The old take pride in working and the young take pride in early retirement
By scheng1
@scheng1 (24649)
Singapore
March 21, 2017 9:12am CST
I have met the two extremes.
Today I meet another old woman who is still working full time. She is 80 years old, and she proudly proclaims to everyone in the temple that she still works full time in a factory.
To her, having the ability to work in her old age is a matter of pride. Many who are much younger than her cannot work due to ill health.
I have also met people who retire in their 40s too.
They take pride in the fact that they are out of the rat race by their frugality and ability to invest wisely.
They are proud of their achievement.
Personally I take the middle ground.
I like to have the ability to retire early, so that I can choose to work on a job I like for as long as possible.
10 people like this
9 responses
@Happy2BeMe (99353)
• Canada
21 Mar 17
I will work as long as I am able to. I enjoy working.
2 people like this
@youless (114117)
• Guangzhou, China
22 Mar 17
If working is not to make a living then it will be ideal. Some people just work to make their lives much mroe meaningful. Working can keep us up-to-date. You will be much more energetic. If the work is busy, you even don't have the time to have a sickness
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
25 Mar 17
@youless Right now I just joined walking events for charity, and next time when I retire from work, I like to take part in the organizing of it.
It must be fun to work together with other volunteers to pack goodie bags, and to do other work to make the event enjoyable for everyone.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153529)
• India
22 Mar 17
I gave up my job in my forties but did something else. I started designing landscaped gardens for builders that gave vent to my passion for gardening.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153529)
• India
24 Mar 17
@scheng1 At the end of the day it is our activity that keeps us company
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45628)
• Philippines
21 Mar 17
those who you met that retired in their 40s, what keeps them busy now? how do they spend their days?
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45628)
• Philippines
23 Mar 17
@scheng1 i've always felt that 40s is too young, unless you have many interests, hobbies and do volunteer work, charity or mentor. in other words, helping/contribution to the community/society.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
23 Mar 17
@hereandthere Actually 40s is a good age for retirement.
The children are young, and need guidance.
The parents are old, but not so old that you cannot bring them for holiday.
Both children and aged parents have to go for medical checkup.
Even if they do not have many hobbies, all these activities will take up a lot of time.
@epiffanie (11327)
• Australia
25 Mar 17
I feel very fortunate that I have a choice to either retire or keep working for as long as I can ..
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
25 Mar 17
haha, retirement does not mean not working.
It just mean not taking a job, and work for others.
I think you have asked your husband to work around the house more often than before, simply because he is available!
Now you are his one and only boss.
1 person likes this
