Not everyone can retire, but even those with financial means often choose to wait for work.
Why retire and young? This is a more controversial issue than you think
Retired young people may sound like a dream to return to purely leisure life, but for many it may soon lose its appeal (it doesn't matter involves early retirement and financial stress over the years required to fund as a result).
Research has always shown that what maintains long-term happiness is not endless relaxation – it is Meaning, purpose and participation. When people leave work without a clear idea of what will happen next, they often find themselves drifting. The loss of structure, identity and social connections provided by work can lead to boredom, restlessness and even depression.
A more satisfying approach is to plan a Act 2– Includes meaningful work, creative pursuits, volunteering or mentoring. People thrive when they feel useful and connected to something bigger than themselves. Whether it’s part-time work, passionate projects or giving back to the community, continuing to contribute in some way is often more satisfying than purely laid-back living. In short: Retire from work, not purpose.
Boldin user answers questions about why retired young
In an article by the Boldin Facebook group, hundreds of comments answered the question: “Why does retirement last for so long?” The answers are almost equally divided into the following 8 categories.
Here is a summary of the answers why Boldin users struggle to retire early:
1. Retire young to gain freedom
“The time you like to waste is not a waste of time. ” – Bertrand Russell
Retired youth is not always about a specific prudent goal, and many people retire to gain freedom and simply enjoy their time.
In fact, controlling one's own life and sense of freedom is the most common reason people want to retire and young. Whether it's sleeping, doing nothing, or having time to pursue hobbies – golf, carpentry, weaving, etc. (the mentioned activities have changed)
- Joseph commented: “This is the best thing to do in retirement. You don't have to have a set plan. I attend it again and again.”
- John was even more straightforward: “I absolutely did nothing, and I didn't start until noon. I like the freedom to do whatever I want, as long as I want, I want. It's not for everyone, but it works for me!”
- Rosalyn looked forward to: “The day I woke up early because I wanted to do it, not because I had to.”
- Brad plans to spend his time on financial freedom and how he retires. He wrote: “Before retirement, I started to make a plan. Although like most things, it didn't disappear according to my plan, I didn't regret that I retired. Work is more than just my life.
- Michelle is pursuing entertainment, swimming, pickled cabbage, boating, reading, cycling, bunco, traveling, and more. She summarized the young philosophy of retirement in this way: “Some people live, some people work hard.” Retirement is because I would rather do a thousand other things. ”
Need some inspiration? Here are 120 ideas about retirement work.
2. Want to get rid of work
“I would rather have rice and beans so I can do what I love rather than work that makes me painful, but pay a good amount of money.” – Darius Foroux, author straightforward
It seems that many people think their job is ruthless and choose to retire, even if it means financial sacrifice (although usually not).
Work getting rid of stress is the second biggest reason why people retire early. Janet sums up this with this comment: “This is not what you want to do. This is what you don't have to do anymore.”
- “If work has become an indicator of your identity and self-worth, you have failed,” James wrote.
- Patrick responded: “Work doesn't define who I am. Some people stick with it because they can't think of things without it. My goal in life is not to look at work. Who are you?”
- “The Knee Deep Menopause” triggered Stacey's retirement. “I just don’t want to or need to endure all the workplace bullshit,” she said.
Do you like your job and don’t plan to retire? It doesn't matter
It is important to note that many people do actually like their work and find meaning and purpose in their work. And, this can be 100%. Delaying retirement is because you love your work and feel that you are contributing to the world is admirable. And, you are lucky to find a job done.
3. travel
“Work fills your pockets, adventure fills your soul.” – Unknown
Traveling and retirement only has something to do. Research shows that this is the first goal for most people, and the answer to this question confirms that it is correct. Whether it is camping, RV travel, or traveling around the world, there is time to travel, which is an important reason why people retire early.
4. family
“Family doesn’t matter. That’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox
Love is always the answer to everything, including why retired young people.
People retire early and spend time with spouses, children, grandchildren and aging parents.
- Bryan commented from a Lanai in Hawaii. “I realized that when my wife had cancer (no cancer right now), we shouldn't spend most of the time we woke up from each other… The work was great, I did a lot of good things. But now I can do what we want when we want to do. I hope I can do that as soon as possible.”
