I’ve noticed a trend about what people consider an appropriate age to retire. It seems that if you say you’re retired and aren’t over 65, people often question your choices. I used to work just to get by, but then I realized life is about living, not just working. Now, I focus on enjoying life every day.
Everyone’s journey is different, and some jobs can take a toll on your body or mind. The best choice for you is the right one. I think many of the raised eyebrows I get are from those who didn’t plan well and can’t believe that I did. At 54, I’m out of the rat race. I made plans that turned out well. I’m young enough to savor my days while feeling secure. Don’t let the opinions of those who didn’t prepare get to you. When they wonder how I did it, I just reply with a playful “Muhahahaha Muhahaha!” like Dr. Evil.
I hit my financial independence number at 55 and planned to save more until 59.5. But then, at 57.5, I got laid off after working a stressful job. So yeah, I’m retired now! After six months, I started working part-time at a local business to help mentor the owner. I can make my own schedule and enjoy fishing and driving my muscle car whenever I want!
When people ask what I do, I say, “I retired at 57.5; now I’m the Helpful Hardware Man part-time!”
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I find it odd when people criticize retirement choices. Is it cultural or regional?
I live in the DC area, where it’s common for federal employees to retire early. My wife will retire at 56.5 with 31 years of service. I quit my corporate job just before I turned 50, and I haven’t faced any criticism about retiring early. A few warned me that I’d get bored and return to work, but that’s about it.
I was prepared to retire at 55 but delayed a year because I loved my job and wanted to finish some long-term projects. I spent that year setting things up to hand over my work and left at 56. I’ve never regretted it.
Congrats! I retired at 52 and it’s been four fantastic years. The ‘secret’ is to invest for 30 years, live below your means, and be debt-free. I played a lot of golf, and early on, I told people I did business consulting instead of saying I was retired. I look younger than my age, so I often get surprised reactions when I reveal I’m retired.
This year, my investments are up 14%, and I had planned for only 6%. I’ll actually make more this year than I did in my last work year.
I keep a close eye on our finances, especially health costs before we qualify for Medicare, but I maintain a reserve fund for healthcare.
Most people don’t get pensions these days, so if you can retire early and financially secure, why wouldn’t you?
I retired at 42, and my husband will retire next year at 52. Some friends have made silly comments against his early retirement. One was, “Why retire early and give all your money to the government?” We puzzled over this for a while before realizing that retiring now means accessing his retirement accounts early, incurring penalties.
We worked hard, lived frugally, and planned for early retirement since we got together at 19.
When people ask us how we afford early retirement, I usually say I didn’t have kids, which saved us a couple million!
I retired in March 2024 at 55. My coworkers couldn’t believe I gave up my high-paying job. I don’t miss work at all and suggest getting out as soon as you can. I’m healthier and happier than I’ve ever been.
I retired at 52 last year. I initially planned to stay until I was 55 to get most of my pay, but after 27 years, I was ready to go. Best decision I ever made!
I completely agree. Don’t let anyone dictate what age is acceptable for retirement. I retired at 52 and rarely faced criticism. Most congratulate me for achieving that, and some even ask how I spend my time. I tell them, “Whatever I want!” It’s okay to have moments of boredom too; I spent many hours bored at my desk while working. Now, I can do it on my couch while rewatching Columbo!
Good for you! I was fortunate to retire at 50, while my wife retired at 55. We began planning at 21, trying to live on one income while saving for retirement and our children’s college. We were disciplined with our spending and avoided credit card debt. We weren’t high-income earners, either. It’s achievable. It saddens me to see people reach retirement age without a plan because they spent extravagantly on vacations, new cars, and large homes.
Hello, thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, your post was removed due to flair requirements. This community is intended for early retirees (before age 59 in the US). Please indicate which decade you retired in by adding flair or letting us know. We appreciate your help in maintaining the focus of this community. Thanks from the moderator team.
