a paycheck,,yea no offense but im retiring ASAP you can have my spot.
I don't think he said retirement work had to be the same as non-retirement work. You can turn a hobby into a job, you can be a walmart greeter even (my grandpa did), you could start your own company that employs the manual laborers while you sit back in your a/c office. The point is that retirement may not be what you expect, if you can afford retirement why not continue working doing something you enjoy, that keeps you active (at least your brain), while getting compensated in the process. Bottom line, retirement doesn't have to be the reach x years old and stop working template.
Very true. There is a huge variation in the stress level of jobs due to a variety of factors. Most people are not doing jobs they enjoy and would be better off retiring.
I had a great job, the best for my personality. I was a physician, still am I guess, an anesthesiologist. retired at fifty for medical reasons. I always say I loved working at my chosen profession, I was lucky. hell lucky, it was at the top of a very short list of things I did right in my life. it was a good decision. but I have also said the only thing I love even more than that job was not working at all. its glorious. not for everyone but man oh man it works for me. im 65 yo now.
Thanks, Rob, good advice. One more reason would be, especially for the self-employed, to be able to continue to deduct supplies. This would apply particularly to agriculture or horticulture. I sold my products at the local farmers market for 40 years but tried to keep enough customers after retiring from that in 2018 that I could continue to keep chickens and bees and grow a few crops and sell the surpluses. So now everything that I have to buy, like feed and equipment, continues to be deductible because I declare all the income I continue to make on my taxes.
I'm excited for my future retirement job I have picked out. I won't make much money but I'll be financially secure and will just do it as a passion without worry.
This is true wisdom. I fully agree. I enjoy working and ha e zero intention of "retiring." I turn 67 this weekend. I co.pleyely tired of all the advice and RUclipss that make "retirement" sound like something absolutely necessary and as a kind of Nirvana. How boring!
I completely agree. We are the same age, and I have zero interest in ever retiring. I like working so long as it's something I like. And I always get a charge out of earning money!!
I retired in 2018 at 56 .. I have my dogs , my classic car , my workout routine ,cooking… but the best thing for me was getting a part time security job ..pick the days I want to work weekly . It is the best thing for my mental health and I enjoy it immensely
Dying on the job is never better than dying with a sense of independence and freedom. I am willing to bet that most that want to continue to work are scared of retirement and may not work as hard and under stress as some others. In my profession I see lots of "coasters" that get paid pretty well but do very little. Yes, in that case, why retire?!!!
F.I.N.R. - Financial Independence Never Retire is what I live by. I Retired twice and ya it wasn't for me either. My employer is 91 years old and he still works. I hope 🙏 to work as long as I can.
hi Rob, thank you for the excellent content. I agree with what you said. I just turned 60, and I am an insurance claims manager who really likes my job. I feel that I am making a difference to my department, and I plan to work until I am 70 possibly early 70s. I agree with staying engaged mentally which helps prevent cognitive decline.
An extremely valid proposal for many of us in our 50's and 60's who have less financial commitment, but have insufficient portfolio values to begin drawing down on them... Time is our most valuable commodity and "we don't get it back, the clock only goes in one direction"! Health- permitting i hope to always work until i am literally unable to do my job. ( self-employed construction worker in a 20 yr strong business partnership) We started taking Fridays and Mondays off for a while. We upped our daily rate for labour and found the work stretched even further as a result ! Food for thought !
I was completely retired for 2 and a half years. I was happy but sometimes I felt like I wanted a way to contribute something to society. Then I got an offer to do some part-time work for a nonprofit that I thought that I would enjoy. I took it. I work remotely. I can work while traveling. I mostly make my own hours. The money while not a lot is still significant and reduces the draw on savings, which feels good. The job helps me continue to feel a sense of purpose and makes me enjoy the time I am not working all the more.
I'm at the same stage as you, but looking to find part time work, would be grateful if you could share what kind of part time work you are embarking on, just for some ideas and inspiration. Thank you in advance.
I think it's labels and words. What we are really talking about is more flexible working and learning. We retire because systems tend to be inflexible.
How sad is it that some people that have enough money to retire have to continue to go to work because they cant find anything better to do. If you need a job just to occupy your time then you need to seriously evaluate and make some changes to your life. Hike, fish, golf, garden, house and car maintenance, volunteer, relax, exercise, be more available to people in your life. These are just a few things to get started.
Life is about having enough energy to do the things you enjoy doing as long as you can if you are financially comfortable. Energy & time is more important than money. If working is one that you enjoy than keep at it but make sure it’s not only to have more money. Money is only a tool but living life is a miracle that can not be replaced or duplicated.
Some careers (i.e. Firefighter/Paramedic, Police Officer) cannot physically work into old age, but I think working PT and participating in my hobbies/interests (church, scouts, bowling, fishing, etc.) will keep me going strong. It always amazes me when organizations ask for volunteers, and the seniors all report that they are too busy to volunteer, but then request visits because they are lonely & isolated.
Less than 5% retire before 50. Great that you have the ability to do so. My job is pretty easy. I agree that 40 hours a week, even at my easy job is a little tight. 20-24 hours per week is ideal in my opinon. But that key note is to do something that's fairly fun and easy.
I loved the work I did at my last two jobs (6 years as a legal assistant, followed by 24 years as a project analyst and then manager for a tech company). I enjoyed working long hours. What I have always had a problem with is the social interaction aspects. All my life I've suffered with social shyness and social anxiety. I forced myself to work through it, but it never really went away. Covid work from home was a God send. I thrived better than I had even before. Then they took it away last Spring. Then I got blindsided with a layoff out of the blue end of last year. So, for me, it was a totally unexpected and serendipitous occurrence. I ran some numbers and was like "whoa" I can probably just not have to work anymore (I'm 54). Never thought I would retire this early, but I'm loving it so far.
What do you tell nosy neighbors and relatives when they ask what you do? That's what I'm struggling with, with unexpected (but serendipitous) early retirement at 54. I've always looked young for my age, so that actuallly makes me more selfconcious about telling anyone I'm retired.
@@Robert-z8z1z - I wouldn't worry about what other think. That said, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to pick a 16-24 hour per week job just for your own benefit. It will keep your mind sharp. Just find something fun and easy. Just my opinion.
Echoing your 7th reason, I wanted to thank you Rob for your videos! You have a kind, patient, and accessible approach to your topics. We are all blessed that you are willing to share your knowledge. I’m in my mid-30’s and have learned so much from you. I wish I had all this financial knowledge back in my teens and 20’s. Just goes to show you what kinds of extra education is needed in school and in college nowadays. I try to listen to one of your videos everyday on my commute to work. Please keep ‘em coming!
Good for you. I've been in my industry for 42 years, and I'm so over working outdoors, in the heat of Summer and the Cold of winter. I'm almost 62 and they load us down like we're in our 20's. 63 and 1/2 so I can get Cobra to bridge to Medicare, and I'm done! 18 months to go. Hope I survive.
@@bigjohnson7415Cobra can be very expensive. Once you “retire” your actual income should reduce enough so that you can get ACA with subsidies. You may need to retire December 31 and start January 1 at lower income so that they don’t count your previous wages. It’s worth looking into…..
Time is the most precious "commodity" we have. I like my work, but it takes too much of my energy now when i am older, not enough time or energy for my hobbies. My plan is to exit at 62, will be busy without the day work also....
Well said! I tried early retirement and failed. Financial freedom was the easy part. Figuring out what to do after getting there is quite another matter. I am back to work, although on my own terms, because I missed my work and the overall sense of accomplishment. I quickly discovered I could only stand so much leisure time before it grew old. I think I am one of those who will continue to work, perhaps on a sliding scale, well into my older years. Thank you for your perspective and your inspiration of having retired 3 times!!