- Wendy and her daughter prioritize time. “I traveled 80% as a consultant, and would have missed 50% of my daughter's activities and she would not be able to do much. I'm glad I left my soul suppression time for my family.”
- Many mention retired young people giving them time with their parents' aging and aging. Nancy's mom needs her to go with her. “My financial situation prevents me from having to work. Spending four and a half years with my mom was an incredible gift. She passed away last summer,” she said.
5. Early retirement has always been the goal, and they are well prepared
“All you need is planning, roadmap and courage to follow your destination.” – Earl Nightengale
Some people know almost their whole lives that they don’t want to enter old age. And, others set their goals for a while, but have carefully planned to retire early.
In a Facebook group like Boldin's, you'll surely find more people than average retired, as people are actively managing their finances and preparing for the future they want.
- Tom D.
- Denise made a major life change to help retired young people, “I moved to Mexico last year so I could pay cash for my home and my car, and now that these moves are done, I asked myself if it’s really worthwhile to handle the day-to-day work. Now I have the option to enjoy my life on my terms.”
- Brad decided to retire in his 30s, and despite achieving his goals, he found that even in the face of market crashes and inflation, his financial situation was better than he had planned and could even retire.
- David retired five years earlier than he thought. He mentioned the importance of being on top of financial status even after retirement.
Want to retire and be young? Make a plan
Boldin Retirement Planners can help you discover how to retire. Start now.
6. Still working, but feeling like retirement in a more meaningful or purposeful job
“Happiness is a byproduct of function, purpose and conflict; those seeking happiness seek victory without war.” – William S. Burroughs
Many people think they are retired but are working or volunteering in a job they like and giving meaning to the time spent on time.
- “Early retirement gives you the option to switch to a new 'job' without having to worry about income levels,” Katherine said.
- Laura is doing some very hard work after retirement. “I have a farm that I'm working with one of my kids to turn it into an income effort. The work will continue, but it's more of a passionate project,” she wrote.
7. Acknowledge that they are not young or healthier
“Health is real wealth, not a fragment of gold and silver.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Health – the well-being of themselves and their loved ones – is the main factor in early retirement. Many people watch friends and family work hard and then retire when their bodies or minds start to fail. Or, regardless of the financial consequences, their own health fears have led them to find ways to get retired to work.
- Rob wrote: “My youngest brother and his wife are already planning to retire. Two years ago, he suffered from heart disease at the age of 55 (his first, no notice), and he and that dream died suddenly. I am 61 years old this year.
- Laurie narrates: “I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at 42 years old. Only about 3% of women survive. I am one of them. I just turned 55 and enjoyed my enjoyment every day.”
- Tom was also inspired by family members, commenting: “My father died of a heart attack at 39. I retired in 54 years ago. Life is more than just work. I love it very much now.”
- David intends to sail around the world for 3 years. “Not sure I was able to do that in my 60s. I took a vacation last year, traveled by boat and loved it. I look forward to doing more.”
- Jeff mentioned that he had lost his wife and mother too early because his wife and mother had lost cancer too early. He said he thought: “Going slower on this journey and taking time to see the beauty of life. I spent too much time becoming productive, efficient and not enjoying the journey.”
- For Brett, the choice of retirement youth is distinct. “If I hadn't retired at 54, the stress and frustration would kill me,” he wrote.
8. Retirement is a way to buy time
“You won’t value your time until you value yourself. You won't do anything about it until you value the time.” – M. Scott Peck
You can always have more money. However, your time is absolutely limited. And, this trade-off is one of the most important considerations when deciding when to retire.
- Wendi plans to travel at age 55 and said: “No one can guarantee how much time we have, so if it makes financial sense, why not retire early?”
- Robbie responded to this view, “I retired at 58. I know how much money I have, but I don't know how much time I have.” (She added that she thinks her father retired early, too, and would be proud to enjoy a 10-year retirement before he dies at 68.)
Want to retire and be young? You need a plan
Retirement at age 60 or 65 can be a 30-year prospect, and for a long time you need to fund you without a job income. If you are retiring young people, you need another 10-30 years of savings.
A comprehensive financial plan, a backup plan to anticipate what might be wrong, and the flexibility to maintain and update plans will reduce stress for retired young people.
For anyone who wants to retire (or later), the Boldin retirement planner is the most comprehensive and flexible tool.
Updated April 24, 2025
