I hate retirement, also.
by Frank
(USA)
your future!
I had my own business, which I wanted one of my adult children to take over on a part time basis.
It was the kind of business that would have allowed one of us to run for perhaps 3 to 6 months a year while the other did not have to work, and to take turns doing this. Though my children were capable, they were not interested.
My wife was retired and loving it, so I decided to sell the business, which included property. I netted $1,400,000, which, with another $200,000 in savings, plus about $45,000 a year in pension, and no debt, was plenty to live on after we invested in mutual funds.
After a while, I began to hate retirement and the lack of purpose, particularly at what I was very good at.
I tried volunteering, which worked for my wife, but I wasn't using the skills I was good at and comfortable with.
A business opportunity like the one I had sold came along. It involved the sudden death of the owner, whom I knew and who was heavily in debt, and no family nearby or with interest in the business. The business also included property, which was only 3 years old. I had inside knowledge about the situation, and related skills and experience. I made a written offer of $1,200,000 on the business.
My wife, who had no business experience and had never helped me in my business, became very upset with me and complained that I, at 70 at the time, was "...too old to enjoy the benefits..." of the business, as she put it. I have come to believe that she felt it would interfere with the freedom of retirement which she loves. I caved in and rescinded my offer within a couple hours of making it.
The business sold shortly after for $1,100,000, which was less than I offered. Five years later the business, with no improvements in property, sold for $2,800,000, a gross profit of $1,700,000., though it could have been $1,600,000 had I not withdrawn my offer at my wife's insistence.
She has discouraged me from other ventures, and I've almost always caved in to keep peace in the family.
This opportunity I've just described was very rare, and I had an inside track on it. I hate myself for giving in. I don't expect anyone to feel sorry for me, as I am comfortable financially.
The resentment I feel toward my wife is affecting my peace of mind and health, as well as our relationship, causing much depression.
I hate retirement, and I hate my willingness to be so submissive to avoid confrontation.