More power to you. I have friends to get together with and play guitars, and have always been interested in volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, but working a physical job outside for 43 years, all my time off, especially in the last 10 years or so is Recovering from the week, and getting ready for the next. There was a time, back when I first got into my industry, that the "Old Guys" like I am now, worked in back shops, and cruised to Retirement. Those jobs all got outsourced, and we have to work the same grind as the 20-30 year old now. If our country didn't tie Healthcare to employment, I'd have no problem leaving now. And no, I don't qualify for the ACA, just have to struggle a couple of years more.
That was great advice, Rob. Working is always way better than sitting around watching TV. With the 34 trillion-dollar debt, we may soon have no choice but to keep working and paying ever higher taxes.
Is sitting around watching TV all your imagination about retirement allows? I've been retired for over 10 years and I don't even own a TV. More to life than punching a clock or watching television.
Amen brother, agree with your points 100%. The key - and the reason I believe some people push back against what you are saying - is having the desire and ability to find income-generating work that you truly love doing.
I really enjoy my work and am grateful for all the fulfillment I get from it. The people are awesome, the energy I feel while working is amazing and the assignments are challenging and fun to complete and to solve. If work is no longer fun, it will be time to retire. It will be hard to find an activity that rings my bell as much as my work does. I have hobbies and I am not into travel, but I think I will always enjoy some sort of involvement at work.
Rob, your channel is my favorite of all RUclips financial channels. I appreciate your thoroughness in dealing with each retirement financial topic. I think this particular episode was my favorite one. I think that helping and serving others and making a difference as long as possible is so important. I don’t ever want to retire from that! 😊
Amen, great video. I am a "retired" university professor, and now I tutor kids online for the ACT and SAT. I live in Panama and love life. I teach 1.5-3 hours a day and I save money; I don't deplete my savings and I have no plans to retire.
If you want to work until you drop dead then be my guest. If you believe you’ll drop dead if you stop working then be my guest. If you feel that the hoard of retirement savings you have isn’t enough to fund a proper retirement then be my guest and continue to work, since after all, you enjoy it. But the great majority would disagree with you, and the fact remains you will die and you won’t take any of it with you.
The problem is not many people like their jobs enough not too retire, I retired at 58, I hated my job, best move I ever did, time is more important than money, you cannot take money with you, you could be the richest person in the grave yard in my opinion retire as soon as you can afford to, statistics will tell you, people live longer retiring earlier than those that leave it longer
Great video which I hope gets a wide circulation. It is true. I retired from being a professor a 6 weeks shy of turning 64. I started my second career as a counselor and did that for two years. I them started teaching as an adjunct and counseling part-time. I have balance in my life, financial security, and the time and money to travel.
All the things you’ve listed are exactly why you should aim to retire as early as possible - so you can avoid falling into the trap of only ever deriving meaning from being someone’s employee. Life can offer you so many more ways to experience the joys and challenges, accomplishments and connections that most will sadly only derive to a limited degree from their careers. Get out there and discover how much more there is to you and what you can take from and bring to this world, before it’s too late!
Amen and thank you. I had a wonderful public service career. Retired on time (65) with solid finances but still work part time. Ready now to discover what else might bring joy and purpose while I am healthy. Get outside before the climate crisis takes more beautiful nature. There’s more to life than sitting inside at a desk, even if it’s your chosen desk.
Interesting point of view; not for everyone, but definitely appropriate for those of us who enjoy our work and would miss the intellectual challenges of work and the interaction with our co-workers (and their friendship.) Thanks much for posting this!
I totally agree, it is such a good thing to keep working, especially if you're self-employed. They are so many opportunities for older people to start their own business and create more income along with learning new skills and meeting new people. Great video, this is my first time to your channel and I love your style nice and relaxed and a nice distance from the camera. I have watched a few others today that are so intense and too close to the camera that it is uncomfortable to watch.
Completely agree with everything you say. I've recently come to the same conclusion myself: work as long as I can. And it's for exactly the same reasons you said in your video.
Completely agree, I don't think we should completely retire from the workplace, if one so chooses. I think a good way to think about it is 'retire from the rat race' and do something different, something you really, really enjoy...stay engaged, make a little coin, and be happy and fulfilled.
I am shooting to either never retire or work until at least age 79. So I really appreciate your message. What is key for me is that I love my job and I provide a valuable service to my community. Many days don’t feel like work and I can’t wait until the next day. I can certainly appreciate why people who hate their job retire. For those folks - think about a new career, getting serious about a hobby that connect you to others, or volunteering. I think there are many ways to get some of the benefits of not retiring that he is describing. For me I will ride this wave as long as my mind and body can make it.
Rob, I retired after 31 years at AT&T in February, 2010. I've been a realtor ever since. I need a reason to get up in the morning, goals to strive for and am now 66. I just couldn't handle sitting around doing nothing. Even the thought of it makes me lose my mind. It's not even about the money. As you say in your video, I stay connected with people and keep learning through volunteering and various social organizations.
I (we) retired 17 years ago this coming Jan 2025 at the age of 57. Spent the first 15+ years traveling full-time in our 40' diesel pusher motorhome...LOVED it! We visited every State capitol except Hawaii. We have since sold the MH and purchased a couple of houses, one for cash in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and the other with a VA loan (2.75%) in Lead, SD right on the Northern border of the Black Hills. Now we are snowbirds. Couldn't be happier.
Hi Rob, I’m new to your channel and THRILLED that you’re NOT retired and bringing your expertise to a wide audience interested in the subject of finance, retirement, and living well! In just a few episodes you’ve given me new tools to build a better portfolio; slimming down the fees, thinking long term and counting the Pennines saved with complete GLEE! Thanks so much for the myriad of subjects that you bring to the channel, I’ve looked for this perfect fit for quite some time and HERE you are! Geri😊🎉😊
Producing for whom though? Some big company that will discard you like rubbish after decades of hard loyal work? They don't care about you, I found out the hard way. Why should we care about them?
Companies and society don't care about you. I've found this out the hard way. Why should we live our lives for them? Live for yourselfe and your family. If you don't need the money and aren't doing what you love, then you don't owe some company or some vague concept of society anything.
we were not born to be productive...the meaning of life, if it has one is to live, to feel and to love. Productivity is something invented by industrial modern world where there are always nembers and objectives for every freaking task you do. They even compare docotrs appointments to making shoes, where there is a maximum allowed time for appointment regardless of the complexity of case.
100%. First retirement planning video that truly resonates with me. I am 64, have plenty of hobbies and more than enough $$ to retire should i choose to. However…I love my career (leadership geologist in resource exploration) and i love the lifestyle flexibility provided by my employer. Also, every day i am living the life i want rather than building a “bucket list” and waiting for life to begin. Thanks for your refreshing perspective
You are so wonderful Rob! You always have something educational and useful to say. Far the best RUclipsr in your field. Please keep going, we love to learn, listen and watch you. I have to say, it is good to be working and making money if you enjoy what you do. If you are miserable and have enough money, just go ahead and retire or find something more "lifestyle friendly". I`m 49 and planning to work a few more years full time for somebody else and I will be able to do whatever I want. I already moved to Mexico 2 years ago and work remotely. Retiring outside of the US makes sense to me since my money goes so much further.
I love the work I do as a therapist and am self employed. I have more than enough money to retire. The one thing about working that I don't like is the obligatory nature of it. If I schedule just one appointment for today I have to keep it even if I'd rather be doing something else. I enjoy your videos. Keep em coming.
