Retiring from the idea of retirement
Retirement is increasingly questioned as a clear “stop work at 65” endpoint, especially by well-paid knowledge workers who enjoy their jobs yet worry about health, ageism, and financial security. Commenters contrast this privilege with the realities of physically demanding or low-paid work, flawed pay‑as‑you‑go pension systems, and rising life expectancy that strain current models. Many argue for more flexible paths—partial work, new careers, or meaningful unpaid activity in later life—alongside structural fixes such as better retirement planning, automation of undesirable labor, and, for some, ideas like universal basic income.
Nature of Work, Fulfilment, and “Essential Labor”
- Many argue the “work on what you love forever” framing is an upper‑class or tech privilege that ignores necessary, unpleasant work (sewage, construction, oil rigs, etc.).
- Others counter that even “low-status” jobs can be meaningful: tangible outcomes, pride in competence, and decent pay can create fulfilment.
- Some note automation and robotics could eventually remove the worst tasks, but current social and political structures lag.
Health, Aging, and Limits of “Work Until You Die”
- Multiple commenters emphasize that bodies and minds degrade: physical jobs become impossible, and even desk work can be blocked by illness, injury, or cognitive decline.
- Personal stories: nerve damage, long COVID, MS, strokes, and surgeries abruptly ended or constrained careers.
- Many say they once imagined working forever but, decades later, no longer enjoy the grind and want the option to stop or downshift.
Retirement Systems, Pensions, and Intergenerational Funding
- Strong debate over pay‑as‑you‑go pension models vs. personal accounts.
- Some insist pensions are “my money” saved over a career; others point out current contributions fund current retirees, making demographics (fewer workers, longer lives) a structural problem.
- Proposals include: mandatory but individually owned investment accounts, higher liquidity/guarantees, or moving away from opaque government funds.
- Skeptics warn that many people will under‑save if left alone, then demand support later.
Tech Industry, Ageism, and FIRE
- Many software workers like the craft but dislike the industry: bureaucracy, politics, and stress drive strong FIRE interest.
- Ageism in tech is widely reported: few see 60–70‑year‑old coders in standard roles; some pivot to teaching or other fields.
- Concerns about LLMs and cheaper younger workers add to job‑security anxiety.
Retirement Lifestyle, Purpose, and Mental Health
- Commenters stress planning not just finances but post‑retirement purpose.
- Reports of boredom, loss of identity, and social disconnection after early retirement.
- Suggested mitigations: part‑time or low‑stress work, volunteering, hobbies, continued learning, and staying cognitively engaged.
- Some advocate UBI to decouple survival from employment and let people choose meaningful work at any age.