“Is Full Retirement Overrated? 13 Surprising Reasons to Rethink Your Golden Years”
Locking yourself into rigid retirement plans backfires when the unexpected occurs. Maintaining some earning ability provides a buffer, reducing feelings of being trapped by circumstance.
11. “Forced” Retirement Isn’t All Roses
Losing a job due to layoffs or health issues creates its own kind of retirement—but not the kind anyone dreams of. Having ongoing work, even modest, lessens the financial devastation these situations cause.
Sadly, ageism is real in the workforce. Being prepared by diversifying income streams provides a safety net if the worst happens, especially in your later working years.
12. The Evolving Definition of Retirement
The old model of a hard stop to all work is outdated! Maybe it’s a mix of a little work for income and passion, ample travel, and prioritizing family. Retirement looks different for everyone.
Releasing yourself from the “shoulds” is liberating. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s the beauty of it! It’s about designing a fulfilling next chapter, not adhering to societal expectations.
13. “Retirement Envy” is a Thing
Seeing friends embark on fancy vacations while you’re stuck in the office can fuel resentment. But the inverse is also true: watching retired loved ones struggle financially, or flounder with boredom, can spark a whole different kind of rethink.