Mahalo nui loa Mr. Rob ! I have absolutely no desire to stop working. We’ve never lived anywhere where commuting was an issue, large area crowds and stresses, but of course we made these choices back in our 20’s. Probably gave up some additional money, but can’t regret that. Always lived where we basically wanted to, and figured out the money part. Working keeps me socially alive and have family history into triple digits (both sides). Love the free wisdom you impart !
I can’t say I have ever worked a job I loved enough where I would elect to continue working vs taking retirement once possible. For the folks who’ve found that, I might say that is an untypical luxury most won’t get to experience. For myself, the goal of retiring early is less about retiring and more about having the time back to devote to genuine interests and passions - which may include doing work of some sort. By the way, I enjoyed the book Retire Before Mom and Dad so much that I have gifted it to several high school graduates over the past couple years. Thanks!
I retired 7 years ago at 48 in Spain. Worried about what i would do with my time. I still get up every morning at 0600 and have a plan to do something evrey day. Just excersing takes up half the day. Very important to have hobbies. I say good by to my wife every day and don't see her again until lunch or dinner. Keeps us both very happy.
Psychic rewards from being connected and and having a bit of cash flow are huge! Today my PT employer bitched that I'm not working enough hours and Im 65 and have leg issues. Frustrating to need a place more than it needs you. I haven't had the guts to do the RUclips thing but maybe they just pushed me over that fear. Thank you Rob and all the good people out there!
Rob, you do make a difference in a lot of people’s lives with your information. Keep bringing this. Great advice! This is a great video and another great example of how you’re helping people. Love it!
I retired at 58,four years ago and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever done,we moved to a country side en South America,everything it’s cheaper and fresher we’re soo happy here.
99% of people hate what they do. Retirement gives you the freedom to do things you can’t do because you are always working. You are the 1% that have a job they love. That is not reality for the rest of us that live in the real world. Sorry but you are not being realistic for the majority of human beings on this planet.
Do something you enjoy and make time for things you like to do outside of work. Life is too short to be in a job you don’t like. Silly to wait until retirement to enjoy life.
many people shoot for the career that intersects the most pay with the least aggravation. There are half a dozen things I'd rather be doing now, but would never allow me to save for the future or provide for my family. The moment I have the means to stop doing this job, I'll consider myself retired. But I can't imagine not doing something productive or creative. Financial freedom also means the freedom to work at the pace you want, with the people you want, with no stress.
I’m hoping to FIRE by 45-48. I wouldn’t mind going back to work at some level at say 55. There is just a lot of things I would like to do while I am younger. Hiking and traveling out of a back pack at 45 is a lot different than at 65. My current job has me gone and living out of hotels 200+ days a year. I’m also gone all summer when it’s nice on the Great Lakes. I want to enjoy things while I still can at a younger age. If I have to go back to work at some level after I’ve done what I want and traveled some, I’m fine with that.
Well, I'm 70 and retired at age 61. Having run the investment club meeting this week, next week I will be giving an orientation to new members of the roads committee. I also spend about 10 hours a week managing my investments. I don't need any extra income, I'd end up paying NII and big IRMAA.
I "retired" at 50, and have never been as busy as i am now. Ive got 10 acres in the mountains in western Canada and have built my own house and a house for my daughter, son in law and grandson there. Cutting firewood, lumber, maintaing the property and helping my friends and neighbors keeps me busy spring summer and fall, and i have a large shop that i enjoy working on vehicles in during the winter. My wife and i also travel, hike, kayak, and ejoy other recreational activities. Much of our fulfillment though comes from our property and the work we do on it. I totally get it that it is better to keep working at someing, than doing nothing. In my case though, that doesnt mean a traditional job, but rather working at things i enjoy doing.
Retiring or not retiring isn’t the point.
The point is having financial freedom and doing what you like when you like. The word retirement doesn’t mean anything.
The ability to live the remaining healthy years of your life with complete freedom is truly a blessing.
Truer words..... Thanks for the reply.
Financial freedom or live your life with complete freedom doesn't really mean anything either, because the reality is nearly all aren't and won't. Not really. 1987 Wall Street Gordon Gekko response to how much is enough: "rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars." That was in 1987, which is only $134m-$267m today. Mike Prince in Showtimes Billions basically says you need a $1b, which I think is correct. Sure those are fictious characters, but the basic premise is there. In order to actually be financially free and free to do what you want, you need f u money. I'd say today $1b or more is f u money.
Totally agree, great take.
@@hanwagu9967 yes $1B is definitely F-U money. Notice the FU in CAPs. I think I might have 1B, but in Indian rupees. So I would be free in India for sure !!
Exactly right. I know a lot of people who retired and took SS and Medicare. They are still working into their 70’s because they don’t have enough money to live on. It’s not retirement if you don’t have the financial freedom and resources. Most people don’t save for retirement and then all of a sudden they are 62 and don’t realize SS doesn’t give you much money to live on
I am now a full time RUclips video critic.
Nice🎉😮
I read this to my wife, and she said, that’s you 😂
@@bigo2032 Glad I could help.(?)
😂
How well does it pay you for your hard work?
As a 70 year old man, I can tell you what the problem is with men retiring. Our entire life we worked hard to provide for our families. We spent the rest of our young life raising a family, being a good husband and fixing things. What most men failed to do is learn, yes I said learn, how to have fun. Fun was never a priority or a focus in our lives. Sure, there was the occasional two week vacation….doesn’t count. Fun needs to be studied and nurtured. I believe God gave us this planet so we could have fun. If you’re having trouble with retirement, you’re having trouble having fun. Take fun seriously. You won’t regret it.
Thank you! Great advice.
I love this!! Very VERY true!!!
Wise words
I’m 70 and in the medical field and can’t WAIT to retire and never see the inside of a hospital again! A bunch of noise and chaos I’ll gladly leave behind.
@@PETER394100 If you're 70 years old, you can retire right now if you want to. You're already 3 years past the required retirement age to receive all of your Social Security benefits. The full retirement age for Social Security, and to receive 100% of your benefits is 64, if you were born between 1943-1954, and 67 if you were born 1960 thereafter. I filed for my retirement early when I turned 62, and I don't regret it at all. I love it! If you are financially secured and have a nice retirement savings, then go for it. Whenever a person begins to lose interest in their job, get emotionally stressed out and resents going to work then it's time to leave because, it's a miserable feeling when a person dread going to work, and don't want to be there. It only creates problems in your work performance, anger and hostility in the workplace for yourself and towards other coworkers when your heart is not in it anymore. If you're beginning to endure those negative feelings about going to work, consider it a true sign that it's time for you to retire and start enjoying the rest of your life.
I retired at 58 almost two years ago. Every day is more spectacular than the previous day.
I'm trying to do the same! Glad to hear it's going great.
Heck Yeah.
Help me. Give me some advice. How do you fill up your days
@@fearless6947 seriously? Well ok: long motorcycle rides on weekdays, gym three days a week, beach time, surf, long bicycle rides down the coast, play music, read books I finally have time to read (took a deep dive into the French Revolution about a year ago), amateur astronomy club, take college courses, improve my cooking skills, travel, spend quality time with friends and extended family, manage personal finances for myself and close family, volunteer at the local library and road clean up crews, oh ya and some days I just veg out and relax at home with my dog. Seriously I do whatever I want whenever I want to do it. Days and time are meaningless now. I haven’t set an alarm clock for almost three years because I don’t care what time it is.
Develop hobbies and social connections. Gardening, golf, reading, take a class, travel, whatever. Customize to your tastes.
I am 73 and do plan to retire in 23 more years. I am a small business owner, enjoy my work and enjoy being busy.
You can't "keep busy" without working? Use your mind.
