Should I Retire Early?

Deciding whether to retire early in order to focus on personal interests and enjoy life can be a difficult choice, even for those who have achieved financial freedom. Work provides not only monetary benefits, but also social connections, structure, and a sense of belonging that we may not fully appreciate. For those considering early retirement, I try to offer some insights that may help inform the decision.

While we typically strive to make logical decisions with clear reasoning, decision-making is often more complex. Many challenges arise from insufficient information or uncertainty about what to expect. In my own decision to leave my position as a product manager at a technology company, I sought advice from retired friends to learn about their experiences, both positive and negative.

Here are some important lessons I learned for a successful retirement life:

1. Pursue meaningful activities: Early retirement offers an opportunity to pursue new passions or rekindle old ones.

2. Cultivate a strong social circle: As social beings, we need the support and companionship of others to remain mentally healthy and happy.

3. Maintain structure and routine: Though we may wish to escape rigid work schedules, it's important to maintain discipline and structure to maintain a healthy routine.

4. Prioritize financial literacy: Inflation and market fluctuations can erode your savings, so it's crucial to understand the risks and plan accordingly. Financial advisors may not have the bandwidth or expertise to oversee all aspects of your finances.

Remember that making decisions is difficult, but not irreversible. If you retire early and find that you don't enjoy it, you can always return to work. Several of my friends have done so successfully, taking the time away to reflect on their goals and priorities and ultimately finding more fulfilling positions. The key is to live life to the fullest and enjoy the journey, as ultimately that is the purpose of life itself.