I was speaking with a friend of mine who is on the verge of retiring saying, "fuck off," to working for a living. He's officially retiring from the workforce at the age of fifty five and is looking forward to turning all his efforts to living rather than working. I am very happy for him.
This chap served in the Australian Defence Force (Army) for thirty years of his life and at forty eight decided to call it quits moving to the private sector (as a military contractor) and ended up working the next seven years earing twice as much as he did in the Army. He ended his ADF career as a Capitan and earned well in excess of $100,000 a year so it was a good move to double it in the private sector as often happens. He didn't buy hookers and drugs and alcohol with that money though, he channeled all of it into investments, carefully calculated ones as he had his whole career, and has been lucky to have them all work out quite well (Covid-19 even helped that along) and will be a self-funded retiree meaning he won't have to rely on government handouts...ever, and will have a comfortable amount of money for the rest of his days.
I know so many people who say things like, I'd not retire because people don't have any will to live and often die soon after, and others talk about how they love their job...Nutbags. I mean, liking one's job is great (I love mine) but I love my life much more and feel it deserves more time and effort (emotional or physical) than a job.
I asked the fellow what he'd be doing moving forward and he mentioned engaging in his love of woodworking, something he's not been able to do properly due to being constantly reposted and flying all over the place all the time, and he spoke about a year-long trip (in his soon to be purchased new caravan) around Australia - the big lap they call it. (I'm jealous!)
He is taking a cruise in the Norwegian fjords, a long-ass cruise, and wants to spend several months in the UK researching his ancestry, he's planning to ask his wife to marry him again and taking a honeymoon to end all honeymoons (I'm looking forward to that wedding), and extending his work of helping with military veterans that he and I do jointly. He wants to learn to cook, and to write a book about his (not insignificant) experiences in the military and time on the battlefield in various sandy places in the Middle East. He wants to buy some land in a remote place and build the log cabin he's always wanted (I'll be helping him), and to spend more time with his family and friends in meaningful ways and he wants to start a mentoring business to impart his vast knowledge to others - he plans to use military veterans (provide gainful and lucrative employment) in his team. I could go on and on, there's a seemingly endless list of things he will be doing...none of it involves dying of lack of focus or boredom...or lack of funds.
I believe it is sad that some people don't have the vision to see beyond their job, that they can't find the passion for other things and actively pursue them. Some however, the chap I mention, myself and others, are able to do so...I guess it comes down to the understanding that life is not a permanent state of being, it is not endless. I also think its sad that people don't plan ahead for retirement and financial independence.
What are your thoughts and your plans to make the most of your years of working and do you see yourself finding enough to keep you occupied after you finish work...or do you love work so much you 'd like to do it until the day you drop dead? (Which could be anytime from this present moment.)
Design and create your ideal life, tomorrow isn't promised - galenkp
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My 32 year career Odyssey has been a comedy of tragedies.
2 years into owner operatorship in 98 a blown engine with a repair bill of 11k left me in bankruptcy court. A bounce back with a second truck and a sell of it for my dream truck (kay dubbya) made me think I was in a pretty good financial position.
Wrong
A drunk driver who owned nothing was a horrible way to find out how under insured I was. Fast forward to today. I have fought my way back. Had a pretty good slush fund. The globalist cabal of tyrants doubled our taxes and wiped that out. Like a perfect storm of the penny less drunk and lack of insurance. I find myself behind the 8 ball again with the loss of my high dollar Freight cutting my weekly earnings by more than 50%
I will never get over the drunk bitch setting me back 10 years financially. And I will not truck till I am 70.
So retirement may be a struggle. But it will be done.
Familiar story, I don't mean the truck thing, but the challengea people face these days and how hard it is to get even one step ahead of the game. Life is complicated and also somewhat out of our control.
I had never really stopped to think about it before I was fifty years old, in fact in this country very few people CAN think like that, they colonized our minds to make it so.
But I am waking up and I have to do something, something meaningful of course.
Our problem lies in the freedom to do so, which is nobody's fault but my own society.
Of course I agree with your concepts, and those of your friend, and I agree that they are prepared people who have known how to organize their work circumstances in such a way that they have added important values to live a future full of peace and personal achievements.
Every day in Hive we learn very important life lessons, no matter if we are from different worlds, they are very natural and normal thoughts of a human being who wants to live the last years of his life as he feels it should be.
It must be strange to read posts like this about the future, financial freedome and the ability to actively plan ahead for some of the people on Hive considering the issues and challenges they face in some countries. It's sad that some of those countries suffer as they do due to the greed and selfishness of the few who chose to act counter-productively in respect of the general population and in favour of their own gains.
Would you move away if you were able and if so where would you go and why?
If I could I would move to any place that allows me to breathe.
(Desperation)
If I could I would emigrate to the USA because that's where my child is, and my husband's children, and it's a good reason alone to be there.
