Work through retirement?

This essay by Mitch Pearlstein appeared in my local newspaper recently. I am linking to it because I think he poses an idea that is important to the GEO Principle. His essay suggests that we re-look at traditional retirement.  He notes that the most reliable way to make sure you have enough money in the latter part of your life is to keep working rather than to rely on Social Security and investment income. He provides examples of three people who have continued to work long past the age when most people have retired.

You can see from the comments at the end of the essay that not everyone is open to the idea of working into the later years of their life. I can understand that if you suggest to someone who is about to retire at 65 that they should keep working until they are 85 they are going to resist, but I think the idea of working into old age is worth talking about -- particularly for people who are 20 or more years away from typical retirement age.

Retirement as we know it is a concept that only has had meaning since about World War II. Prior to that, people pretty much worked their entire life, and no one expected anything different. Today, most Americans expect that the last third of their life should be devoted to recreation and leisure. This is an enormous change in the public mind-set during the last century.

People need purpose to thrive, and good work provides purpose. Many people who retire to golf and travel soon discover that something is missing in their lives. The lucky ones figure it out and do something about it.

If you are set on retirement at 65 or younger, ask yourself why? What is it you hope to do when you reach that age? If that something is important, why not do it now? And what about the work you are currently doing? Is it helping you to grow closer to God? If so, then why are you so eager to retire?

I have found that many people who are eyeing retirement really don't like their current work. If that's you, don't wait until retirement to change your life. Change you job now to something you find meaningful. Don't let retirement be an excuse for staying in a job that really doesn't suit you.

I am not suggesting that everyone should maintain a 40-hour work week until they die, but I am suggesting that the current conventional wisdom about retirement should be re-evaluated. I see an awful lot of unhappy old people in our culture. I think we can do better.

Comments

[Kent]

Tom,

As you know, I subscribe to the idea of work past the usual retirement age. In about a week or so I will be 61, with a life expectancy of past 75. I can't imagine letting my brain and talents mark time for 14 years!! I may not be in banking, but I will be following a course I believe God set me on several years ago - you know the story...

Keep the faith,

Kent