Glad you have a career you enjoy. I have a career I like (not love) and can't imagine doing anything else. However, after 40+ years it's time for a change.
atta boy!
@@ScooterOnHisWay2024he literally said he’s running a business that he enjoys. That is using your mind.
Retired 2 years ago at 56, The plant shutdown and i don't miss rotating 12 hr shifts.
congrats
I never ever thought about retirement, thought I was way too young at 54. Then I was laid off the end of last year from an almost 25 year job. After the shock wore off, just for kicks I ran some numbers and was like "whoa, I can probably just retire." Saved, invested, always been very frugal, just worked. Wanted to do a good job, the financial rewards were secondary. After the lay off I realize that companies will discard you like trsh, so who cares. I may or may not get a job again, right now, I've loved every day of the last 6 months, my first real time off in 30 years.
@@Robert-z8z1z It sounds like you've found a silver lining in unexpected circumstances! Enjoying your time off after many years of hard work is well-deserved. What new activities or interests have you discovered during your first real break in decades?
No doubt, get the hell outta there!!😀
Retired at 65. Been retired 14 years now. Knowing what I have experienced and learned over the years I would have prepared for an even earlier retirement. No regrets about retiring at all!
Right on !!! My man!!!
I hate my profession as an attorney. I would love not to have to do it anymore.
I’ve been lucky to enjoy solo private practice and continue practicing in my 60’s part time. I like living on practice revenue and building my portfolio. I am terrible at sitting on a beach so prefer contributing something to humanity daily.
I wish I could enjoy sipping on a pint all afternoon, but I’ll just keep practicing for now.
Ditto here. Law would be nice without clients !
I feel bad that you hate your job. That is such a downer. Best of luck.
Change how you are doing things or change what you do. Can you run your own superfund and become a full time investor?
I'm surprised to hear that, as your profession is quite prestigious. Think of how hard you would of had to study to become a lawyer in the first place. However I do understand that stress is the biggest killer in society. I wish you well
I retired at 64 for 3 years. Then one day I was recruited back into the tech industry by a forner colleague to spin up a new competitive intelligence practice at a major Silicon Valley company. I’m still working at nearly 72 years young. Still having fun traveling on vacations globally and very active. The money is great, social Interaction rewarding, I have a great team, and the company is very flexible giving a lot of freedom on work / life balance- I work from my home office in West Michigan. All good for now.
My former company laid me off in December, after 24 years (age 54). They had just taken away working from home. I didn't want to drive in there and sit in a cubicle or dumb elbow to elbow conference room meetings anyway. If I could get a work from home job I'd take it in a heartbeat. If not, I'm financiallly ok, and will simply retire early. To heck with any strangers or neighbors judging me. I don't owe them any explanation.
I’m “working” more hours fostering dogs than I did as a surgeon. Also physically exhausting. But very, very positive emotional feedback.
2:34
@@danielbillyhasan250 I admire your new fostering career cheers from Co Wicklow Ireland 🇮🇪
That's incredible dedication to fostering dogs! The emotional rewards must be fulfilling. How do you manage the physical demands while finding joy in this rewarding work?
That's a productive retirement! Dogs are fun!! Saving more lives, too doctor!!
Thank you for fostering! I know you love your dogs and they love you.
Retired 18 months ago at 46. Absolutely love it! My husband was dying before my eyes because of work. We retired at the same time. Zero regrets.
How much did you save?
Do you do any work? We retired at 49, 2 and a half years ago, which was awesome, but now we work 2 to 3 days a week in work we enjoy, helps with the finances and I think we enjoy the days off more. We also do some volunteering, we enjoy achieving with others.
@@Chimpangel tbh the most important question is how much do you need annually. We made the decision as we have multiple passive income streams. But it was definitely understanding how much needed until access later pensions.
@@flukeylukey7559 no we don’t work. We have been trying to exercise more, relax and spend time with family. Tbh it’s so busy - we’re lucky our adult kids still want to hang out and now we have two grandkids (they are even more fun!)
@@dogegamer3288 usually the woman runs the house, and the man follows her direction, ideally you'd work together as a team, happy wife happy life 😊
I've been financially SCREWED thinking that I was helping someone. Now I have to work much longer to be able to retire.
me too :)
So sorry for your situation Sir. When you are able to retire (and I hope you will be able to), I hope it's just awesome !!!!
I was financially able to retire at 64, my full retirement age was 65, and I liked what I did, so I worked until I was 66 and continued another 6 months after that as a consultant for a couple of people. I'm no millionaire, and my consulting income was great, but I was ready to let go of this phase of my life and do other things, so I told everyone my end date and stuck to it. No regrets and doing well.
I retire in January at 55.
I hated working. I hated being told what to do.
The biggest source of stress/depression in my life was due to work.
I can't wait to get out of it all.
Edit: I retired at 54 (late). I just couldn't take it anymore.
I got my pension in January the following year. It's the best thing I have ever done.
I am 42 and I can't wait to retire.
I hate wasting 8-10 every single day to do my job. I literally feel like I waste my life. I don't have time for my hobbies, exercises etc. At least not as much as I would like to.
Hopefully I will be able to retire at 57 🤞🏻
@@taurus8263 I really know how you feel.
I actually suffered depression for most of my working life due to it.
I love being retired. I feel free.
@@Autonomous1969did u have retirement savings? I am looking forward to retirement too😂
@@princesswong24 I invested in one particular pension that was on the old Final Salary Pension. I put the maximum amount that I could monthly afford into it.
It's on that pension that I have retired on.
I took all my other pensions (many different workplaces) and lumped them all into Pension Bee on the highest risk investment.
As of today it's earning 67.88% interest.
You won't believe how many young people I have advised to invest into their pensions. It falls on to deaf ears and there they go drinking and partying it all up.
Retirement at 57 is a blessing I will never go back to the ratrace. I Walk the dog many times a day, golf 3 days a week with buddies. I shop at quiet times of the week for our food ect, cook lots and read, travel 2 or 3 times a year and entertain my family often. Small house, old truck, good friends. I will never work again! I'm loving my freedom and time is something you can't buy!
I’m 70 and retired last month. It was a 47 year nightmare. I probably could count on one hand how many work days I enjoyed. Have no experience in working something at something I love. Very few people would keep working at their jobs if they won the lottery.
congratulations on your retirement! enjoy it to the moon and back!!! I can't get to get out too with half the time you put in!
How did you last so long ?!
Sounds like MOST of us. Seems he's probably talking about office type people who don't work out in the elements, make a lot of money, not US manual labor guys.
Good on you for being able to stick it out that long. I can't stand work too, and it seems a lot of the world has been turning that way as companies get more and more abusive.
@@dingfeldersmurfalot4560 👍👍👍
If you are in a position like Rob Berger, you have no idea how lucky you are. I work a 70 hours a week job that is killing me. I am planning to quit this January. My mental and physical health is worth more then what they are paying me.
I used to do exactly that. I've chosen less hours just to save my health and sanity. It still stinks on ice, but at least I'm less likely to send myself to an early grave over it.
There is no such thing as luck. People who're financially well established are blessed.
@@slimdude2011 Or they just worked hard, were frugal, and invested wisely?
A lot come from wealthy families
I retired at 56 (two years ago) and haven't regretted it. But if I had worked for an employer that treated their employees decent, I would have worked longer. Luckily, I saved very hard and was able to leave early.
Yep. In my humble opinion, you're a perfect candidate to find an easy part time job. Something with very low stress, that will keep you active and give you a little more money to splurge. I could have retired a couple of years ago. I only work part time. I spend the extra money I make and it definitely adds a little spice to my life, plus keeps my mind active.