(Necessity)
Spain is also another option that we are considering, and we also have close family, but it takes at least another year to get there. (Hopes)
At least we have options, others do not.
It doesn't matter at what age I made it, it's worse to do nothing.
The positive from this is that you plan to move and also that you have options. I hope to hear someday that you have made the move and things are much better for you and your family.
We are trying with all our hearts and we have faith that everything will work out.
Thank you very much for your good wishes.
Trying and failing is better than doing nothing at all. Good luck.
Hi Galen, I am very happy for your friend and I understand perfectly his decision. I think there are people who think they are going to be eternal, or I don't understand why they only focus on work. That's fine for an age, but when the time comes when you know that you have already lived more years than you have left to live I think it's time to adjust priorities. When I hear phrases like, "people get depressed or die," I can't help but think how poor some people's lives are.
In my case, I'm a decade behind your friend. I have in my head, and I am working with him, a "retirement" plan that still has a few years left to be mature.
Yep, I agree and it's quite sad that a person can't find something to be passionate and engaged with enough to fill their life so they feel like they have to keep working; many do it.
I'd like to think I'm five years away from what my friend is doing, maybe a little less, but if it's a little longer than I'm ok with it...I'm actively working towards it and I think that counts for a lot. Six years tops, and I hope to be done. We'll see if it works out.
I am waiting for that publication in which in five years you will announce the "retirement" of the previous life and the beginning of a new life, with new plans. While that moment arrives I wish you a great weekend. It's raining here, no walk today....
You always make me think nice and well. I think that having things so clear is evidence that one has lived a life full of meaning and that there is a strong conviction that as long as we can wake up every morning, we must continue to do things for ourselves and for others.
The reality, you know, in my country, is very sad. It has left no options for most of the people who worked all their lives for the state... for a long time it was the only thing we had, until there was an opening up and the economy was opened up to the private sector. But here everything is in its infancy, murky and complicated. It is no less true that those who work in the private sector have better returns.
I want to change my reality. That's all I'm saying. I am focused on that.
I'm constantly amazed and dismayed at the state of affairs over there and all because the greed and idiocy of one fellow and his puppets who put themselves over and above the rest of the population.
It's something I notice all the time, people get so wrapped up in their jobs that they can't separate themselves from work. I see this a lot with the teachers I know. They spend every extra minute they have at school. Our contract hours end at 2:30, but many of them stay until 6 or 7, only to spend an hour or two with their kids before bedtime. Honestly, they should just go home and spend more time with their families instead of staying at work when they don't have to be there.
I plan to retire as soon as I can, honestly. I love my job, despite its stresses, but there’s so much more I want to experience. I share your friends' passion for woodworking, but I rarely get to enjoy it because I'm always so busy.
I don’t want to spend my entire life focused only on my profession. I want to dive into my hobbies, see more of the world, and spend more time with my kids and, eventually, their families.
Loving your job makes you better at it, but the purpose of your job is to have the ability to furnish your life with the things/experiences that make you feel like you're leading a fulfilled and happy life. If a person has a list of those things, enough of them, and a best life ethos then work becomes less important and more of a means to an end rather than life itself. Seems you're on the right track.
As for people prioritising their job over their children and family? Well, I don't want to judge but words like, idiots, and bad parents, come to mind.
I don’t want to judge, but it seems like there’s no shortage of foolish people and poor parenting out there.
No judgement here either, just agreement.
I will devote part of my time to Hive and investing in cryptocurrencies. Investing and watching markets is very interesting. I will give part of my time to travel. I will devote part of my time to family vacations. And most importantly, I will continue to read the necessary books that will give me the correct answer - what will happen to us later (after death).
That sounds like a good way to go and I like the balance between fun aspects and education which often leads to improvement. ✅
I do know of people that really like working. My father already retired and was playing golf for 3 times a week, but he still went back to work when he got offered to do a project. I am the opposite, I wanted to get out of the rat race as soon as possible. I have a lot of things I want to do from reading books, to watching movies/series, to playing video games, travelling, etc. I don't understand those people that say they will get bored once they retire.
I'm with you! It sounds like you'll have loads to keep you occupied and I'm sure you'd pick up even more things to go if you were given the time, Way to go!
Congrats to your friend!
I find myself content working in the flower garden, the yard on occasion and dorking around with my coin hobby. Spending more time these days getting out and hanging with other vets. That has led to providing more purpose for me in community service events and stuff like Toys for Tots.
Yeah man, the bloke has been through the wringer if you know what I mean (which you do) and he deserves his retirement. He's made some smart moves, worked hard at it and throughout his working life, so he deserves what he's created.
This is good to hear, they need it and small acts like this often mean big things to those who are so often cast aside once their service ends.
Marrying his wife again and going for a honeymoon. Wowwwww! Both of them are gonna rejoice their young-age energies again.
