Are there reasons for not wanting to retire? Yes!
Maybe most of us simply assume that everyone really, really wants to retire as soon as possible, right? I always thought that was just the way things were. However, I’m finding out that there are people out in the world who simply love their careers so much, that quitting would be simply unthinkable!
In a way I kind of understand it, because there have been jobs that I have really enjoyed. At least for a while anyway. But after working for over 45 years or more and being told what to do and when to do it, getting up early every day because you absolutely have to, is not my idea of fun. People that love their jobs, not just enjoy them, are probably very rare indeed. But doing a little research finds that around 30 percent of American workers really do love their jobs (although if they won the lottery, would they still continue to work?).
If you happen to be one of these people, and you find yourself dreading the “R” word, you probably aren’t even reading this book to begin with, because the last thing you want to read about is the best way to plan your retirement! But seriously, if you are one of those people do not fear retirement. There is life after your career, and just because you can’t work full-time any longer doesn’t mean you can’t continue working part-time. Of course if your health is still really good, why not continue to work as long as possible, even into your eighties or nineties?
This may sound utterly ridiculous but as life spans have been increasing, many people will not only work longer because they have to for the money, many will simply work longer because they love their career. Think of a doctor, maybe in a small town, who has worked over 60 years and knows more than half the town folks. Does he want to leave that and do what, sit around the house tending a garden or looking for other new hobbies to take his time? It’s possible, but after so long being a doctor is his identity, literally, and he couldn’t think of any other possible life than what he is now living.
If your job is also your identity, no matter what it is, it’s quite possible you would feel the same way. There is nothing wrong with wanting to work as long as possible, every person is unique and must find their own way in life, to be happy on their own terms. So if this is what you choose, then be happy and do what makes you feel productive and needed by others. After all that is the best way to spend time, pursuing some passion that you have and actually making a difference in others lives at the same time.
Need more reasons not to retire?
Aside from loving your job, many people have no really active social life at home and don’t look forward to being alone in retirement. They may have a lot of good friends at work, some who they have worked with for more than 20 years or even longer. One of the many reasons people say they do not enjoy their lives since retirement is the fact that it is hard to make new friends, and I get it.
If you don’t want to leave your friends and the social comradery at work, then this can cause a real panic for you. Is there any way to see the same people outside of work? Usually that isn’t an option, but if it is then by all means set something up where you can meet your “work” friends during the weekend or even in the evenings if it’s at all possible and they agree to a time and place. Just remember, they may eventually move on and feel that it is a forced situation that they don’t wish to continue with for very long.
The transition from work to leisure is great for you, but if your work friends are still having to work for several more years, they may feel just a bit of envy of your situation. This is natural, right? If the situation does appear to get strained, perhaps it’s best to cut ties at some point. After all nothing stays the same forever! We all need to grow and change, which is just a part of life no matter which stage of life you happen to be in. In order to continue growing yourself you may need to branch out and make a true effort to find new social contacts that are also retired, that have things in common with you as well.
Planning for your retirement can be tricky, and there are questions you have like everyone else. If you want to learn and explore more ideas for yourself, check out my book here for more information:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3S2V9VM
Happy retirement planning!