Is it really retirement that you are craving?

Most people I talk to don’t actually want to “retire” early...

They want more "freedom" earlier.

More control over how they spend their time. There can be plenty of ways to create that before a traditional retirement age.

Part-time work

Some people are open to working longer if they can just work less hours in a week. A three-day workweek, seasonal work, consulting, or reduced hours leaves room for working out, volunteering, travel, and hobbies.

Sabbaticals

I’ve helped clients plan for unpaid time off, not because they’re burned out, but because there are things they want to experience now while they still have the health and energy for them.

Career pivots

These can be more complicated financially because they may involve school, a lower starting salary, and additional risk - especially if someone wants to start a business. But it's a good option to consider because many people don’t necessarily want to stop working. They just want their work to feel different. And is it really that surprising? Most of us chose what we wanted to be "when we grew up" when we were twenty years old!

Don't think of your only two options as grinding until traditional retirement age or quitting work now.

There's a whole lot in the middle that can be analyzed once you've nailed down some appealing options.

Linda Rogers, CFP®, EA, MSBAis the owner and founder of Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR). Originally from New Jersey, Linda services clients throughout Virginia Beach and nationwide. She leads the design of PWR's investment portfolios which utilize broad, low-cost investments that integrate environmentally, socially, and governance (ESG) factors.

Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR) is a fee-only and fiduciary wealth management firmoffering one-time comprehensive financial planning and ongoing impact-focused investment management in Virginia Beach and nationwide. PWR is a woman-owned firm that specializes in busy professionals and impact investors. Planning Within Reach, LLC and their advisors do not receive commissions and do not hold any insurance licenses or brokerage relationships.