If you’ve been dreaming about early retirement, let me tell you, the health benefits alone make it worth considering. Good health, as they say, is priceless.
When I worked full-time from 1999 to 2012, I faced a host of health issues from plantar fasciitis and chronic back pain to severe TMJ, which got to the point where I was shelling out serious money just to alleviate some of the discomfort. But here’s the thing: within six months of retiring early, every single one of those pains vanished. If I had known the relief that would come with retirement, I might have stepped back even sooner.
The truth is, stress was the main culprit behind most of my ailments. Once I removed that constant work pressure, not only did my physical health improve, but my mental well-being did too. It’s been three years since I left my job, and I haven’t looked back.
Retiring early also led to unexpected perks like weight loss and a significant drop in gray hairs. I went from being stuck in an office and stress eating, to having the freedom to manage my time and health better. I also found that without the daily grind, I felt more confident and, honestly, happier.
But it’s not all about looking better. It’s about the quality of life. Imagine having the freedom to play tennis for hours or just taking the time to relax without watching the clock. That’s the kind of freedom early retirement can offer.
Of course, early retirement requires planning, and not everyone is a fan. Some critics argue that you might get bored or it’s financially impractical. But from my experience, if you’re suffering physically or mentally from job stress, no amount of money is worth sacrificing your health.
So, if you’re considering early retirement, think about it not just as a financial decision, but as a health one too. Your future self might just thank you for it.
