Don’t Ever Retire. Yes, you heard me right. Don’t retire if you want to live a long happy life. Most people don’t realize that much of their day-to-day lives are surrounded by the people they deal with from work. This may not be the case for you, but a lot of social lives are. When people retire, they cut off this connection they would have had each day and soon discover that they get bored.
How Many Times Can You Go On Vacation?
Many people save for the glorious day when they can retire and not have to work again. They think that this is the best of the best. However, once they get done doing some of the things they wanted to do, they run out of usually money to do them or ideas. They end up getting bored (some times to death, literally).
Retire Early, Die Early
A recent study showed that in 2005, people who retired at age 55 died twice as fast as those who keep working. How do you over come this challenge? Easy, don’t stop working. Hey, wait a minute. How is that possible? I had two good friends that I work with who just retired early. Guess what they did? They had other jobs lined up to start the following Monday at consulting firms to offer their services back to companies like the one they worked for.
This may sound crazy, but I am happy to see them do this. I had two bosses who retired early and didn’t have any jobs. They just went home and both died in 6 months of a heart attack. Both were in their 50’s. Getting back to my two friends, in their capacity, they don’t necessarily have to work a full 40 hour week if they don’t want to do so. They take on the jobs that they want and get paid a nice fee each time they do. They are staying in the business, but getting extra benefits from having retired.
What’s Wrong With Retiring?
Where did we ever get the idea that we can sit back and do nothing and that our bodies are going to enjoy that program. We were designed to be useful all of our lives. When we are not, then we stop to exist. Even my dad, who is 85, still works. He retired at 70, but once he moved to the town he wanted to live, he went out and found jobs doing what he loved to do. He ended up working full time, living in the place he loves, doing what he loves. Just how long do you think he will live?
My mother did the same thing. She loved to teach and signed up as a substitute. She is used almost as much as a full time teacher. Again, she is useful in her trained skills and loves doing it. Best health care program out there.
Key To A Long, Happy Retirement
It is very simple…don’t retire. It’s okay to leave what you are doing with the company you work at right now, but make sure you have something lined up after the fact. Keep your mind active in your field of study or in the area you really love. That is what will make a big difference in how long your initial departure from your main line of work will last. The real secret is to find something you love, it will give you the drive to get up and meet the many new days ahead. Before you know it, you may be starting your second 100 years.
Until Next Time…