Personally, as someone who is about 1 year out from retirement, I think it's going to be a luxury to spend that time on introspection. I'll have nothing to complain about. It breaks my heart seeing people in their mid 70s working service jobs as waitresses and labourers instead of being able to rest their weary bones. Perhaps I won't love what I find, but I can't wait to get off the treadmill of work stress, worrying about my staff, the business I work at, and focus on myself. I've been in a leadership position for 15 years, so although I may miss making the big decisions, I also can't wait for all my daily stresses to be someone else's problem. I already live a quiet life with many hobbies, so although I'll admit to some anxiety about it, I know that compared to so many seniors, worrying about my spiritual well being will beat worrying about working until I die.
Retirement Focus
This is a little haven for retired friends. Here, we don't need to compare ourselves, pretend to be strong, or act like we know everything. We chat about life, health, investment tips, and life experiences, offering each other companionship and encouragement.
Retirement isn't the end; it's the beginning of another, more carefree phase. Welcome to join us to relax, learn new things, make new friends, and make life happier, more stable, and more purposeful.
I'm 42 ... I'm really focusing on trying to get to a comfortable retirement and am focusing on money and stuff.
Do you think these are questions I should be asking myself now?
Actually, at 42, being willing to start thinking about "how to make yourself comfortable in the future" is a mature and commendable thing. Retirement doesn't suddenly happen at 60; it's something that accumulates little by little over time. Everyone starts from a different point, but as long as the direction is right, it doesn't matter if you're a little slower. The fact that you're willing to ask yourself these questions means you've started preparing earlier than many others. I think that's actually your advantage.
I'm not in that age group, but I've had my own business for a long time now. I get up when I want and work when I want. But also, I try to take jobs that I only want to do. Sometimes that's not possible, but overall that's true. I went through those things when I first transitioned to my own business.
It doesn't sound like money is an issue, so I suggest traveling, or finding nature that you love to hang out in. Some people love the water, some the forest, some working in the garden, you'll have to find what's best for you. Find things that you love to do. A hobby doesn't have to be doing a "project," but could be checking out all of the coolest architecture in a city you want to go to. It could also be volunteering time on FOSS projects, whatever you want. These aren't goals, but actually doing something you enjoy.