Some choose to grind a few more years in a high-paying job they dislike, aiming for an early, full stop at retirement. Others step into more fulfilling work that pays less, but adds purpose to their days—and often still results in more wealth than expected.

Take John and Jennifer. Both start at age 50 with $1M saved and $150K salaries. John works five more years at a job he doesn’t enjoy, retiring at 55 with $1.62M. Jennifer switches to work she loves at $100K for 10 years, retiring at 60 with $2.1M. The math is surprising—Jennifer ends up with more assets and more joy along the way.

The concept? Recreational employment—working because you want to, not because you have to. Even modest income in “retirement” years can keep your portfolio compounding instead of depleting, lowering risk and increasing freedom.

Your retirement strategy shouldn’t just hit arbitrary financial targets—it should serve your life goals. Explore the scenarios and see which path fits you best at earlyretirementpodcast.com.

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Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.

Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements

Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.

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Ari Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.