My grandfather, at 45, was able to retire...what age do you intend to retire?
Grandpa, with an 8th grade education, partnered in a mechanical engineering business and was able to retire at 45 yrs old. He was 40 years retired and died at age 85. My outlook is the opposite. I have a 2 yr college degree, am back to only earning enough to survive, and expect to be forced into retirement by my employer because I will never be able to AFFORD to retire. So, where are you in your life? Just starting out with the "world as your oyster", middle aged plugging along, or on the retirement rollar coaster? Did you ever see life would be this way, or have you been able to plan well all along. My hat's off to those who have done well. I'd like to hear some good stories, for a change. Make me feel better. Thanks! 071007 8:50
Public Comments
- I agree, I don't think many people will be able to retire at 40 in this day and age. But work doesn't have to be drudgery. If you love what you do, it may be a joy to work until you are "forced" to retire. I've had some jobs in the past that were hard, but things like working with my husband in a small business, learning how to bake and opening my own bakery are things I actually look forward to doing one day. I guess there's always a silver lining. It depends on one's outlook, I guess.
- If you enjoy what you do and have good health there is no need to retire. My wife and I had a meal the other day with a group of people in their late thirties (our peer group) who were working in dead end jobs paying for their youthful excesses, surviving not thriving. Working for wages is a mugs game, Uni can be also. Take a chance in life, back yourself for a change. Going into a venture under capitalised is the main reason for business failure, it is also a huge motivating factor. Which General was it, that burnt the bridges behind his troops as they invaded, so there was no escape. Life is a game and retiring from that game is tantamount to death.
