Why Retirement Is a Myth and What You Can Do About It

You know that dream of retirement we’ve all been sold – the one where you work your tail off for 40+ years and then finally get to live your best life? Yeah… what if I told you it’s kind of a myth? The truth is, the traditional idea of retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. But here’s the good news: more and more people are waking up to this and carving out a better way to live.

In this post, I’ll break down why the old-school retirement plan is falling apart and how you can start building a life that’s meaningful and secure right now.

Retirement is a Lie

When I was 23, I thought I was doing everything “right” – a college degree, solid job, even a company car. But here’s the thing: I was miserable. The thought of grinding through the same routine for the next 40 years made me feel trapped or stuck in life.

So, I made a crazy choice. I quit.

It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it helped me see just how broken the whole idea of retirement is. Let’s break down the biggest retirement myths that simply don’t hold up.

4 Flawed Assumptions About Retirement

1. “I’ll Be Fine Financially.”
   Many of us think saving a certain amount by a certain age will guarantee a comfortable retirement. But here’s the reality: most people, especially those under 35, have barely saved anything. Even older generations are falling short.
2. Social Security is Enough
   Programs like Social Security aren’t guaranteed to sustain us. By 2033, they’re expected to pay out only 79% of scheduled benefits. That means even people who’ve worked their whole lives will struggle to make ends meet.
3. I Won’t Live Long Enough
   People are living well into their 80s and beyond, which is really awesome, and which means your retirement savings need to last much longer than previous generations. This extended lifespan comes mean we need more money to sustain us for longer.
4. Healthcare Costs are Not an Issue.
   Getting older means more doctor visits, medications, and medical expenses. These costs are rising faster than inflation and can quickly eat into retirement savings.

The Real Solution: Find Work You Love

Given these challenges, more people are choosing to “un-retire.” They’re going back to work – not just because they need the money, but because they want a sense of purpose.

Here’s the big takeaway: Instead of grinding away at a job you hate for decades, why not focus on doing work you actually enjoy right now?

Here’s why this works:

• It’s Fulfilling. Doing work you love makes life more fulfilling and keeps you connected to a community.
• It’s Financially Smart. Enjoyable work you can rely less on savings, social security, or pensions.
• It’s Healthy. Staying active and engaged has been shown to help people live longer, healthier lives.

Start Today: Build a Life of Freedom

Joseph Campbell, the author of The Hero’s Journey, once said, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” When you live authentically and pursue work you enjoy, you can create happiness and financial stability.

Here’s how you can start:

1. Discover Your Passion. Stop searching for some grand “purpose.” Focus on what interests you, whether it’s a hobby, skill, or new career path
2. Create Passive Income. Look for ways to earn money on the side, like investments, rental properties, or online businesses.
3. Start Saving Now. The sooner you start saving, the more you’ll benefit from compound growth. Even small amounts add up over time.

Final Thoughts

The old idea of retirement – work hard, save up, and enjoy life later – doesn’t work for most people anymore. Instead, the focus should be on creating a life you love now.

When you do work that excites and fulfils you, retirement becomes less of a necessity and more of a choice.

So, what’s stopping you? Start taking small steps toward your dream life today. And if you’re already on this journey, share your story in the comments. Let’s retire the myth of retirement together!

Cheers, and here’s to living life on your terms!