WSJ: How to Know When It’s Time to Retire

WSJ: How to Know When It’s Time to Retire

Her finances were in order, and with friends passing away—including one just into retirement—she decided it was time. Still, when her last Friday arrived in June, she sat in front of her computer well into the evening, trying to convince herself to log off.
“It just felt like a part of my life was being cut,” she said.

It’s the Wall Street Journal, so the article is written for dynamic and successful managers.  For the people I know, the decision wasn’t difficult once retirement became an option.

For people who aren’t defined by their jobs, it’s the point where they can financially swing it.

For people who like their work, but are no longer challenged by it, the time to go is when a buy-out or other opportunity presents itself.

For people who enjoy their work, something changes that will be an uncomfortable challenge or threatens to make it not so fun.

The last one was my reason, but it happens often.  I was assigned a new set of courses to teach.  It would take a couple of years to dial in my presentation, so better to go now.  For other people, the organization is being shuffled, so bow out in advance. 

I don’t know anyone who was killing it at work, with their value linked so closely, that leaving the job was a huge step.  If they have nothing else to fill their time, working might be the best option.