Retirement as a Life Goal(?)

So, what's the big deal with retirement? Why is it that some people cannot wait to retire?

Is it maybe because people dislike (or hate) their job so much and working has become an absolute annoyance at some point? Is retirement truly the answer or is finding a meaningful career that gives us a sense of fulfilment and purpose that we need more than retirement itself?

We want to stop working because we feel that is what needs to happen in order for us to "start living the best years of our lives" by finally working on that Bucket List that has been growing in our minds and in size. We want nothing more than to check off every item on the list before we check out. This is a dangerous postponement.

Think for a minute. Do any of the items on that list require time, energy or money? Perhaps all of the above. When we try to unpack what our Bucket List needs, we may be in for a surprise when we realise what we need. Time is never guaranteed; health may decline; and money? Well...

With the fixed or limited income retirement provides, can we truly afford to check off every item on that list if we wait? On the other hand, does it not make more sense to accomplish those Bucket List items now while we are earning money still instead of waiting when we are no longer in a position to easily replace the money our goals may cost us?

Some may be depriving themselves of the many potential joys the fruits of their labor may afford them now by hoarding money for a future that is uncertain. Finding balance is key. Invest in the present life not just our retirement accounts.

We also want to spend more time with loved ones in our retirement years, don't we? But what is stopping us from making time for them now instead of later? Why delay making meaningful memories?

Think about it. If we wait until retirement, our loved ones may not have much time for us by then as they may be busy themselves in their own lives. Worse yet, they may go before us. There truly is no better time than now. We have to learn how to make "now" a priority and not wait.

Yes, without the stress from work we can improve our mental and overall health. Work can be stressful. However, with certain disciplines we can manage to have better health, if not at least maintain good health. If we prioritise self-care while balancing work and daily living, it is possible to thrive at home and at work at the same time.

Challenge the way we think about retirement. Retirement is not and should not be the goal. Something must begin well before we leave the workplace for one last time. Make that something our goal. That goal is living well for today–not later. Carpe diem! Right?