Would you retire at 40 if you could?

Question

Assuming you could maintain a higher than average income with an annual 5% cost of living adjustment.

Would you keep working? If you did retire, what would you do?

I'm defining "higher than average income", as higher than average for where you live.

In some places a low six-figure income means you're just gettin by, other places you're livin large.

So, whatever higher than average is for where-ever you live.

I guess I am also curious in how content people would be without the potential of a much higher than average income.

Would you be content with a livable wage for the rest of your life, or would the potential of bigger bucks keep you in the workforce?

I asked this Q in both Community Service and in Careers & Employment to see if the answers would be different.

I would definitely get out early. There are so many other worthwhile things to do.

I would spend more time with my own family, friends, and helping others.

One of the biggest observations made about me is that I am perceived to be too busy.

Being busy is one thing, being *too* busy all the time is not good. Sometimes people hold back in asking for my help, even when they really need it. I'd like to change that.

Answer 1

Assuming having finally settled down with a lucky guy by then and having my own family and kids:

I would retire and aim to be the next Martha Stewart as a second career project. I want to master both the professional and domestic departments.

I would want to spend lots of time with my parents and spoil them as long as they are still here. Take them on trips etc.

Having a couple of more kids would be cool too. 40 isn't too late and my limit is 5.

How much money would I be making? What's higher than average income?

You?

EDIT:
Yep, as long as I can live comfortably and have the ability to spoil my family, I would want to retire. Time lost with family can't be gained back. I don't want to regret not having spent time with them once they're no longer here.

Answer 2

I'm already over 40, but I would retire at 50 if I could have the higher than average income you speak of.

If I "retired", I might consider writing a book. Which would technically mean I wasn't retired, but I could take my time to write "the great American novel".

Or I would exercise every day; my goals would be about achieving greater exercise levels.

Answer 3

Having been retired for 5 years I'd say definitely no. I'm so busy with all the things I love to do that I can't imagine where I found time to work. Think I'd have worn myself out by now. But I'm having the time of my life now.

Answer 4

I did last year at 39.Now I am a volunteer for Animal Control.Going to school to be a Vet Tech (not to get a job, just for knowledge). There are so many things to do out there and so little time.
Do all the things you have always wanted to do while giving some of your time to some things that really needs and appreciates it.
I fish, read, play with my rescued dog,volunteer were needed.

Answer 5

I'm 64, and retired two years ago. I'm bored out of my mind, even though I do a lot of community service work, am an active member of Kiwanis, and remain active in my local Chamber of Commerce. After forty years in advertising, publishing, marketing and commercial printing, I miss the hub-bub. I'm actively searching for a new project, job or venture in which to get hands-on involved again!

Answer 6

I'm a little past 40 but the Idea of retiring and being the grounds keeper for my church or going on foreign mission trips would sound like a nice way to live.

Answer 7

Absolutely! I'd spend all of my new found free time with my wife and daughter enjoying life. And I'd play my guitar a lot more.

Answer 8

I wish I could. My grandmother once said that is when a person began to live, like walking off your mother's door step. It would be wonderful, a blessing. But its just hopeful thinking.

Answer 9

absolutely. I'd continue doing freelance guidance or just helping out in the community without the pressure of "having" to do it or the worry that someone is ready to fire me if i do it wrong.