The phrase "retire early" is spelled with the /r/ sound at the beginning, followed by the long /eɪ/ sound in "retire" and the /ˈɜːrli/ sound in "early". The /r/ and /ɜːr/ sounds are pronounced with the tongue raised towards the back of the mouth. The /eɪ/ sound is a diphthong, which means it starts with the sound of /e/ and ends with the sound of /ɪ/. This phrase is commonly used to describe the act of leaving a career or workplace before reaching traditional retirement age.
Retire early refers to the act of withdrawing from regular employment or ceasing one's professional activities at a relatively young age, typically before the traditional retirement age of 65. It entails making the conscious decision to exit the workforce earlier than what is deemed customary or expected. This concept has gained popularity in recent years, as individuals seek greater financial independence, increased free time, and the opportunity to pursue personal interests outside of work.
Retiring early generally involves meticulous planning, disciplined saving, and careful investment strategies, as it requires individuals to accumulate sufficient funds to sustain their lifestyle for an extended period. Those who are able to retire early often achieve this through early financial independence, where they have generated enough passive income streams, such as investments, that can sustain their desired level of living expenses.
Retiring early allows individuals to break away from the traditional notion of obligatorily working until a certain age, granting them the freedom to shape their daily routines, focus on their health and well-being, and explore new opportunities. Retirees can engage in hobbies, travel, spend quality time with loved ones, volunteer, or pursue entrepreneurial ventures without the constraints of full-time employment.
While retiring early is an aspirational goal for many, it requires careful consideration and planning to ensure a secure and fulfilling retirement. Financial literacy, long-term saving strategies, and a well-constructed retirement plan are crucial components for individuals aspiring to retire early and enjoy the benefits of financial freedom and independence.
The etymology of the phrase "retire early" can be understood by examining the origins of both words.
1. Retire:
The word "retire" originates from the Middle French word "retirer", which means "to withdraw". It is further derived from the Latin word "retirare", which combines "re" (meaning "back" or "again") and "tirare" (meaning "to draw" or "to pull"). In the 16th century, the word specifically referred to withdrawing from battle or a military engagement. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass the act of withdrawing or moving away from something, including one's career or work.
2. Early:
The word "early" traces back to the Old English word "ærlīce", which means "early". It is derived from the Middle English word "erli", which signifies "at dawn" or "in the morning".