Well, like most things in life, that depends on how we define things…
Retirement has a few definitions, however one I really like is: “The point at which we stop exchanging present satisfaction for the future promise of being happy”
Let’s unpick what that means. Most of us work more than we’d like. We justify this to ourselves by reminding ourselves that this is all for the end goal. That end goal is the promise of one day gaining so much in savings that work is no longer obligatory. It’s at this stage we are said to be financially free (retirement). We are sacrificing some happiness today to make a better life for the future.
So when we hit retirement and we no longer need to do this and have complete freedom of time. Our time is once again our own and do what we like. Which in theory means we are happy…
By the above definition there are three ways to “stop exchanging present satisfaction” in the here and now i.e. become “retired”.
1. Make so much money so fast that you no longer need to work (win the lottery)
2. Reduce outgoings to nothing therefore have no need for money (forgot most of life’s creature comforts)
3. Live your most desirable life today – meaning you are perfectly content in the moment
1 and 2 are pretty unfeasible – slim odds of number 1 and most enjoy their creature comfort which is why 2 is difficult.
So in other words being retired today IS possible. It just requires us to gain the lifestyle that we want today and fin balance. Easier said than done of course but its always interesting to explore definitions.
Food for thought
*Not Financial Advice
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