He has got so many plans, many of which are going to leave a legacy behind him like the book, and mentoring veteran. I imagine the sense fulfillment he is going to attain from the way of life he is going to live. I must say he is a visionary man who planned well for the future and that him able to construct the later future as per his desires. Hats off
Yeah, that's a nice touch. She's been through so much heartache and stress during his military deployments and has stuck by his side through some terrible times. He wants to ask her to marry him again and have a wedding to renew their vows because he loves her so much...it's pretty sweet really.
He's a good mate of mine and a legit fellow; I guess I think similar to him and so we tend to get along really well. I'm really happy for him!
I definitely don't want to get tied down by a job in the future, so I'll do my best to invest and become self-employed. There are so many places I want to visit, whether by boat or through regular travel. Most importantly, I want to spend valuable time with my family and pursue my dreams.
Many people forget they do not live forever and as you always mention we should,
I'm not altogether convinced that people totally understand that quote I use (which you've quoted above). It literally means, don't waste life and make it how you want it to be, but it means more...the *how and why aspects which are the most critical. If a person can work out how and why then apply that to all aspects of their life then I think they're on the right track. I work at it.
You seem like someone who knows what's up and will actively pursue a best life scenario.
As we have often said, there is so much to do, so many things to enjoy in life that are not work. Of course I enjoy mine and try to make the most of it, as well as planning my future step by step so that later, when I have that free time, I can enjoy it to the full.
It's great what you mention about these people, that's the way it should be, living life, all those things you plan according to your taste, that's the way to do it!
In my case I always say, I don't know the word boredom, after retirement I would have a thousand and one things to do and enjoy every minute. Life is wonderful!
Now that I am in another country, things are much better, it has given me freedom and opportunities! Let's go for it!
Boring people say they're bored, those who are engaged with life do not.
I don't have time to be bored.... hahaha and life is the greatest thing of all!
I've definitely seen that a lot where people retire and then shortly after they end up passing away. I have heard quite a bit that the key is to just stay active and continue doing things. I can technically retire at 50, but I don't think I am going to be where I want financially to actually do it. In addition to that my wife still has a while before she can retire, so I might keep working. It sounds like your friend is quite set. I make far less than that and even if I moved to the private sector I doubt I would come even close. It's all dependent on cost of living though I guess. I'm hoping my investments continue to hold as they have and then I might be okay. So many what-if's!
I think they were probably going to die anyway, coincidence and all, some of the time at least. I know so many people who have retired and had amazing lives after retirement.
Retiring at 50 sounds good, I'm past that age myself so...yeah, shite! Lol.
You are probably right, it's likely we are just being fatalistic associating the two with each other. My mother in law, father, and father in law all retired a while ago and are still living good lives these days. As cool as it would be to retire at 50, I just don't think it is practical. I'm definitely going to be looking at a second career if I don't stay on. It might only last five to ten years, but it's probably going to happen.
Good plan, it could re-energize you and some new skills and focus help carry you into retirement more easily. They say a change is as good as a holiday. I know, I just made one myself.
Lol that's kinda scary. I think most people who plan to quit/retire at some point would have started planning early on what they could do, and are probably doing some of these things in their free time outside of working hours. As for me, I don't think I will be bored. Hehe!
Scary, but some just keep working out of habit or lack of other interests and that's their fate I guess. Sad.
It sounds like you'll have loads to do. ✅
If work IS your life and that is all that you have focused on along the way, then I can see why you won't know what to do if you decide to retired.
I don't just mean if you've always had to work, most people do, but many have other good things going on, a hobby or other causes they are involved in.
Inside my eyes roll when someone says they get bored when they retire or they think they will and who am I to say, if you believe it, I guess you may manifest it, but for me, I can't imagine ever being bored not having to work a structured job.
I expected to be retired before now, but I started over too many times and once I got out on my own for good, I didn't make enough money to put back an appropriate amount for a good while. I had all that I truly needed otherwise, just not much money left after. So...I am still working when I wish I wasn't. I could probably retire actually, but I'd have to live on a very tight shoestring budget and it is hard to choose that. The fortunate thing is that because of covid, I got to bring my job home and that was a great gift to me, I mean, if I need to work when I should be retired.
At first I thought your use of the word you meant me, and then realised you couldn't possibly think that of me.
Anyway, whether someone likes work or not, I think it's sad that so many can't find something outside of work to get passionate about. I hope you manage to say, bugger off work, soon. 😉
ha.... no... of course in this case "you" meant anyone.
