Would you retire now if you could?

**TBH** · 06-14-2014, 06:25 PM

I'm a freelancer, and I love some of my work but not all of it. I don't see myself ever completely retiring, even if I had plenty of money, but it sure would be nice to have the freedom to turn down projects that I don't want to do. Or maybe I'd take a few months off completely from time to time. Currently, I never really take vacations (and I rarely even take weekends) because every time I try a new project comes up and my work is so uncertain that I feel like I have to take everything that pays decently.

**hamchan** · 06-14-2014, 08:23 PM

My answer is no, and for both of the reasons you listed. I really enjoy my job. It's challenging, rewarding, and a very relaxed work environment. Clients are happy to see me and I feel very appreciated for what I do.

I have also had times in the past where I was unable to work for a period of time for various reasons, anywhere from a few weeks to two years, and I nearly lost my mind. I hated it. I spent a little more time on hobbies, but the days just dragged on and on.

**MonkeyMama** · 06-15-2014, 05:58 AM

No, I would not retire if I could. It's because I enjoy my job and have always focused on enjoying the here and now. (Versus working solely towards a future that may or may not exist for me). I have always been quite choosy when it comes to work environment and employers. So that is also a lot of it.

I am not in the slightest afraid of being bored or unfulfilled if I stopped working. That question is just laughable, to me. I personally thrive on a full schedule, but I think I could figure something out.

The opportunities of this world just seem endless. & I was never taught to value paid work over all else, so I don't hold much value on paid work over other endeavors. {That said, it I thrive on the schedule so much, why not just work? I can see that aspect of it, If I didn't have to work I would probably just volunteer more}.

**jackmiller** · 06-15-2014, 08:42 AM

Yes I would. There are many other things I would like to commit my life to other than being in the rat race. This is not of course ot say that I want to do nothing, rather I would like to begin giving back full time.

**Drake3287** · 06-15-2014, 08:48 AM

Although I loved my job and was the envy of most people because of it, I recently retired with full pay and benefits at 55 and haven't looked back. I few years ago I wouldn't have dreamed about retiring but I guess things change. I admit not having to worry about money and medical coverage makes it a whole lot easier to decide. Everyone's different I guess when it comes to retirement. Like the old saying goes, life's to short. I still find it hard to believe they send me a check every month for doing nothing!

**Kell32** · 06-15-2014, 12:40 PM

YES!!! ABSOLUTELY I WOULD RETIRE IF I WERE FINANCIALLY ABLE. I would love to have the time to explore other interests than my current career. I also would like have the time to spend on more of the things I ENJOY. I am a teacher and also work a PT job and don't usually have the time or energy to do some of the things I would enjoy more than teaching.

**disneysteve** · 06-15-2014, 03:07 PM

Thanks for the replies so far, and they represent a nice mix of opinions.

As I said in the other thread, I would definitely retire now if I could. My field (medicine) has changed tremendously over the years. I've been in practice since 1993 and the demands and regulations have steadily grown to where I spend a good deal of my time doing a lot of nonsense that has nothing at all to do with treating patients. I have a number of older colleagues who have reluctantly retired even though they would have been very happy to continue working but the BS just got out of hand and they were financially able to just call it quits. Sadly, it gets worse every day and my partner and I really don't know if we can keep doing what we do until we are both ready to retire (he's only a few years older than me). The medical field has really gone downhill. It isn't just my particular job or else I would seriously consider going elsewhere but the problems are systemic.

I am absolutely positive I would not be bored or unfulfilled in retirement. Unlike some people, I have many interests and activities I enjoy outside of work and I would love to have more time and energy to pursue them.

**LivingAlmostLarge** · 06-15-2014, 06:08 PM

In away I already have by staying at home with my kids.

But on a more serious not would I have? I don't know. I think so mostly because like you a lot of things have changed. I see a lot of friends and old colleagues staying in jobs they hate because of money and politics. I don't think they are happy or I know they aren't happy. But they are stuck and can't quit because of money. More than one has said so. But something has to give. Lifestyle or money.

**disneysteve** · 06-16-2014, 03:54 AM

Originally posted by LivingAlmostLarge View Post

I don't think they are happy or I know they aren't happy. But they are stuck and can't quit because of money. More than one has said so. But something has to give. Lifestyle or money.

There is another option - change careers. I've been seeing more and more seminars aimed at physicians looking to change careers, something that has only popped up in the last couple of years due to worsening conditions. There are now consultants and life coaches specializing in transitioning doctors into different lines of work.

I've only superficially checked this out by doing a brief, free online presentation but it's definitely something in the back of my mind. I have no idea what I would want to do but if things continue to go downhill, I may find myself pursuing that option more seriously.

**bjl584** · 06-16-2014, 04:13 AM

Yes. I would retire now if I could.

I don't hate my job. I actually enjoy it. But I think that I would enjoy pursuing my own interests and activities that much more.

The thought of financial independence and not having to answer to anyone is very appealing.

**LivingAlmostLarge** · 06-16-2014, 04:35 AM

A lot of people in my field have also left or been forced out. Decreased funding, lack of positions, it all turns into less people doing research. But it's a hard thing to accept after years of slogging away and "success" to finally fail. To be told you aren't good enough and honestly most people aren't. But the reality is a lot harder to accept.

I can say that because DH's best friend is in that position. Finished a phd in 2007, moved for a post-doc and been there every since. That is 7 years and counting. Where is he going? Is he going to succeed? Probably not. Is it time for a real job? Yes. Will he change? Probably not. Is he satisfied? Yes. Does he like what he does? Yes. Is it a "career"? It's turning into one, people who want to be academic professors and not give up. Is he underpaid? Yes. Does he have a family? No (just married and no kids yet). He doesn't have a house, retirement, car or any big bills. Will retirement or any of that be in his future? I don't know, but he's happy.

**feh** · 06-16-2014, 05:52 AM

We hit our "number" earlier this year. I'm gonna work 2 more years, just for a little buffer in the retirement accounts.

I still enjoy my job (most days). But, I'll choose the freedom to do whatever I want with my time.

**hamchan** · 06-16-2014, 06:15 AM

I have hobbies and interests outside of work, but it's not anything I wish I had more time to pursue than I currently do. And with most of my friends and family having jobs, I'd just wind up spending much of my time alone. I like having more time with my daughter, but in a few years she'll be an adult too. And I don't want to spend THAT much time with her. I enjoy my time more with her, and with my husband, in part because that time is limited.

**krantcents** · 06-16-2014, 07:13 AM

I retired or achieved financial independence a long time ago (38 y.o.)! Ever since (last 29 years) I have worked at things including my own businesses which I enjoy. For the last 13 years, I have been teaching which I enjoy too. My plan is to retire (again) in 2-3 years. After I leave my day job, I plan to stay busy volunteering and some other venture.

Would you retire now if you could?