I was laid off last December after 24 at the same company at age 54. I never thought about retiring before 60 or 65, but I ran some numbers and was like "whoa, I may be able to just retire." I always just wanted to do a great job and help the company. Well, the company will discard you like garrbage. I don't want to go through that again. The main concern I have is being judged by others as "lazy" or a "bum." That's the one thing I'm worrried about, even though I know I shouldn't care.
Retirement is a very recent (historically) development. If you can work keep doing it. Stay active in mind and body. Why work hard to sit on your butt when you have creativity and work that is enjoyable!
Retirement doesn't necessarily mean sitting on your butt. There's a whole life outside of work, enjoy it and do it while your still young enough to.
Thank you, people don't know this. Not that long ago there was no such thing as retirement. The last people who would remember died probably 40 years ago.
You didn't retire, you just stopped doing various things as your physical ability declined, but you lived with your whole extended family in the same house.
When they created social security for 65+ a minority of people lived that long at all.
Most people didn't live past 40. They didn't have much time to retire. Old people who did live that long would often sit in the hut and dispense advice to the villagers. There's no real one historical model we can look to cross culturally.
My husband and I are both in our 50’s. He’s been retired 8 yrs and I’ve been retired 5 yrs. Life is good. No regrets.
That's wonderful to hear! Enjoying retirement together must be a fulfilling journey. What activities or adventures have you both found most rewarding during these years of retirement?
It just yakes a ton of money
@@StressLessFinancial We moved to Florida from Illinois. We live a 4 minute walk to the beach. We walk on the beach everyday.
@@joeinterrante7873 We both have state pensions. I spent a career working in a couple of jobs that most people wouldn’t do. I heard a lot of “I would never do that.” Then, when I retired at 52. I heard, “It must be nice.”
goodie for you
Retire as soon as possible and enjoy life. I'm 61 years old been out of work because I just had surgery I love it so much I decided I'm not going back. Don't ever work if you don't have to
Never heard anyone say they wished they spent more time working as they gasped thier last breath on this earth. As soon as you can swing it, go enjoy the rest of your days not beholden to a job or a schedule.
Coming up on my first year anniversary of retirement. Having to no longer deal with idiots everyday, crawl out of bed every morning to fix other people's problems caused by their stupidity. Having a great time
Lol !!!!!!
Must be in IT support. Lol.
I was thinking the exact same thing. Because I am an IT Admin, and I know what he means! Lol
@@boxer6796 lol. Totally
Must be nice to be so much smarter than everyone else.
I think the main reason people leave early is because they were treated poorly. I do agree that people can look at doing something they enjoy even if it doesn't pay much.
AGREED!
Yup. Keeping working in such situations can literally kill you off early.
Absolutely. Working in a toxic environment will stress you out and hasten your death.
Two factors to consider health and work environment.
Semi-retirement should be the overall goal for everyone. Find a passion and tie your energy to it
There is no such thing as semi-retirement! Either you're retired or you're not. If a person is still working only just a few hours a week, that's not retirement.
@@slimdude2011
Most likely if a person is just working a few hours a week, they probably don't need the job and they can walk away whenever they want. It's not like being tied down to a full time job that you actually need. Big difference.
Very well said.
I'm 67 and semi retired and love it don't ever plan on stopping
Bingo!
I retired from being a mechanic and truck driver job at 65 I’m still in really good health. I have my own garage workshop that I fix things for my self and other people. I know I will never run out of projects, always be something to fix or repair. I still ride a motorcycle and have an ATV for fun. I also ride a bicycle for exercise. Me and my wife have two boys and four grand children to keep us busy. People you should enjoy life every day because tomorrow could be a storm coming and life changes.
I retired 4 years ago at 59 and have never regretted that decision. Being fully retired is an incredible opportunity to learn about the world and ourselves, to make new friends, all without the preoccupations of working. I've found it to be an amazing way to live and is the best time of my life.
Exactly! My parents 'retired' early in life but they kept on working on their passions (antiques). I retired early at 62 and I continued
working with my passion (plants). Mom and pop are still kickin' at 91 and 93. I think the secret is eating right, sleeping well, and
continue to M-O-V-E!
🎯
That's inspiring! Staying active and pursuing passions clearly keeps you and your parents thriving. How do you balance your retirement with pursuing your passion for plants, and what benefits have you noticed from staying engaged in what you love?
My dad worked till he was 89. He had a small insurance agency and loved it and literally worked at the agency until he died. I retired from teaching at 60 but I'm not retired. I don't teach anymore but coach and have a small business. This gives purpose, income, and social interactions. I plan on working the rest of my life, but not a daily 9 to 5.
I feel the same way! I enjoy working yet. I'm going to work until I just don't want to anymore. I've done just about everything I wanted to do and see over the years. Maybe I'll slow down some day.
I agree that it is hell to be retired. I will never retire, because I love what I do. To get paid for doing what you love to do is pure joy. I will never retire. The day I retire is the day I die.
I've examined from both side. I'm semi-retired working only 24 hours per week. Some days, I want to retire completely. Some days I get depressed because I feel like working. I'm coming to the conclusion that 16-24 hours a week is perfect. Some structure and discipline in your life is good and healthy. Those that hate their jobs should find a better job that they enjoy. But there are too many drawbacks to being lazy every day.
My wife retired at 62, but I'm working until 70 in case I die before her. She can benefit from my SS. I'm going to continue to work part time after I retire to enhance my income. My work is 13 minutes from my home and I enjoy it. I work with one guy who is 82. He basically helps out training people. I work with two guys who are 74 and 77. They just work 2 days a week to get out of the house. My health is good and I am very blessed for my age. I'll be able to work as I please or not work. I think it will give me peace of mind in case the economy tanks, SS becomes insolvent or I want to buy a 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS.
On the contrary! I’m 70 and will be retiring very soon after 50 years in the medical field. My retirement day will be the happiest day of my life. 😀I will “dread” it about as much as I dreaded high school graduation! The noise pollution that goes along with hospitals…….constant overhead announcements and bulletins, co-workers constant chattering and hollering to each other down hallways, nurses screeching and laughing (like they’re at some drunken bash), alarms from several different types of machines, dealing with patient’s family members, patients continuous pressing their call buttons, patients moaning and yelling!…….backstabbing supervisors and coworkers…….work hours and schedules which prevent any type of normal life. A hospital is HELL ON EARTH! Only a moron would be ‘sad’ about retirement!
God bless you for your service. I could never comprehend how people can work in hospitals. I would be so depressed.
Hi Rob, thanks for posting this clip, now I can go on and keep on working without having a second thought. Man, I always thought that working longer I would look 👀 stupid, but now, after come across you, I am no longer afraid…I love what I do, and in turn, I got to keep my mind in shape…millions thanks to you, looking forward for more of your posts.
I’m a federal employee that works from home and don’t really answer to anyone. I get paid for my technical advice and don’t have to report to anyone. I have 5 weeks vacation every year and lots of free time. I have a lifestyle friendly way and feel like I’m retired. All the freedom in the world.
Same! They offered a buy-out. Seemed like a no brainer. Sounded great for about 2 days, but then to my utter amazement, I found myself bummed. So i scratched the retirement idea. I then had an overwhelming attitude of gratitude. I was offered a chance to change everything but opted to change nothing. How blessed is that?!
Treasury rates are rising quickly, the markets are collapsing, inflation is skyrocketing, and the Fed is imposing a significant interest rate hike-all of which will result in further losses for portfolios this quarter. How can I take advantage of the present market volatility? I'm still undecided about whether to sell my $125,000 worth of bonds and stocks.
