Just wondering if, after working all the way to retirement, I will be tempted to look back on 45 years or so of working hard and say "what a mistake!" So I'll wind up with a pile of money. Maybe it would have been better to have more free time. What do you seniors think? And what do you younger people predict you will think?
2007-05-22 16:43:08 · 6 answers · asked by mikegreenwich 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I am 10 years over 65 and the question assumes retirement is the goal of a life's work. If you enjoy what you do, in life and like those you work for and with, then that is its own reward. The status of yourself, financially at the end should not be a criteria.
The same is true of the leisure life after retirement. If you find something to productively occupy you, like volunteering or counseling, and that is mentally rewarding for you, and for others, then your retirement wont be such that the rocking chair in front of a TV "gets" you.
Nothing is less satisfying than having it "made" and being mentally unproductive, I think I also think that that is the cause of dementia and maybe Alzheimer's disease. A little mental and physical stress and exercise is necessary until the end..
Life was worth it but I shouldn't say "was" because I feel I'm still working, but at my own pace/ Good luck, good health, peace and love!
2007-05-22 17:33:20 · answer #1 · answered by Mad Mac 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have a few more years to go, but: sure, it was worth it.
First off, most of us don't have an alternative to working. Even if you don't have a regular job, you spend a great deal of your time figuring out how to survive.
As for careers in which people trade all their free time for the possibility of gaining more money, that's a choice that they've made. For some of us, accumulating wealth is something of a way of keeping score; once you've got enough to live on, the rest can be used to, well, convince yourself that you're better than the next guy.
For some, money brings power, and that's often worth having.
2007-05-22 23:57:09 · answer #2 · answered by 2n2222 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I did not end up with a pile of money. I just worked to meet daily needs. And have ended up with very little--by today's standards. I am happy in my life and I think that is the most important thing. Have had a few knocks and bruises (still have some of those bruises--lol) but just take one day at a time. Do slow up enough to smell so roses along the way. Try for some peace and a few pleasures and memories along your way. Yes, all of my work has been worth it. I wouldn't change a thing but I try to see the good and not the bad. Good luck in your life.
2007-05-23 00:04:06 · answer #3 · answered by old_woman_84 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am 21 years old and have already given up the rat race, the proverbial mouse wheel. If you run in circles your whole life working day in and day out just so you can afford to get to work again your not living. Granted we all need money, but why? Because some power hungry man invented the idea of currency as a way to control people and have power over them. The world sucks im pretty sure im just going to kill my self and get it over with.
2007-05-23 00:03:43 · answer #4 · answered by Chris 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I retired at 61 and am 63 now but I would like to respond. Working allowed me the opportunity to retire and pursue new avenues. This would not be possible without the savings and investments I accumulated while working. Retirement is fine, if you can afford it. My career was not a mistake. It just seems trivial now. Good luck and save,save,save----
2007-05-22 23:59:27 · answer #5 · answered by connor g 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I may not be 65. But I'm sure that my parents worked that long to pay the bills and because they had to put food on the table. You do what you need to.
2007-05-22 23:45:49 · answer #6 · answered by brk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