Retirement Plans: Choosing Myself Fully

Gone are the days when retirement automatically meant struggle. Except for those who refuse to stay current with the realities of today’s world, there are now more opportunities than ever to live well after leaving a 9-5. In fact, with the right systems and skills, a retired worker can earn even more than they did during their traditional employment years, it's the case in today's world.

I am not working a 9-5 yet, but I admire the thought of retiring from one someday, especially if it has been demanding on my time and mental health. To me, retirement is not an end but a signal that my body needs attention and that other areas of my life deserve to function fully. I would appreciate an early retirement if it meant I'm reclaiming my time, more energy, and clarity.

If I retired today and was placed on pension, my life would center on discovering more about myself and choosing myself intentionally. Recently, I have been taking on personal challenges to reshape my thinking, build new habits, and understand my identity more clearly. Retirement would give me the space to deepen that journey as we never fully know ourselves. We keep learning as we age and I know retirement would definitely give me the freedom to learn without pressure and know myself more.

As for boredom, I rarely experience it, and that is something I am grateful for. There is always something to do, whether online or offline. If I were retired, I would be even more intentional about staying engaged. I would pick up new skills and find ways to earn from them. I would also develop personal routines such as gardening and traveling to places within my means. These may seem simple, but I can already imagine how fulfilling they would be. They would keep me connected to myself and to people around me.

I would enjoy retirement not because I no longer work, but because I would have built streams of income that continue beyond active employment. I would enjoy it because I would have created systems that support my physical and mental health while growing wealth. My life would no longer be shaped by someone else’s structure. It would be guided by strictly what works for me.

There may be moments when I miss the familiarity of a 9-5. However, I believe the deeper joy and peace that come from living on my own terms would outweigh those moments. It's kinda exciting as I think about it, because I know I'll have a family and community that will support me as I am building for that moment early now.

I would also love to change my location when I retire. A new environment would symbolize a new phase of life. It would feel like stepping into something fresh and intentional. Still, I would prefer to choose when I retire rather than be forced into it. Retirement, for me, should be a decision rooted in readiness, not some pressure.