Only joking. In fact, that’s something you’ll never read from me, and here’s why.
Retiring is giving up on living.
And it’s not just about “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life”, because that’s a given. Why on earth would anybody spend a a day of their precious, irreplaceable time doing someone they don’t love?
No, it’s about avoiding the slide into old-age decrepitude. Here are some eye-opening factoids about retirement from a range of studies:
- Retirees suffer up to 15% more difficulties in mobility compared with working people of the same age
- They also experience a 6% increase in illness, and up to a 9% decline in mental health and cognition
- Rich people don’t retire. They stay active and alive by challenging themselves
- The wrench from the social circles of work can create the same symptoms as bereavement
- Without a purpose in life, you’re on the slippery slope to being society’s (and your family’s) biggest burden
As Tim Denning says,
Retirement is a huge mistake that destroys people’s lives.
By all means pivot.
Do less work.
Charge more for what you do.
Pick your clients more carefully
Travel. Create adventures and memories
Stay healthy. Have more fun. Be true to yourself
But retire? Crazy idea.