Ask Lemmy

Die with Zero by Bill Perkins has some interesting takes on this.

Yes there are lots of useless jobs out there, but at least you're putting food on the table.

But also, you have to look at it from another angle.

Picture work as your way of trying to help advance humanity. Jobs, other than the useless ones I mentioned, all should have a reason behind their existence.

I keep finding myself trying to imagine how to make enough money so my mom doesn't have to do this.

Don't think about it.

Don't think. Just work.

Hate to say it, but I actually enjoy my job. Would I rather be playing video games and vacationing with friends in the mountains? Of course. But I'd also like to eat potato chips and pizza every day, which would get boring. I work in oil and gas, in environmental, and the money is decent and everyone is just trying really hard to do the right thing and meet government regulatory requirements at every step--regardless of mainstream anti-O&G sentiments. I deal with technical challenges, engineering complexity, and social diversity every day and my brain is better off for it than if I were just cozy on my couch instead. I do consider becoming self employed though--not because I hate my job, but because I would appreciate more control over my own life.

im at 30+ (if you don't include working while at school but depending on your parents but still basically constantly having to do something you don't really want to) and the real scary thing is I don't see a time where I will be able to afford to retire but at somepoint I just will physically or mentally not be able to and then I have not idea how I will make things work since everything will get more expensive given I am physically and mentally unable to do things like work. socail security will be a bit inadequate and savings will drain until presumably I will be in some medicaid institution with my wife.

Enjoy life now and realise that the 65 of tomorrow isn't the 65 of 100 years ago?

People live in good shape for at least 15 years after they retire, just stay in shape in the meantime and you'll be both having fun while you're young and having fun when you retire.

Don't follow someone else's path. I took a year off to travel in my 20s, a year off to sail in my 30s, and now that I'm 40 I'm planning another year long adventure in the next 5 years. I wasn't born into wealth, I spent less than I earned, invested the rest, and avoided debt. Don't get a big house in the suburbs with a mortgage, new lease car every 4 years, student loans, etc unless that's what your actually want. Set yourself up for success with smart money management so you can do what you want.