Hope you didn’t sell! Turns out things are good😊
There are a million interesting things to do in life. Many of which don’t pay anything. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to be locked into a rigid existence if they don’t have to. People work so long they lose their imagination and miss out on enjoying life. Play tennis, play basketball, play board games, read, write, paint, do photography, astronomy, gardening, woodworking, learn a musical instrument or 2. This is without me even thinking.
@NoLegalPlunder ...your life seems very boring...
@@jackthoma3600 What leads you to say that?
Thank you, Rob, for this perspective. You make a difference. I’m 53 with a company full of employees, I daydream of retirement all the time and worry about dying too young like my Dad and Grandpa who never got to really enjoy a retirement. But I love what I’ve built and enjoy it. Nice to hear that’s okay too. Thanks.
I had a company with 25 employees and retired over 4 years ago just before my 55th birthday. I'd been happy with what I'd built until the last 2 years when some beaurocratic issues tipped the balance. I think you just naturally come to a point when you realise its no longer making you happy, be it 54 or 94.
When you do retire - or if - my advice would be to enjoy the not having to get up and be somewhere for say 6 months before making big decisions, though have small plans to go places, see people, take up a hobby. I managed to fulfill a long held ambition to get a narrowboat (I'm in the UK), and it's been fantastic, I'm very happy I retired when I did.
There is a huge difference between jobs. If your a office professional you can physically do a job much longer. I think we need more advice for people who physically can't do a job into there 60s.
Yep
Bravo! This really needed to be said Rob! Life is not one-size-fits all! If working brings one great joy, why should they quit working? No one can judge whether what brings one person joy is better or worse than what brings another person joy. Too many youtube channels seem to look down on those who don't retire early. And a second bravo for not claiming to be "retired" when you are really more like semi-retired. Enjoy your channel and the honesty you bring!
Rob obviously never did any manual labor jobs,,its one thing to chill out in air conditioned building writing financial articles its another breaking your back and knee's breathing in harmful chemicals,risking severe injury every day for a paycheck,,yea no offense but im retiring ASAP you can have my spot.
I don't think he said retirement work had to be the same as non-retirement work. You can turn a hobby into a job, you can be a walmart greeter even (my grandpa did), you could start your own company that employs the manual laborers while you sit back in your a/c office. The point is that retirement may not be what you expect, if you can afford retirement why not continue working doing something you enjoy, that keeps you active (at least your brain), while getting compensated in the process. Bottom line, retirement doesn't have to be the reach x years old and stop working template.
Very true. There is a huge variation in the stress level of jobs due to a variety of factors. Most people are not doing jobs they enjoy and would be better off retiring.
I had a great job, the best for my personality. I was a physician, still am I guess, an anesthesiologist. retired at fifty for medical reasons. I always say I loved working at my chosen profession, I was lucky. hell lucky, it was at the top of a very short list of things I did right in my life. it was a good decision. but I have also said the only thing I love even more than that job was not working at all. its glorious. not for everyone but man oh man it works for me. im 65 yo now.
Thanks, Rob, good advice. One more reason would be, especially for the self-employed, to be able to continue to deduct supplies. This would apply particularly to agriculture or horticulture. I sold my products at the local farmers market for 40 years but tried to keep enough customers after retiring from that in 2018 that I could continue to keep chickens and bees and grow a few crops and sell the surpluses. So now everything that I have to buy, like feed and equipment, continues to be deductible because I declare all the income I continue to make on my taxes.
Sarasota, Florida@@JGalegria
I'm excited for my future retirement job I have picked out. I won't make much money but I'll be financially secure and will just do it as a passion without worry.
This is true wisdom. I fully agree. I enjoy working and ha e zero intention of "retiring." I turn 67 this weekend. I co.pleyely tired of all the advice and RUclipss that make "retirement" sound like something absolutely necessary and as a kind of Nirvana. How boring!
I completely agree. We are the same age, and I have zero interest in ever retiring. I like working so long as it's something I like. And I always get a charge out of earning money!!
I retired in 2018 at 56 .. I have my dogs , my classic car , my workout routine ,cooking… but the best thing for me was getting a part time security job ..pick the days I want to work weekly . It is the best thing for my mental health and I enjoy it immensely
Dying on the job is never better than dying with a sense of independence and freedom. I am willing to bet that most that want to continue to work are scared of retirement and may not work as hard and under stress as some others. In my profession I see lots of "coasters" that get paid pretty well but do very little. Yes, in that case, why retire?!!!
F.I.N.R. - Financial Independence Never Retire is what I live by. I Retired twice and ya it wasn't for me either. My employer is 91 years old and he still works. I hope 🙏 to work as long as I can.
That’s so cool! What field are you in that your employer is still at it at 91??
hi Rob, thank you for the excellent content. I agree with what you said. I just turned 60, and I am an insurance claims manager who really likes my job. I feel that I am making a difference to my department, and I plan to work until I am 70 possibly early 70s. I agree with staying engaged mentally which helps prevent cognitive decline.
An extremely valid proposal for many of us in our 50's and 60's who have less financial commitment, but have insufficient portfolio values to begin drawing down on them...
Time is our most valuable commodity and "we don't get it back, the clock only goes in one direction"!
Health- permitting i hope to always work until i am literally unable to do my job. ( self-employed construction worker in a 20 yr strong business partnership)
We started taking Fridays and Mondays off for a while.
We upped our daily rate for labour and found the work stretched even further as a result !
Food for thought !
I was completely retired for 2 and a half years. I was happy but sometimes I felt like I wanted a way to contribute something to society. Then I got an offer to do some part-time work for a nonprofit that I thought that I would enjoy. I took it. I work remotely. I can work while traveling. I mostly make my own hours. The money while not a lot is still significant and reduces the draw on savings, which feels good. The job helps me continue to feel a sense of purpose and makes me enjoy the time I am not working all the more.
I'm at the same stage as you, but looking to find part time work, would be grateful if you could share what kind of part time work you are embarking on, just for some ideas and inspiration. Thank you in advance.
@@micTie7774 I am doing accounting/bookkeeping work using online accounting software. I also do some online teaching along the same lines.
I think it's labels and words. What we are really talking about is more flexible working and learning. We retire because systems tend to be inflexible.
How sad is it that some people that have enough money to retire have to continue to go to work because they cant find anything better to do. If you need a job just to occupy your time then you need to seriously evaluate and make some changes to your life. Hike, fish, golf, garden, house and car maintenance, volunteer, relax, exercise, be more available to people in your life. These are just a few things to get started.
this is one of the best comments ive ever seen on YT. Just be there for people, there's always something one can do to stay engaged
Life is about having enough energy to do the things you enjoy doing as long as you can if you are financially comfortable. Energy & time is more important than money.
If working is one that you enjoy than keep at it but make sure it’s not only to have more money. Money is only a tool but living life is a miracle that can not be replaced or duplicated.
I'll take this under advisment, but im going to give retirement a try
Love this response!! Noted!
Some careers (i.e. Firefighter/Paramedic, Police Officer) cannot physically work into old age, but I think working PT and participating in my hobbies/interests (church, scouts, bowling, fishing, etc.) will keep me going strong. It always amazes me when organizations ask for volunteers, and the seniors all report that they are too busy to volunteer, but then request visits because they are lonely & isolated.
I retired at 46 1.5 years ago. The only jobs I ever had were soul sucking and too many hours.. ZERO regrets!
Less than 5% retire before 50. Great that you have the ability to do so. My job is pretty easy. I agree that 40 hours a week, even at my easy job is a little tight. 20-24 hours per week is ideal in my opinon. But that key note is to do something that's fairly fun and easy.
