*For some people

Happy New Year Everyone! I wish you much love and happiness in the coming year! Will this be the year you stop working and run away to Mexico? Let’s talk about it!

Deciding when to stop working, especially when the future can be uncertain, is a deeply personal decision. This video is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor, and I am not providing recommendations for any specific financial actions or decisions you might make.

As you watch this video you might notice, and I admit it, that I’m biased when it comes to the subject of early retirement. Having taken the leap myself and found a feeling of deep happiness and freedom, it’s hard not to advocate for it. But, I recognize that everyone’s situation is different, and what worked for me might not be the right path for someone else.

Ultimately, Balancing financial security, quality of life, and actual happiness is key. Here are some considerations to help you with your choice:

First Consideration: Your Mental Health and Happiness 

It’s one thing if you’re enjoying work life and it gives you the feeling of happiness and purpose. If that’s you I wonder why you clicked on this video 🙂   But, If you are like I was and hating life, mainly because of work, making a change might be absolutely necessary.  Chronic stress from a hated job can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Especially over years and years. Ask yourself: “Is staying worth the damage to my well-being?”  

 If quitting improves your quality of life significantly, the trade-off may be worth the financial uncertainty.  (unless you’re rich or a trust fund baby. If you are then do what you want!)  For me it was absolutely worth it. If your job makes you miserable, you’re already paying a price—your happiness and peace of mind. 

 No one knows how long they’ll live, but living intentionally now can outweigh financial worries later, for some people.  

When I think of the last few years at work, and how unhappy I was, it feels like a waste. Being able to control my own time and focus has radically changed my life. I wish I could have worked and been able to be content, but for me, I just needed to stop what I was doing and go in a completely new direction.

Think of what you could do with free time! Stepping away from a career lets you redefine success and focus on what truly matters to you—whether that’s volunteering, finally being able to pursue your passions, building a legacy, or just enjoying life’s everyday joys.  Spending more time with your loved ones parents, grandchildren, or a partner, can deepen your relationships and create lasting memories.  Or, would you rather spend your time with the people at work?

With more time, you can invest in learning, self-improvement, or spiritual pursuits that might have taken a backseat during all your working years. 

 Second Consideration: The ability to have time to yourself while you’re still in good health

One of the only things I miss about being a nurse in the hospital was the patients. People from all walks of life, famous people, political people, rich people and homeless people. Meeting all of them and sometimes hearing some of their life stories was really interesting and rewarding. You can really connect with people when they are there to be taken care of and you really listen.  

But, I saw many, many people in very ill health, with multiple chronic health problems coming back to the hospital sometimes multiple times. There were also many chronic pain patients. These suffering people were looking for any solution to pain they were enduring (from a variety of causes) on a daily basis. There was a time when I had to ask every patient if they were thinking about suicide and the chronic pain patients… Well, let’s just say that being in extreme pain day in and day out does not lead to a fulfilling life for many people.

Seeing all this suffering made me grateful for my own good health, of course. It also made me realize how fragile we all are and how things can change so fast. One day you’re living a life you’ve built and doing what you think is meaningful in life, and the next you are sick or have an accident and a big part of your identity becomes “patient” and your life revolves around doctor’s appointments and hospital procedures, wondering if you’ll have your life back, and worried about what happens next.

A lot of people retire only to find their health has already deteriorated due to aging or the stress of decades of work. The fact is, Health declines with age for most people!

Chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease can show up or get worse later in life, and can really affect the quality of your retirement.

Sometimes work related stress leads to burnout, high blood pressure, and other health issues that only become apparent after retirement.

Studies have shown that high-stress jobs contribute to earlier onset of diseases like cardiovascular disorders.

Many people plan to enjoy retirement with travel or other passions but find they’re physically unable to due to their declining mobility, energy, or chronic pain.

In the U.S., 40% of adults over 65 have some form of disability, according to The U.S. Census Bureau Report (2008-2012) many times to do with difficulty in walking or climbing.

Knowing all this reveals the importance of balancing work, health, and the timing of your retirement. For many of us, retiring earlier—while you’re still in good health— leads to a more fulfilling and enjoyable post-work life.

Do you want to delay being happy until you may be too unhealthy to enjoy your time?  Retiring early means you can travel the world, experience new cultures, or check off your bucket list while you’re still energetic and mobile. 

