I’m 38 years old, and I’ve already made peace with the fact that I’ll probably never fully retire. That might sound depressing to some, but for me, it feels like the opposite. It’s invigorating.
Part of my decision is pure practicality. Like most people, I need an income to support my family, and that reality shapes my future. And like most people, I don’t have the kind of retirement savings that will let me stop working completely in my mid-50s, then spend the next few decades in leisure. And honestly, even the traditional path of retiring around 65 doesn’t feel like the future I want for myself.
But even if I did have the means to walk away tomorrow, I’m not sure I would. My work gives me something I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready to lose: purpose, identity, and a way to keep my brain sharp.
My work is a huge part of my identity
I’ve always defined myself at least partially by my work as a freelance writer and nutritionist. However, my career is far from the only thing that matters in my life. I’m also a husband, a father of two, a son, and a friend. While those roles matter most, my work has been a central thread in my life by connecting me to people, shaping opportunities, and giving me a sense of purpose that carries into everything else I do.
When I’ve had stretches of time off (like when our family spent five weeks in Nicaragua in 2023 or all of April in Europe this year), I’ve relished in the freedom… at first. After a couple of weeks, I start to feel antsy. I soon miss my routine. I long for projects to tackle and problems to solve. And, most of all, I miss the sense of accomplishment that comes from doing something well and being recognized for it.
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Retirement, at least in the traditional sense, feels like it would be stepping away from all of that. For some people, that’s the dream. For me — at least right now — it feels like it would be giving up a part of myself.
Staying mentally sharp as I get older is non-negotiable
I’ve seen what happens when people stop challenging themselves mentally. Friends’ parents have retired in their 60s and, within a couple of years, seem to have slowed down significantly, both physically and mentally. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but enough that I’ve taken notice.
My work helps keep me thinking and my mind razor-sharp. For example, with the rise of AI, I’ve had to adapt quickly by learning how to use new tools without losing my own voice, and I often interview people from completely different walks of life. One day I might be talking with a registered dietitian about blood sugar research, and the next, a fitness trainer to break down the latest workout trend.
My work isn’t just about the paycheck
Though I do contribute to a retirement account in case I can’t work for some unexpected reason, I don’t see myself stopping completely, even when I reach the traditional retirement age. The financial reality matters, of course, but even if my savings were fully set, I can’t imagine not working in some capacity.
I’ve heard too many stories of people who retire with more than enough in the bank, only to find themselves restless and dissatisfied within a year. They end up consulting, volunteering, starting a small business, or finding part-time work. Often, this isn’t because they have to, but because they want to feel useful again.
For me, the idea of “semi-retirement” (scaling back my hours, choosing only projects that excite me, or shifting into less stressful work), makes a lot more sense than walking away completely.
The picture of retirement I saw growing up just isn’t for me
I think part of the problem is that we’ve been sold one narrow version of retirement: you work hard for 40 years, stop working entirely, then fill your days with leisure. That might work for some people, but I’ve come to realize that my ideal future looks different.
I know I don’t do well when life feels too easy. If I’m not challenged or pushing myself in some way, I start to feel restless and unmotivated. That’s why I plan to keep working for as long as I can, even if that means shifting into mentoring, working on creative passion projects, or doing freelance work that I can do from anywhere. I want the flexibility to travel and spend time with my family, but I also want the challenge, camaraderie, and sense of purpose that work gives me.
Never fully retiring isn’t about clinging to the rat race. It’s about holding on to the parts of work that make life richer and more meaningful. If that means I never “fully” retire, I’m OK with that.
