When Should I Retire? (Special Podcast Highlight)

So, are you thinking about retiring? You’re definitely not alone! On today’s Morning Air, John Morales had a really interesting chat with Harry Kraemer—former CEO of Baxter and all-around wise guy—about when it’s the right time to retire. Spoiler alert: it’s not as simple as hitting a certain age!

 

Harry pointed out that with people living longer these days, deciding when to retire has gotten a bit trickier. Back in the day, the average lifespan was around 65, so retiring made sense. But now, you might live into your 80s or 90s, which means you could be retired for more years than you actually worked! 

 

The big takeaway? Plan ahead! Harry emphasized that it’s super important to think about what you want to do in retirement. Don’t just stop working one day and expect everything to fall into place. Whether it’s volunteering, getting more involved in your church, or even writing that novel, you’ve got to have a plan.

 

And remember, retirement doesn’t mean retiring from life! You can stay active, contribute to your community, and keep that sense of purpose going strong. So, before you decide to clock out for good, take some time to pray, reflect, and really think about what God might be calling you to do with the next chapter of your life. 

 

As Harry likes to say, "life’s not a sprint—it’s a marathon."  So, pace yourself, plan wisely, and enjoy the ride!