Some reasons to think twice: 

While many people find joy and freedom in early retirement, some do experience regrets. These regrets often come from unmet expectations, financial challenges, or emotional adjustments. Here are common reasons why people may regret retiring early:

Underestimating Costs: Some retirees discover they didn’t save enough to maintain their lifestyle, especially as unexpected expenses like healthcare or inflation come up.

1. So the question is: Do you have enough money? 

I’m not going to sugar coat this. You need some money. Figure out how long your savings, investments, or other income sources can sustain you.  I moved to Mexico, for one of many reasons, to stretch my money and live a more affordable lifestyle. As you look into different retirement locations you can research the cost of living in those places. You can get a lot of information online and on youtube. See my own video about the cost of living here in central Mexico.  Determine how much you need monthly to cover your essentials and enjoy a modest lifestyle.  

While you’re still working, Maximize Savings and Reduce Debt. Obviously you want to Pay off high-interest debt before retiring to reduce financial strain.  My only debt is my mortgage for my house in Oregon. I’ve lived a frugal lifestyle for many years. I was able to put small amounts into savings over the years, and invest them.

I’m a firm believer in an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind. In a worst case scenario, if you have to go back to work, you’ll need those funds for housing and essentials until you start working. Build an emergency fund and keep your options open, such as returning to part-time work if needed.

If full retirement isn’t feasible, you can explore options for part-time work.  Like a side hustle for a different stream of income. Obviously if you want to move to another country, online work could be very valuable. But beware of scams and anyone who says if you pay them they can help you make money.

It’s important to Seek Guidance. Talk to a professional financial advisor to explore scenarios and develop a personal plan.  You can Join online communities or forums for support and advice from others who’ve dealt with similar decisions. On fidelity . com there is a retirement planner tool that allows you to forecast how long your money will last in different economic conditions, but talking to a professional may be the best thing you can do.

One of the biggest adjustments to make after stopping working is the lack of any income. After working for decades it can be a real adjustment! Your savings have to last for your whole future! So if you’re like me, coming up with a stream of income after you “retire” is invaluable.

Other reasons some regret retiring early: 

Identity Crisis: For many, work is a source of identity and purpose. Without it, they may struggle to find meaning in their daily life. I know my father went through something like this when he retired.

Fewer Social Connections: Retiring early might mean losing workplace friendships and social interactions, especially if your peers are still working. If you get most of your social interaction at work you might consider other ways to make friends.

Healthcare Gaps: In countries like the U.S., retiring before becoming eligible for Medicare at age 65 can lead to expensive health insurance options. It’s an important consideration!

But I think that when it comes to regrets, old people probably don’t regret not working like a slave.   Healthcare worker Bronnie Ware wrote a book “The top 5 regrets of the dying” about the regrets people in their last days of life, and I think we can all learn from them:  

 1. I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.” 

   – Many people realize too late that they lived according to societal or familial expectations, rather than pursuing their own dreams and desires.  

2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.”  

   – This is a common regret, especially among men. They often lament missing out on time with their family, friends, and personal pursuits because of their careers.  

 3. “I wish I had the courage to express my feelings.  

   – Bottling up emotions to keep peace or avoid conflict leaves many people feeling disconnected or resentful in their relationships.  

 4. “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.”  

   – People often regret losing touch with important friends, realizing too late the joy and connection those relationships brought to their lives.  

 5. “I wish I had let myself be happier.”  

   – Many don’t realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They regret staying stuck in old patterns, fear, or the need to please others instead of embracing joy and spontaneity.  

– “I wish I had taken more risks.” 

   – Fear of failure or judgment keeps many from pursuing dreams, adventures, or love.  

– “I wish I had forgiven more freely.”  

   – Holding onto grudges or anger often leads to regret when there’s no longer time to make amends.  

– “I wish I had spent more time in nature.”  

   – Many realize too late the healing and joy that comes from connecting with the natural world.  

These reflections remind us to prioritize what really  matters: authentic, intentional living, relationships, health, and the pursuit of joy.

All we know for certain is that our moments are passing by. Each day you live is one less for your future life and can’t be replaced.

Deciding when to stop working, especially when the future can be uncertain, is a deeply personal decision. 

Ultimately, all we have is now. The past is gone and the future is just a bunch of thoughts and plans. If your now is unhappy and you can’t do anything to change your job, personally I believe it’s time to take responsibility for our own state of mind, and consider a different direction, like I did.

Not working as a nurse has brought me so much peace! And exploring Mexico has brought me so much joy!  I needed a lot of rest after 40 years of work. Not just my body but my mind too. Now it’s 8 months later and I think it was the best decision I ever made!