To be or NOT to be?……….that is the question!
June 25th, 2008 Posted in Curt's ArticlesThe question I have on my mind has two possible outcomes. This question has no correct answer, but 99% of all people will come to a crossroads in their life where your answer will determine your future.
The question is this:
Do you decide to extend your working career to have more toys, (New Home, New Car, Play Car, Pool, or anything else) or do you opt to be more frugal and sacrifice the “fun stuff” to retire early and enjoy life later?
In talking to a few people about this, I was intrigued at the philosophy difference that unfolded before me. The root of this equation seems to boil down to one thing. Happiness. For some, happiness is earned by providing yourself continuous rewards throughout your life. For others, happiness is delivered in knowing that you can quit your job and retire at a younger age and enjoy the reminder of life under your own time regulations and rules.
The struggle here is that most people work to live, NOT live to work, so where does the balance fit in. Under the idea that you work to live, it is easy to understand the internal frustration that takes place between wanting to quit a dead end job or any job that you don’t completely enjoy and the desire to buy yourself a little more happiness.
Do you take nice vacations, drive luxury cars, and enjoy the latest clothing fashions?
The frustration for those that decide to sacrifice the early rewards to enjoy a longer retirement period or just to have the feeling of more freedom is that life comes with no guarantees or specified timelines.
Do you postpone the much needed break from work, wear clothes a bit longer than you would prefer, and drive vehicles longer than the average person?
I find that most people desire to retire early and have continuous “rewards”. Who wouldn’t? If both are collectively possible, the size of the reward must change.
I would really enjoy hearing your thoughts and opinions.
So….do you have or not have?
