I tried. For just over 1 year. It was a test run
Test for few things:
1. How my finances will turn out without a salary for 1 year
2. How my life will be like if I no longer need to work
Results:
1. Finances worked out as expected. Cashflow came in, expenses were as expected. No surprises. Well, there was one, which was the unexpected bull run in SG and US equities, which meant while I expected my net worth to drop as a spend more than my cashflow, it actually went up. So all good. But I remind myself that it was supposed to drop, so this is a bonus, which I will save for a rainy day in future
2. I tried to have a routine of things to do, including extending my professional skills by learning (try to) AI, coding, some mini projects. I was too ambitious on that front. I didn't do any of those in deep, just casual reading for fun. But that was enough. I realised that retirement is not about trying to become better version of your past professional life. I no longer am obliged to be upskilling what I had been doing for past 20+ years. I should find things I like to do for fun, not for career progression, not for possible re-entering the workforce. But I know I must work my mind to stay sharp, for my own sake. So its a matter of what do to, and I know what not to do. Just find things that flow. No need to force it. One of the best things the 1 year trail taught me....eat well, rest well, and exercise well. Take good care of my body, and the days will be wonderful. I have built a routine of eating a good breakfast, doing good stretches, and keeping fit by cycling and running regularly, and also doing push ups and squats to build strength in my limbs. I want to be able to carry things, walk and run well into my 70s. To enjoy life
It was a good test
But it didn't totally remove my self doubts about whether it will work out fine since I am still young.
That self doubt was erased after I went back to work for a few months.
It crystallised my desires and wants. It confirmed to me that, given my fortunate circumstances of having a choice to retire or work, I should pick retirement. My job isn't something that I am 100% passionate about. Yes, I liked it, since it matches my strengths. And I was lucky to have worked with very good people who cared about me and respected me. But its not a calling of life for me. Its just a job, to pay the bills, to build a financial nest so I can take care of myself and my loved ones. So if it has reached its goal, I must carefully decide if I should continue to chase more, or move the goal post, or to ack that this phase is over and I am going to life a new phase of life
What's my calling?
I don't know. Maybe I will never have one, and that's totally fine
I just know I have responsibilities to myself and my family, and I'll be happy as long as I can deal with those. That's enough. That's actually a lot already
I am not some super hero
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