Ask Lemmy

I actually have enough money to retire right now and live frugally for the rest of my life at the age of 51... But to be honest it sounds super boring and depressing.

I know this will go against the grain here, but I enjoy what I do. I'm an engineering manager and I work on cool and interesting projects. I enjoy what the extra money gets me, whether it's vacations or a better place to live or whatever. I enjoy working with other intelligent engineers trying to solve challenging problems. If I was retired I wouldn't have that same engagement. I don't know what I'd do with my time and I'm afraid I would not spend it in a healthy way.

So the reality is I've thought about it, but I'm not really that interested in retiring, even though I could.

If I had the money to retire at 30, I'd be so much richer than I am now that even 65% of that would still be more than I'm getting now. But if I was the kind of person who earns that much, would I be content with that? We'll never know.

Nope, 65% of what I make now is barely subsistence. It would be nice for a few months, but quickly become boring

I'd do it, but retiring early = doing my hobbies instead. Long days writing books, making art, volunteering, and pet sitting. Retiring would just mean working the jobs I want instead of the ones I have to.

I'd try, but my shopping addiction would get me in trouble.

I wasn't even out of school yet.

100% I'd retire. I'd sell all my shit, buy a sailboat and cruise around the world for the rest of my life.

Yep

i tried and its boring as fuck so i want to work again instead

Probably not.

1. I can't be certain that these earnings will cover even 10% of my expenses for a lifetime, because you never know.
2. I feel too young to make such a drastic decision that will tremendously limit my future.
3. I prefer enjoyable work with a healthy work-life-balance over not working at all.

If anything, I'd take more risks and sacrifices to get a more fulfilling work experience.

Healthcare costs grow rapidly as you age, and have been outpacing inflation in the US. If your remaining money is only keeping up with inflation over time, you are very likely to fall behind later in life, when job opportunities are more scarce, and less lucrative.

If you can make changes to live more frugally now, and work a year or two more while your money is growing in the background, you will be much better off long term.

I have numerous family members that have lived a long time, and eventually faced severe health issues, so I expect that in my future. I will work until my retirement savings are more than I need for my current lifestyle, and then cut back on certain things to do my best to prepare for that eventuality.

Personally, no. You're barely an adult at that point. If you have the privilege of a disposable income at thirty, splurge and enjoy yourself. Treat yourself to new experiences.

Nope. Even though I can pay my bills, I still need to be able to save for other emergencies and have some fun.