When I was 55, I tried the idea of a traditional retirement. After a couple of weeks, I felt miserable. I felt that my life had no meaning and got bored quite quickly. So, I decided to continue working, and I believe I will work for the rest of my life. I work as a photographer, a blogger, and a personal finance advisor. Now, I feel happy to contribute to the world, and every day, I have new ambitions.
Retirement is often viewed as the ultimate financial goal—a time to relax, travel, and enjoy the fruits of decades of labor. But is it really the best idea? For many, the reality of retirement is far from the dream they imagined. In fact, studies show that one in five retirees ends up getting depressed. Why? Because retirement, as it’s traditionally conceived, is overrated and can even be detrimental to one’s health and well-being.
The Hidden Risks of Retirement
Retirement often means a sudden stop in productivity, a loss of structure, and a diminishing sense of purpose. Many people look forward to a life of leisure, only to find that endless days of relaxation can lead to boredom, loneliness, and even declining mental and physical health. The truth is, we humans are wired for purpose. A life centered around drinking margaritas on the beach and binge-watching Netflix might sound fun for a while, but it lacks the meaning that keeps us engaged and fulfilled.
The Alternative: Downshifting Instead of Retiring
Rather than aiming for a full stop at age 65, a better approach is downshifting—adjusting the intensity or nature of work instead of quitting altogether. This could mean reducing work hours, transitioning to a different role, or even exploring new opportunities that align with personal passions. The key is to remain engaged in society in some capacity. If retirement means contributing to society in a different way, staying involved with meaningful work, or mentoring the next generation, then we should never retire in the traditional sense.
Your 60s and 70s: The Prime Years of Contribution
Many people assume their most productive years are behind them by the time they hit their 60s. But this is often not the case. With decades of accumulated knowledge and experience, this stage of life can be one of the most impactful. Yet, millions of retirees allow their human capital to go to waste simply because of an arbitrary retirement age.
Rather than stopping altogether, why not leverage these years to do work that matters? Many retirees who stay active in some form—whether through consulting, volunteering, or part-time work—report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.
Finding Meaning in Work
The happiest people are those who find purpose in their work. Whether it’s running a business, teaching, creating, or helping others, meaningful work keeps us mentally sharp, socially connected, and emotionally fulfilled. Personally, I find deep satisfaction in my work, and I don’t see a reason to ever stop.
Everyone should search for work that provides purpose. If you are in a job you love, there’s no reason to walk away from it simply because you hit a certain age. And if you dislike your current job, retirement shouldn’t be the goal—finding a more fulfilling career should be. And if you don’t have the skills to do something you love, this is a great time to go back to school.
The Path Forward: A Purpose-Driven Life
Retirement, as society defines it, is outdated. Instead of planning for a future where you do nothing, plan for a future where you continue to grow, contribute, and stay engaged in meaningful work. Whether it’s starting a side hustle, mentoring younger professionals, or dedicating time to a passion project, the goal should be to keep moving forward, not to stop entirely.
A life of purpose beats a life of passive leisure. Instead of aiming for retirement, aim for a life where work and contribution remain a fundamental part of who you are—at any age.
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