@@JohnBowl14690 for sure.. I may work again for fun if I find something like that 20-24 hours fun and easy
I loved the work I did at my last two jobs (6 years as a legal assistant, followed by 24 years as a project analyst and then manager for a tech company). I enjoyed working long hours. What I have always had a problem with is the social interaction aspects. All my life I've suffered with social shyness and social anxiety. I forced myself to work through it, but it never really went away. Covid work from home was a God send. I thrived better than I had even before. Then they took it away last Spring. Then I got blindsided with a layoff out of the blue end of last year. So, for me, it was a totally unexpected and serendipitous occurrence. I ran some numbers and was like "whoa" I can probably just not have to work anymore (I'm 54). Never thought I would retire this early, but I'm loving it so far.
What do you tell nosy neighbors and relatives when they ask what you do? That's what I'm struggling with, with unexpected (but serendipitous) early retirement at 54. I've always looked young for my age, so that actuallly makes me more selfconcious about telling anyone I'm retired.
@@Robert-z8z1z - I wouldn't worry about what other think. That said, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to pick a 16-24 hour per week job just for your own benefit. It will keep your mind sharp. Just find something fun and easy. Just my opinion.
Echoing your 7th reason, I wanted to thank you Rob for your videos!
You have a kind, patient, and accessible approach to your topics. We are all blessed that you are willing to share your knowledge.
I’m in my mid-30’s and have learned so much from you. I wish I had all this financial knowledge back in my teens and 20’s.
Just goes to show you what kinds of extra education is needed in school and in college nowadays.
I try to listen to one of your videos everyday on my commute to work.
Please keep ‘em coming!
Sage advice. Thanks Rob. I am still working at 72 and struggling with retiring. I still enjoy what I do.
Good for you. I've been in my industry for 42 years, and I'm so over working outdoors, in the heat of Summer and the Cold of winter. I'm almost 62 and they load us down like we're in our 20's. 63 and 1/2 so I can get Cobra to bridge to Medicare, and I'm done! 18 months to go. Hope I survive.
@@bigjohnson7415Cobra can be very expensive. Once you “retire” your actual income should reduce enough so that you can get ACA with subsidies. You may need to retire December 31 and start January 1 at lower income so that they don’t count your previous wages. It’s worth looking into…..
Has anyone actually evert purchased cobra. ? Damn it’s too expensive
The best shape older guys I know are both over 75 and working in their own companies. So it is my plan to followvthat path.
Time is the most precious "commodity" we have. I like my work, but it takes too much of my energy now when i am older, not enough time or energy for my hobbies. My plan is to exit at 62, will be busy without the day work also....
Well said! I tried early retirement and failed. Financial freedom was the easy part. Figuring out what to do after getting there is quite another matter.
I am back to work, although on my own terms, because I missed my work and the overall sense of accomplishment. I quickly discovered I could only stand so much leisure time before it grew old. I think I am one of those who will continue to work, perhaps on a sliding scale, well into my older years. Thank you for your perspective and your inspiration of having retired 3 times!!
Congrats!
More power to you. I have friends to get together with and play guitars, and have always been interested in volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, but working a physical job outside for 43 years, all my time off, especially in the last 10 years or so is Recovering from the week, and getting ready for the next. There was a time, back when I first got into my industry, that the "Old Guys" like I am now, worked in back shops, and cruised to Retirement. Those jobs all got outsourced, and we have to work the same grind as the 20-30 year old now. If our country didn't tie Healthcare to employment, I'd have no problem leaving now. And no, I don't qualify for the ACA, just have to struggle a couple of years more.
That was great advice, Rob.
Working is always way better than sitting around watching TV.
With the 34 trillion-dollar debt, we may soon have no choice but to keep working and paying
ever higher taxes.
Is sitting around watching TV all your imagination about retirement allows? I've been retired for over 10 years and I don't even own a TV. More to life than punching a clock or watching television.
oliver cromwell. 🎯. just be there for people, garden!, hike, read, learn new skills, start a new hobby, volunteer
Plenty of people haven't ever had a job in their lives, but take PLENTY from the system. Maybe it's time for them to get a job, dunno.
Amen brother, agree with your points 100%. The key - and the reason I believe some people push back against what you are saying - is having the desire and ability to find income-generating work that you truly love doing.
I have always worked for myself, I don't think I could ever retire. There's always a new interest on the horizon
I love my job, I’m 62 and can retire , in fact I did retire once, then they made me an offer on my terms and I’m happy with it.
I really enjoy my work and am grateful for all the fulfillment I get from it. The people are awesome, the energy I feel while working is amazing and the assignments are challenging and fun to complete and to solve. If work is no longer fun, it will be time to retire. It will be hard to find an activity that rings my bell as much as my work does. I have hobbies and I am not into travel, but I think I will always enjoy some sort of involvement at work.
I’m 70 and also a financial advisor. I have no plans to retire. I have flexibility in my schedule and work with clients I like.
Nothing is worse than someone retired that is bored and boring.
Rob, your channel is my favorite of all RUclips financial channels. I appreciate your thoroughness in dealing with each retirement financial topic. I think this particular episode was my favorite one. I think that helping and serving others and making a difference as long as possible is so important. I don’t ever want to retire from that! 😊
Amen, great video. I am a "retired" university professor, and now I tutor kids online for the ACT and SAT. I live in Panama and love life. I teach 1.5-3 hours a day and I save money; I don't deplete my savings and I have no plans to retire.
If you want to work until you drop dead then be my guest. If you believe you’ll drop dead if you stop working then be my guest. If you feel that the hoard of retirement savings you have isn’t enough to fund a proper retirement then be my guest and continue to work, since after all, you enjoy it. But the great majority would disagree with you, and the fact remains you will die and you won’t take any of it with you.
The problem is not many people like their jobs enough not too retire, I retired at 58, I hated my job, best move I ever did, time is more important than money, you cannot take money with you, you could be the richest person in the grave yard in my opinion retire as soon as you can afford to, statistics will tell you, people live longer retiring earlier than those that leave it longer
Great video which I hope gets a wide circulation. It is true. I retired from being a professor a 6 weeks shy of turning 64. I started my second career as a counselor and did that for two years. I them started teaching as an adjunct and counseling part-time. I have balance in my life, financial security, and the time and money to travel.
All the things you’ve listed are exactly why you should aim to retire as early as possible - so you can avoid falling into the trap of only ever deriving meaning from being someone’s employee. Life can offer you so many more ways to experience the joys and challenges, accomplishments and connections that most will sadly only derive to a limited degree from their careers. Get out there and discover how much more there is to you and what you can take from and bring to this world, before it’s too late!
Amen and thank you. I had a wonderful public service career. Retired on time (65) with solid finances but still work part time. Ready now to discover what else might bring joy and purpose while I am healthy. Get outside before the climate crisis takes more beautiful nature. There’s more to life than sitting inside at a desk, even if it’s your chosen desk.
Interesting point of view; not for everyone, but definitely appropriate for those of us who enjoy our work and would miss the intellectual challenges of work and the interaction with our co-workers (and their friendship.) Thanks much for posting this!
I totally agree, it is such a good thing to keep working, especially if you're self-employed. They are so many opportunities for older people to start their own business and create more income along with learning new skills and meeting new people. Great video, this is my first time to your channel and I love your style nice and relaxed and a nice distance from the camera. I have watched a few others today that are so intense and too close to the camera that it is uncomfortable to watch.
Completely agree with everything you say. I've recently come to the same conclusion myself: work as long as I can. And it's for exactly the same reasons you said in your video.
Completely agree, I don't think we should completely retire from the workplace, if one so chooses. I think a good way to think about it is 'retire from the rat race' and do something different, something you really, really enjoy...stay engaged, make a little coin, and be happy and fulfilled.