I was thinking a miracle would happen before it was time to retire....😂 for real, I was hoping for one. I have had many things happen in my life that made good things happen, that I never could have imagined or made happen on my own. Alas... here I am still working. It doesn't hurt as bad since I don't have to leave my house to make the money, I don't have to have a work wardrobe or decide what shoes might be comfortable all day or walk halfway across a humongous building, just to go to the restroom. My work clothes are colorful loungers...LOL... that part is really nice and I don't have to get up early to get ready to be somewhere else on time, nor drive home a good distance in the 5 o'clock traffic in the evening with a bunch of maniacs on every side. It isn't lost on me that at least I probably have the best case scenerio going on for still feeling like I should continue to work. It has always been the desire of my heart to be able to live free from working for some years before it is my time to leave this earth. I've longed for it actually. I just don't know if that can happen, but I'll still hope for that unknown miracle and still enjoy life the best I can either way.
You're in a good position from a work situation being able to do it from your home.
That last bit of your comment, I think many are in that position especially now as inflation and shrinkflation put pressure on finances and ultimately what people can put away for savings and into superannuation and other investments to support retirement. It's sad really, and with retirement/pension ages increasing (so governments save money) people are left working...and working...and working...you get the idea.
Making the most out of the life we have in the present and planning for a potential future is about all we can do huh?
We DO have a choice how we look at and adapt to whatever situation we end up in. I mean, it is a lot better to acknowledge the things that are still good and purposely do other things that make us happy, otherwise, we could be sad and mad and depressed while STILL having to work ! Ew... that sounds terrible ! LOL
The good thing is, that I have no debt at this age and right now I have much more money coming in than ever before, so for a few years, I have been able to put quite a bit more money back than ever before. I save a lot (for me) and I spend some extra on myself and those I love and sometimes those I don't know, so it's not as horrible as it could be.
Oh... and the age increase for benefits, that totally stinks ! Most of my life, 65 was considered the cutting off point, but just a few years back, all of the sudden I had to be 66 and a half to qualify instead. My younger brother is 2 years behind me and it seems for each year, it rises 1 month as he will be eligible at 66 and 8 months.
I couldn't help wondering one time how many people will die in that time difference, so some of the benefits won't have to be paid out. What a terrible thing to do to the older folks.
Anyway.... it's never ending crap on things like that... right ?? 😂
Do debt is huge. So many will not be able to say that from here on I think and many have only themselves and their need for more to blame.
Here, pension ages (for me) is 67 and 9 months based on my year of birth...so shit. Not that the pension would sustain my standard of living anyway. it'll lift even higher in years to come for people younger than I. Trouble is on the horizon for so many people considering their debt and lack of planning.
There's always complexity and turmoil right? (Sigh)
Yeah man, work to live - don't live to work! I was able to go to a 4 day work week at 41 years old (2 years ago) to have more time to enjoy the things that make me happy.
Your friend did very well to be able to retire at 55!
Four day weeks are becoming more prevalent these days, I spin off from COVID-19 I think. It's a good idea too, who doesn't like three days off huh? Did you find you did more of what you were passionate about and have you found new hobbies and interests?
Yes almost all my colleagues work 4 days, it's important your body can rest so you can be more productive on the days you do work and have less sick days in a year. No new hobbies but def. more time for my existing ones as well as see my kids more before they grow too old and spend more time with them 😍
So many people prioritise work over kids. family and their own lives. It's bonkers! Keep doing what you're doing, it seems to be working.
Captivating post. Getting tied down can be haunting especially for folks who love exploring.
Yeah, being tethered by a job doesn't sound like my idea of fun.
"tomorrow isn't promised" - galenkp
Because of this truth, because we never know which morning we won't see (I often like to say that as soon as I woke up, I already got a lot for the upcoming day, the rest is up to me), I try and try to, even in part of my working life, I will do something that I have on my list for the days of my retirement.
Weekend house and work in the garden, cruise on a cruise ship, buying the car I wanted, car tour of the region where I live...
I don't want to wait for the end of my working life to start living.
Now I work to live as best and as fulfilling as I can. I don't live to work, nor will I ever.
That goes without saying, about not waiting, but when one isn't working there's a lot more time available which is what this post is really about...and planning for retirement financially.
I'm still working, so I don't have much free time 🙂
When I have it, I'll know how to fill it, I won't miss work.
The only question is at what level it will be...
As for financial security and safety for retirement, time will tell if investing in btc was a wise move 🙂
It would not be wise to rely only on the state pension fund (but also on the private one that I have for after 65...).
If my investment in btc fails, it will be an average worker's pension...
This post has a great message to me. I am looking something to inspired me. I am always in doubt. I read every words you dropped and it penetrate to my mind and heart. It inspires me now to do the new plan I afraid to do.
It made me speechless and stop reading and sea the sunrise!
It's nice to know you've gained something of value from my words and I hope you apply that value in your life to improve it and move your life closer to that which you would like it to be.
It honestly touched me gently. It opens my block mindset.
I'm quite happy for him...
Hope I'll be able to plan ahead like that 😂😂
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