Age discrimination made it for me. Being a jack of all trades should open doors, but the CEO's son could do much the same, while pursuing his real career goal: being a cop.

So, my little scripting contract didn't blossom into a full time job and applying for jobs and interviewing were way more work than an actual job.

Worst thing about retirement compared to work (WFH excluded) is the free air conditioning at work. I pay for every bit of it at home.

The CA central valley (nearby) has the highest total electric bills in the country thanks to high heat and regulatory capture by PG&E.

And I was pretty competent at IT work, not just throwing blame. I think that honest streak cost me some opportunities. Unlike Soham Parekh. [0]

[0] https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/how-now-famous...

Use safari reader. The creeps disable copying text.

22 years in labor force, 19 years retired. The worst day in retirement has been better than the best day in the employment of others. There are 8 Billion+ people on the planet who deserved/deserve/will deserve a shot at a fine working life. If you are squatting on a great employment slot (looking at the 50+ crowd), and you can afford to live life unfettered, then make way for someone younger (and perhaps less able) who would use your slot to build a better life for themselves and their family. Eight…Billion…People.

Obviously this is one man's opinion.

I remember my friend interviewed at a company and the interviewers would end the interview with "do you have any questions for me?"

I asked, "What did you ask? did you ask if they liked working there?"

"No, I tried that a long time ago, and nobody ever says they don't like working there - it is a self-selecting population - everyone is always where they choose to be"

I've found exactly the same things talking to people on both sides of the retirement question.

People who have retired think everyone should retire.

People who have not retired stand by their decision too.

(also, lots of people who retire die in a few short years - correlation or causation?)

Actually I know one person who wasn't happy. He retired because his wife nagged him to do it and he tells me of his regret.