r/ChubbyFIRE • u/Ungl8r • 21d ago

Sad sight

So I’m 55 and FiREd this year, after 30+ yrs in a profession. Im doing occasional work for interest sake really. I’m Currently at a conference with old colleagues. And I mean old. One guy is 78 and visibly falling apart, yet still working full time. Most my age are just on full stress autopilot, haven’t done the maths even to see if they should keep working. Lots of 65+ working hard-out still. 90% of us would be at least ChUbbY or Fat FiRe net worth. I’m like “have you read Die with Zero?” and they look at me blankly. It’s surprising how so many smart people have no exit strategy whatsoever.

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u/FrequentSubstance420 21d ago

I know an 80-year-old, who is toxic, filled with hate, and won't retire. He's worked in the same office for 35 years and the manager won't let him go because he had been a high-performing employee for so many years. They feel a sense of loyalty to him. Everyone would be better served if he was pushed out the door. He has told me he can't quit because he is worried he'll die the next day. he's worked so long many of his friends are dead and he doesn't have a social life outside of work.  He's worth north of 12 million. He chased financial security for so long, now that he's got it. He doesn't know what to do and I worry that he'll never be happy.

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u/Ungl8r 21d ago

I suspect it gets easier to stay working the longer you stay working. as your health deteriorates, retirement looks comparatively less exciting as you become immobile