Yes, I retired in 2018. No, this photo wasn’t from a retirement party for me. It was for my husband’s aunt. I won’t go into the reasons that I retired at 62 instead of waiting like the experts recommend, but let’s just say that my life is much less stressful and while I’m not just sitting around doing whatever I want to do, life is easier.
Have you ever known someone who finally retired, and shortly after they did, they experienced a health crisis or another crisis that threw their retirement plans into a tailspin?
I have. Several. And it makes me think.
Sometimes our jobs are so demanding, we have a fuzzy notion of the things we’d like to do. Maybe buy a travel trailer and visit all 48 contiguous states plus Alaska. Fly to Europe and see as many countries as we can see in two weeks. Buy a lake house and fish every day. Maybe something a little more tame, such as reading all of the recent best-sellers, taking an art class, finally learning to play a musical instrument.
My advice? Don’t. Don’t wait until retirement. Try to do those things now.
Why? You’re not guaranteed one day. You’re not guaranteed good health. You have no guarantees of anything.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating that you quit your job before it’s practical to do so. I am advocating considering your options. Can’t visit all 48 states at once? Visit a few at a time on your annual vacation. Go to Europe and visit one or two countries. Possibly you can afford a weekends-only lake house. On a smaller scale, make time for yourself to read those books, take those art classes, learn to play that instrument.
I had wanted to do the St. Jude half-marathon in Memphis for over fifteen years. But my long hours at work kept me from being able to train, or so I thought. I look back now and realize it was how I prioritized my time. Yet, fortunately, I fulfilled that goal in 2018. I jogged/walked the 13.1 miles in three hours and seventeen minutes. Other than retiring, it was the highlight of my year. It was an amazing experience, and you don’t have to be an athlete to do it. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
I realize there are circumstances which can prevent someone from achieving their goals and dreams. Financial reasons. Current health problems. Family obligations.
I’m a believer in saving for retirement and being smart with your money, and I’m not saying you should think only of yourself. But if you’re putting off some goal for “someday” when you have more time, you might want to rethink it.
Remember, there are no guarantees.
Life As I know it 