“I refuse to retire. Ever. Ever. Never.
…To retire would be to stop just when I’m closer to where I’ve always wanted to be in my craft.
…To retire would be to lose the intense joy and immense psychic fulfilment that I get from being an instrument of service and helping others lead, produce and win.
…To retire would be to age quickly by moving less and removing my central mission from my life.
In my mind (and heart), retirement would be the beginning of the end. So I won’t do it. Ever. Ever. Never!” – Robin Sharma
These lines exactly summarise the essence of what I feel about my personal work and journey.
Many clients ask about whether we can retire from Formal work. I enjoy building scenarios around how they can complete responsibilities/financial commitment as early as possible and achieve Financial Freedom. There is much happiness in clarifying whether retiring early is possible.
But the question that comes to my mind is – Achieve Financial Freedom and do what? Following points worth considering before you decide to plunge.
- The Allure of Early Retirement: A Closer Look
While the idea of financial freedom and leisurely days may seem enticing, there’s more to life than just leisure. The initial excitement of retiring early can give way to a sense of emptiness and purposelessness. Having a concrete plan or visualization of what you will do after achieving financial freedom/early retirement would be best. - The Value of Purposeful Engagement
Retirement should not be seen as an escape from work but rather as a transition towards work that aligns with our values and passions. Serving others, pursuing our crafts, and contributing to the world are not mere tasks but sources of fulfillment and vitality. By staying engaged, we continue to learn, grow, and positively impact the lives of those around us. - Creating a Life Rooted in Values
Purposeful action is the foundation of a life well-lived. We must be intentional about our choices and actions, ensuring they resonate with our core values. Each day is an opportunity to create meaningful moments that align with our aspirations, keeping our spirits high and our hearts fulfilled. - Beyond the Corporate Routine: Exploring Passion and Entrepreneurship
If the corporate routine becomes monotonous, seeking out passions that can be monetized is a way to bridge the gap between work and fulfillment. Identifying and pursuing a passion can be transformative, but finding a balance between passion and practicality is essential. Courageously taking that plunge can lead to a life where work feels like play. - Living Life in the Present: Rejecting Compartmentalization
The notion of working hard now to enjoy later often compartmentalizes life into stages. However, life is a journey meant to be savored along the way. The process of reaching our goals is as significant as attaining them. By living in the present, we can embrace the beauty of the journey, not just the destination.
To conclude in Robin’s lines again –
I have zero interest in retiring. Why would I?
…serving you is my oxygen.
…pursuing my craft is my joy.
…helping others is my jam.