65.
If you are over 40, then you likely were cultured with the original programming that 65 is THE AGE OF RETIRMENT.
Here’s some good news: 65 was created as a retirement age based on long outdated actuarial calculations. Governments thought that people would die before or not much after 65. You are going to live a lot longer. Fantastic!
Here’s some bad news: you may need to work into your 70s to have enough money to live into your 90s.
Here’s some good news: if you like your work, this is actually really good for you. Presumably, you’ll work less. But much like the satisfaction that “old country doctors” seem to get – at least in movies – you’ll feel valuable. Having work that is productive and purposeful is great for the mind, body, and the soul.
If you are over 40, you likely also were also cultured with the belief: one person – one career. That’s it.
Resigning a job without another job. Unthinkable!
The Great Resignation has culturally changed both statements.
Obviously, I would not blithely suggest anyone do something that would be financially irresponsible.
But I also know that the stigma regarding resigning is no more. And, switching careers is now no longer strange.
A few years ago, one of my friends was recently interviewed for a demanding job in a corporation known to treat its employees poorly. The interviewer was bizarrely candid when asked about his company’s tough environment. He opened up an application on his computer that showed the current amount of his 401(K) and the anticipated amount that he would have by retirement age. “Yes, this is a tough place but that’s the reason I stay.” The interviewer was in his mid-forties.
Even if this guy survives 20 more years in an increasingly less secure corporate structure, his pot at the end of the rainbow still might not be enough for him to survive until 90. He might be forced to work another 5 years. Imagine hating your job for 20 years and then being told you have to work another 5 years!
I understand that you are probably facing a challenge. If you are in mid-career, you likely have the trappings of mid-life. You can’t just quit a job when you have a mortgage and children. However, you owe it to yourself and to your loved ones to find happiness.
You are not being selfish. If you find happy work, you’ll be a happier person. That means you’ll be a better parent, spouse, friend, and person. And, you will end up doing something practical as well: finding work that you are willing to do well past 65.