(long read)
This is for my sister who is about to reach 16 years in her career for a company. While that’s “outstanding” and happy for her but it has taken a toll on her mental illness (not self diagnosed), she was actually sent out to hospital and gotten treatment and now must take medication to keep her sane.
I on the other hand, lucked out, I did IT and worked for private equity for few years and saved/invested that money wisely and now semi retired at 30.
I know my sister has done well for herself when it comes to money. I spoke to her about possibly retiring early (I know her and her husband are good to go with if they do retire now). However, she was dedicated to work for this company. She keeps coming up with excuses of why working for that company is really good and she wouldn’t know what to do if she retired soon.
I think it’s freaking sad to see that she’s devoted for this company when the company has screwed her multiple times. I even told her that her kids needs her. I’ve spent time with her kids and one of them is understanding that she’s not getting much attention because her younger brother needs it more than her. It’s sad to see that because I know it’s affecting this daughter. I’ve explained that to my sister and that it’s career is all good but aren’t you just working to make money really? I mean wouldn’t you rather spend time with your family. Soon or later they’ll get old and move out the house soon.
So that’s where we are at and I’m sure my sister won’t retire early. It’s a bit sad how the mental toll she took from the company and how her kids needs her. If you don’t need the money or could live with just part time work and spend more time with your kids then I’d encourage to do so. I told her that she’s easily replaceable and that her 20 years with the company would be considered “commendable”, at the end of the day no one cares and that’s just for your own self “pleasure/proud” to say you worked however long for that company.
On the other hands, I’m here in Japan and in process to move my family here and found a part time job. Semi retired and feeling good and have time for some work but most importantly my family. Inflation is 1.3% here and the USD is stronger than JPY. (Not sure for how long though). And it’s much safer here than where I came from in USA.
TLDR: sister works long time for a company and doesn’t want to consider retiring early to spend more time for herself (self care) and for family