Most of us grow up being taught that work is a healthy, natural thing. And to an extent it is – especially if you’re on the receiving end of someone else’s labour.
It’s also undeniable that periods of high unemployment have blighted generations, leaving entire communities such as Britain’s former industrial heartlands in Wales and the North drifting for generations when the work went away.
So if work is so important, why give it up?
1. Most of us don’t enjoy the work we do
We might get some vague sense of satisfaction from playing a productive role in society, but Monday mornings are too often painful, and Sunday nights are bittersweet. If you spend the day clockwatching, you should certainly also be wishing forward your retirement date.
2. There’s more to you than your career
Remember when you were a kid, when you made friends easily, were interested in everything, and struggled to learn the clarinet? Was it growing up and growing old that did for your sense of possibility? Or was it more the rigid routine of the 9-5? (Or the 9-6, or 9-7, or 9-8?). Get your sense of wonder back.
3. It’s a big world out there
How much have you seen? And are you really seeing it at its best in just two weeks on a whirlwind luxury eco-tour that you’ve barely relaxed into before you have to go back to the office to pay for it? You might have to rough it if you retire early, but you’ll also have more time to enjoy the view.
4. You can work at something else
Most people can think of a job that they’d rather be doing during work time. What would you actively value and enjoy? Marine biologist? Dog walker? Artist, busker, small business owner, primary school teacher, surf instructor?
“Nobody on their deathbed says, ‘I wish I’d spent more time at the office.”
– Anonymous (but they’d be welcome around these parts)
Many high-flyers don’t do these jobs because they can’t get what they want on the salaries. But if you’re retired with an income, what do you care about the pay? (Actually, even a modest part-time salary will really help with a comfortable retirement, but that’s for another day).
5. You can do good deeds with all your free time
Lots of charities, political groups and fledgling businesses are short of the skills and manpower needed to make a difference – and that’s a real difference, that impoverished people and places will feel better for. If you want to, you can help one that’s close to your heart.
6. You’ll probably have done enough for your kids
By the time a child leaves university, the average middle-class parent has lavished a six-figure sum on raising, educating and amusing them, not to mention keeping them clean. Then they ask you for a house deposit. Fine – you love them and they’re worth it. But should you keep working for them until you drop?
If you’re close to retirement already, ask them: They’ll probably tell you to spend the lot.
7. The hours are great
Ever had a sickie and noticed how much more pleasant the world is when everyone else is cooped up in the office? Shopping is a joy, there’s no one on the beach, the roads are empty. Okay, slight exaggeration – that’s more for a future article on The Benefits of Retiring After Nuclear Armageddon. But the little perks are real enough, such as leaving for your holiday at an odd midweek time that most people can’t make because of work. It might just save you enough to pay for two tickets.
8. It’s fun
Look folks, you’re not at work! You can do whatever you like! If you really can’t think of anything great to do with a little money and a lot of time, then contrary to prevailing wisdom maybe you’re exactly the kind of person who needs to retire and start looking. We pass this way but once, whether we’re 45 or 65.
(9. You’ve little to lose by trying)
(Okay, we’re whispering this reason because it kind of goes against the grain. But even if you get to your designated job-free day of reckoning and after a month find yourself climbing up the wall, wishing that you were still working, then… so what? Go back to work. Okay, you’ve missed out on a few holidays and luxuries over the years by saving for something that you didn’t actually need, but any early retiree who goes back to work should have a great pot of cash to ease the pain.
If that’s you, maybe chuck half your total investment pot in some long-term financial provision, then spent the rest on a sports car, a flat in Rio and family trips to New York for the weekend. And then return to the office. You’ll still enjoy a comfortable retirement some day, just a shorter one.)
10. You can’t take it with you…
…unless you spend your loot freezing your head for future generations to revive. Such antics lie beyond the scope of Monevator.com. Happily.
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