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)