What to Do If You Don't Want to Retire

Erik Van Tongerloo
You reach the age of retirement but you don't want to stop with working. In the past this could be a problem because the Government didn't allow you to work if you reached the age of retirement.

The age for retirement is not the same in every country but in my hometown it is still 65 years but I know that there are many countries in Europe like Germany and the Netherlands have plans to increase the age for retirement. Even in America the age for full retirement will be raised to 66 in 2009.

Nowadays retirement is more flexible because many countries now give you the possibility to work further because of the aging problem of the population. In almost every country the Governments doesn't have enough money to pay a pension which is high enough to live in a comfortable way and they encourage working even if you reach the age of retirement. Many laws are taken to decrease the costs for people if they keep working.

In many cases people can choose for a part time work in the company and the benefit is also that they don't lose social contact. Maybe you find this idea a little bit ridiculous because there are so many enjoyable things to do and if you have enough money why should you work longer.

Some people will agree this opinion but there is also a large part of the population who doesn't want to stop with working because their work is their life. My grandfather worked in a company and he always found pleasure to be there; he had the ambition to reach certain goals in his work and stopping with working was a punishment for him. In that time he didn't have the choice to work further but the company could always consult him for advice.

If you reach the age of retirement there are a few things you need to think about:
- Is my health good enough to work for a longer time?
- Do I have enough money to live in a comfortable way?
- Do I have enough occupations to full my day?

When you can answer these questions you can make the right decision. If you like your job and your health is very good you can consider to reduce your working time and take a part time job or you can choose for some other work; working on a freelance basis can be a good option. Maybe you found your interest in writing; in this case there are possibilities enough to find online to keep busy.

You probably don't earn the money like before but you can divide your time better in working time and relaxed time. On the age of retirement it is better that you also enjoy your other interests which you couldn't do before. Maybe you like to travel, taking pictures, riding a bicycle, walking, or working in the garden.

There are so many choices and you need to decide by yourself what is best for you. Keep in mind you only live once and life is more than working alone. Your life doesn't stop when you reach the age of retirement and there are possibilities to enjoy a happy life. Don't complain and be creative!

Published by Erik Van Tongerloo

I live in Belgium. My hobbies are travelling, watching movies, running, listening music, taking pictures. I enjoy writing and like to share this with everyone of the world.  View profile

15 Comments

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  • Kristie Leong M.D.7/16/2008

    Although I may not want to retire, it will be nice when I have the option. Excellent article. :-)

  • PennyB7/14/2008

    Great article!! So many people are healthier today than they ever were at 65. They're still very much on the go and not ready to retire. It's also good to keep busy for as long as you can, which also helps to keep one healthy. No reason not to keep on working still. Very well written!! :)

  • Jody Morse7/13/2008

    I know someone who retired at the minimum age and is now completely bored out of his mind. This is a very good topic with lots of things to consider for people in this situation!

  • R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen7/13/2008

    Nice Job :) You could always write for AC lol

  • SAIKAT KUMAR DUTTA7/13/2008

    Very good article, nice informations.

  • Sophie7/13/2008

    This is an interesting topic. My dad is over the age of retirement, but he continues to work. I think it's good for people to keep working if they are able to and want to stay occupied. It can help to ward off loneliness, keep senior citizens healthier and happier. But it's a personal choice.
    Sophie

  • Veronica D.7/12/2008

    My Dad really enjoys his retirement. I know a man who almost went crazy when he retired and went back to work part-time.

  • 3lilangels7/12/2008

    Excellent info here nicely done!!!!!

  • Restaurant Chef7/11/2008

    Interesting piece great job~!

  • Momma J7/11/2008

    Great article. I know many people who have retired to enjoy their retirement for a full week and after a month go back to work part time.

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