Originally Posted by NOS88
I think there's an option missing in the survey that's a very real part of many people's lives or future: I will never be able to retire because I've put my kids through college and I am paying for my own parents' in-home care.
Yep, similar situation here. My divorce split the assests -- she got the house, I got (most of) the retirement fund. Then the recession of 2000 and the dot.com implosiong (most of my clients were in that sector) happened, and my business collapsed. There went the retirement fund, over the next couple of years, just trying to stay afloat. Still paying off back taxes and such, six years later.
I'll have to work until I am put out to pasture in the Shady Rest Retirement Home, and although I'd rather have an option to retire, I don't mind working. What I do mind is finding it tougher and tougher to find clients, because of ageism.
But, these are the cards I've been dealt, and it's up to me how to play my hand.
There's always the possibility of a lottery win, a rich and lonesome widow who doesn't mind several bikes in the living room, or one of my kids striking it rich and thanking the old man with a windfall.
I guess it's good I like cycling, and not something REALLY expensive!