I'm approaching 40 with no real retirement plan. My wife and I have accepted that I'll just keep working.
A writer discusses his shift in perspective regarding retirement, moving away from the traditional 'cliff' model toward a concept of 'soft retirement.' He concludes that continuing to work past 65 is both a financial necessity and a personal preference for purpose.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing trend among aging workers who are redefining retirement in the face of economic pressures and changing lifestyle values.
The author (not pictured) has realized that 'soft retirement' is probably in his future. Delmaine Donson/Getty Images Every year, my wife and I have the same conversation about retirement. Another thing that happens every year? We realize that it's likely not doable. However, I'm OK with 'soft retirement.' Working gives me purpose. I turn 40 in a few months. Every year around my birthday, my wife and I have the same conversation. We make coffee, the kids disappear into a screen for an hour, and we pull up the numbers. Between our day jobs and my freelance writing side hustle , we earn enough to pay our mortgage, save a bit, and provide our kids with everything they need. On paper, we're fine.
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