I am shooting to either never retire or work until at least age 79. So I really appreciate your message. What is key for me is that I love my job and I provide a valuable service to my community. Many days don’t feel like work and I can’t wait until the next day. I can certainly appreciate why people who hate their job retire. For those folks - think about a new career, getting serious about a hobby that connect you to others, or volunteering. I think there are many ways to get some of the benefits of not retiring that he is describing. For me I will ride this wave as long as my mind and body can make it.
Rob, I retired after 31 years at AT&T in February, 2010. I've been a realtor ever since. I need a reason to get up in the morning, goals to strive for and am now 66. I just couldn't handle sitting around doing nothing. Even the thought of it makes me lose my mind. It's not even about the money. As you say in your video, I stay connected with people and keep learning through volunteering and various social organizations.
... but how did you get into the property industry as a 'retiree'? Did you have prior experience in property?
I (we) retired 17 years ago this coming Jan 2025 at the age of 57. Spent the first 15+ years traveling full-time in our 40' diesel pusher motorhome...LOVED it! We visited every State capitol except Hawaii. We have since sold the MH and purchased a couple of houses, one for cash in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and the other with a VA loan (2.75%) in Lead, SD right on the Northern border of the Black Hills. Now we are snowbirds. Couldn't be happier.
I know a guy who only retire when he died..............he lived the dream.
Hi Rob, I’m new to your channel and THRILLED that you’re NOT retired and bringing your expertise to a wide audience interested in the subject of finance, retirement, and living well! In just a few episodes you’ve given me new tools to build a better portfolio; slimming down the fees, thinking long term and counting the Pennines saved with complete GLEE! Thanks so much for the myriad of subjects that you bring to the channel, I’ve looked for this perfect fit for quite some time and HERE you are! Geri😊🎉😊
I agree 100%. Stop working means end of productive life.
Producing for whom though? Some big company that will discard you like rubbish after decades of hard loyal work? They don't care about you, I found out the hard way. Why should we care about them?
Companies and society don't care about you. I've found this out the hard way. Why should we live our lives for them? Live for yourselfe and your family. If you don't need the money and aren't doing what you love, then you don't owe some company or some vague concept of society anything.
we were not born to be productive...the meaning of life, if it has one is to live, to feel and to love. Productivity is something invented by industrial modern world where there are always nembers and objectives for every freaking task you do. They even compare docotrs appointments to making shoes, where there is a maximum allowed time for appointment regardless of the complexity of case.
100%. First retirement planning video that truly resonates with me. I am 64, have plenty of hobbies and more than enough $$ to retire should i choose to. However…I love my career (leadership geologist in resource exploration) and i love the lifestyle flexibility provided by my employer. Also, every day i am living the life i want rather than building a “bucket list” and waiting for life to begin. Thanks for your refreshing perspective
Please don't retire Mr. Berger! You have helped me understand a great deal about investing and retirement and useful software tools.
You are so wonderful Rob! You always have something educational and useful to say. Far the best RUclipsr in your field. Please keep going, we love to learn, listen and watch you. I have to say, it is good to be working and making money if you enjoy what you do. If you are miserable and have enough money, just go ahead and retire or find something more "lifestyle friendly". I`m 49 and planning to work a few more years full time for somebody else and I will be able to do whatever I want. I already moved to Mexico 2 years ago and work remotely. Retiring outside of the US makes sense to me since my money goes so much further.
I love the work I do as a therapist and am self employed. I have more than enough money to retire. The one thing about working that I don't like is the obligatory nature of it. If I schedule just one appointment for today I have to keep it even if I'd rather be doing something else.
I enjoy your videos. Keep em coming.
Mahalo nui loa Mr. Rob !
I have absolutely no desire to stop working. We’ve never lived anywhere where commuting was an issue, large area crowds and stresses, but of course we made these choices back in our 20’s. Probably gave up some additional money, but can’t regret that. Always lived where we basically wanted to, and figured out the money part.
Working keeps me socially alive and have family history into triple digits (both sides).
Love the free wisdom you impart !
I can’t say I have ever worked a job I loved enough where I would elect to continue working vs taking retirement once possible. For the folks who’ve found that, I might say that is an untypical luxury most won’t get to experience.
For myself, the goal of retiring early is less about retiring and more about having the time back to devote to genuine interests and passions - which may include doing work of some sort.
By the way, I enjoyed the book Retire Before Mom and Dad so much that I have gifted it to several high school graduates over the past couple years. Thanks!
I retired 7 years ago at 48 in Spain. Worried about what i would do with my time. I still get up every morning at 0600 and have a plan to do something evrey day. Just excersing takes up half the day. Very important to have hobbies. I say good by to my wife every day and don't see her again until lunch or dinner. Keeps us both very happy.
Psychic rewards from being connected and and having a bit of cash flow are huge! Today my PT employer bitched that I'm not working enough hours and Im 65 and have leg issues. Frustrating to need a place more than it needs you. I haven't had the guts to do the RUclips thing but maybe they just pushed me over that fear. Thank you Rob and all the good people out there!
I continue to work one day each week in pharmacy at the age of 70 for all the reasons mentioned in your video. Go Bucks!
Rob, you do make a difference in a lot of people’s lives with your information. Keep bringing this. Great advice! This is a great video and another great example of how you’re helping people. Love it!
I retired at 58,four years ago and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever done,we moved to a country side en South America,everything it’s cheaper and fresher we’re soo happy here.
99% of people hate what they do. Retirement gives you the freedom to do things you can’t do because you are always working. You are the 1% that have a job they love. That is not reality for the rest of us that live in the real world. Sorry but you are not being realistic for the majority of human beings on this planet.
Agreed!
Exactly!
So True!
Do something you enjoy and make time for things you like to do outside of work. Life is too short to be in a job you don’t like. Silly to wait until retirement to enjoy life.
@@johnpersechini4951 That's easy to say to multi skilled people, but many don't have the aptitude to make money doing something they enjoy.
many people shoot for the career that intersects the most pay with the least aggravation. There are half a dozen things I'd rather be doing now, but would never allow me to save for the future or provide for my family. The moment I have the means to stop doing this job, I'll consider myself retired. But I can't imagine not doing something productive or creative. Financial freedom also means the freedom to work at the pace you want, with the people you want, with no stress.
I’m hoping to FIRE by 45-48. I wouldn’t mind going back to work at some level at say 55. There is just a lot of things I would like to do while I am younger. Hiking and traveling out of a back pack at 45 is a lot different than at 65. My current job has me gone and living out of hotels 200+ days a year. I’m also gone all summer when it’s nice on the Great Lakes. I want to enjoy things while I still can at a younger age. If I have to go back to work at some level after I’ve done what I want and traveled some, I’m fine with that.
Well, I'm 70 and retired at age 61.
Having run the investment club meeting this week, next week I will be giving an orientation to new members of the roads committee. I also spend about 10 hours a week managing my investments.
I don't need any extra income, I'd end up paying NII and big IRMAA.
I "retired" at 50, and have never been as busy as i am now. Ive got 10 acres in the mountains in western Canada and have built my own house and a house for my daughter, son in law and grandson there. Cutting firewood, lumber, maintaing the property and helping my friends and neighbors keeps me busy spring summer and fall, and i have a large shop that i enjoy working on vehicles in during the winter. My wife and i also travel, hike, kayak, and ejoy other recreational activities. Much of our fulfillment though comes from our property and the work we do on it. I totally get it that it is better to keep working at someing, than doing nothing. In my case though, that doesnt mean a traditional job, but rather working at things i enjoy doing.
Great message! I don’t plan to retire and most people just don’t get it. Thanks for outlining this so clearly.