Do you know that human beings are not meant for retirement? And it is shockingly true that most people suffer a heart attack when retirement nears. The reason for this early death includes boredom that accompanies retirement, financial insecurity and health-related concerns.
Earlier, retirement was set at 58 when the life expectancy was low and medical advancement is not what we see today. With the average life expectancy continually increasing and being close to 80 today, we expect the retirement age to go up, but surprisingly it is not happening. We still talk about 58 years or 60, and in many cases, many have started talking about the mid-40s for retirement.
Why should someone retire in their 40s? Early retirement is mainly due to the following reasons:
- Job viewed as more a commitment for family and money.
- A job that is viewed as should be done than part of their interest.
- Job vs Career mindset.
- A job that is not part of their core involving ability, strengths and personality.
If you are spending your significant waking hours in work this way, it is going to drain your energy and bring all the diseases that could have been avoided. These are silent killers as it does not happen in a day but over time.
In Japan, there was a research done on 100-year-olds living happily and healthily mostly independent, without a wheelchair. A study revealed that these people “never retire” and continue doing what they are good at and what they are interested in even in their old age.
If you are into a job or work that is utilizing your core abilities, strengths and personality and it is of interest to you, why should you retire? Do you want to be actively pursuing your passion till your last breath or retire and passively live for the rest of your life? Somehow, for many, the word “retirement” conveys, “I am done living my life and looking forward to death.”
How sad to view your life this way! Again, “no retirement” does not mean corporate slogging that we are used to but a career that you want to do.
You and only you decide the total time spent here. Remember, Dr Abdul Kalam, one of the most incredible human beings on this planet was doing what he was good at and what he was interested in till his last breath. God was kind enough to allow him to breathe his last when he was doing what he loves the most.
If you are in a job that you do not like, we do not suggest you move out without practical thinking. This needs planning and transition as smooth as possible as a lot of critical things are at stake that includes family, needs, security and future.
Here are the key benefits if you never retire:
- Studies show that people who never retire have a higher life expectancy.
- Financial independence and abundance as you can earn throughout your life. As you grow older in your passion, your worth increases. My coach Michael Gerber who is 82 and Nicholas Lore, 77, are living examples who are living a life they want with financial abundance and peace.
- Live as a healthy person for a long period with fewer doctor visits and medicines.
- Your early and mid-life will be fantastic compared to the suffering and disinterest of many.
- Mastery in your career.
- The mindset of career (long-term view with long-term success) against job (short-term view and hence short- term success).
Reflections
- What is the primary objective of your current job or work? Is it passion or money or just being busy?
- If you have an abundance of money, would you continue in your current job? If the answer is yes, you are pursuing your passion and continue doing for the rest of your life. If the answer is no, reflect to see what else you want to do.
- In what ideal profession would you not look to retire?
- How would a life with “no retirement” look?
- If you were in your dream profession today, how would your day be different from what it is today? Try visualizing your ideal day in your ideal profession now.
Self-Evaluation
Please select what resonates with you after reading the chapter and reflecting on the questions. Evaluation is just for you, and nobody is going to look at this. So be honest in your evaluation.
- I do not have any clue about what I will do post-retirement.
- I have planned a career that is without retirement but needs to take action to achieve the same.
- I am already in a career that does not have retirement and enjoying all aspects of life.
Small Actions
- Think. What is your planned age of retirement?
- Roughly calculate what your savings will be when you retire at this age.
- Think of a career without retirement. How many more years can you earn?
- Visualize you are 75, super active and perfectly healthy.