Retirement Reflections

At 38, I’ve come to terms with the idea that I might not ever fully retire. It might sound a bit gloomy to some, but, honestly, I don’t find it depressing at all. It’s just the way things are for me.

A lot of this decision boils down to practicality. Like many, I need a steady income to take care of my family, and that reality drives my choices. I don’t have a financial cushion that would let me walk away from my job in my 50s and lounge around for decades. Even the conventional retirement age of 65 doesn’t appeal to me much.

But even if I could walk away tomorrow, I’m not sure I would. My job gives me something I think I would really miss—purpose, identity, and yeah, it keeps my mind active.

Work Shapes My Identity

I’ve always identified myself, at least partly, through my roles as a freelance writer and a dietitian. However, my career isn’t the only thing that defines me. I’m also a husband and a father, and those roles are incredibly significant. Still, my work has been a vital thread in the fabric of my life. It’s provided connection, opportunities, and that vital sense of purpose that ties everything together.

When I go on holidays—like the five weeks in Nicaragua or our month in Europe earlier this year—I enjoy the freedom at first. But after a couple of weeks, I begin to feel this nagging anxiety. I miss my routine. I want to dive back into projects, tackle issues, and most importantly, I miss that satisfaction that comes from achieving something and getting recognition for it.

Retirement, as it’s typically understood, feels like it’s about stepping away from everything. For some, that’s a dream come true. But for me, at least at this point, it feels like sacrificing a part of myself.

Staying Mentally Sharp

I’ve noticed what happens when people stop mentally challenging themselves. A friend’s parents retired in their 60s, and just a few years later, they seemed to slow down quite a bit, both physically and mentally. It’s not universal, of course, but I can’t help but notice.

My work keeps my mind engaged. With AI becoming a bigger part of the landscape, for example, I’ve had to quickly adapt and learn how to use new tools while still maintaining my own voice. One day, I might have a conversation with a registered nutritionist about blood sugar research; it keeps me on my toes.

More Than Just a Paycheck

I do contribute to my retirement fund for those “just in case” situations, but I don’t see myself completely stopping work when I hit retirement age. Sure, finances matter, but even if I’m financially secure, I can’t picture myself not working in some capacity.

I’ve heard so many stories about folks who save up enough to retire but feel restless and unfulfilled within a year. Many end up consulting, volunteering, or starting small businesses—not because they have to, but because they want to feel needed and relevant.

The idea of “semi-retirement” resonates with me more than an outright exit from work. I’d like to reclaim some time while still engaging in projects that excite me or taking on less stressful roles.

Rethinking Retirement

Part of the issue seems to be that we’ve been sold a limited view of retirement. Work hard for 40 years, then stop completely and spend your days at leisure. That may suit some, but I’ve realized my ideal path looks a little different.

When life feels too easy, I know something’s off. If you’re not being challenged in some way or pushing your limits, it’s easy to feel restless and uninspired. So, I plan to venture into mentoring, working on creative passion projects, and pursuing freelance tasks that can be done from anywhere. I want flexibility to travel and spend time with my family while still embracing the challenges and sense of fulfillment that work brings.

I guess I’ll never truly leave the rat race behind. It’s about holding onto the work that enriches life and gives it meaning. If that means I won’t fully retire, well, I’m okay with that.