The spelling of the phrase "retired early" is fairly straight forward. The pronunciation of /rɪˈtaɪəd/ and /ˈɜrli/ combine to form /rɪˈtaɪərd ˈɜrli/. The first syllable of "retired" is stressed and contains a short "i" sound /ɪ/. The second syllable contains a long "i" sound which is pronounced as /aɪ/. As for "early," the first syllable is also stressed and contains a schwa sound /ˈɜr/. The second syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound /li/.
"Retired early" refers to the act of ceasing employment or work-related commitments before reaching the conventional or anticipated age for retirement. This term typically denotes individuals who choose to withdraw from their professional obligations, ending their active career phase earlier than the customary retirement age. Such individuals usually exit the workforce voluntarily, driven by various factors such as financial stability, personal choices, or lifestyle preferences.
Retiring early often involves careful financial planning, as individuals typically need to accumulate enough resources to support themselves throughout their extended retirement period. Key considerations for those pursuing early retirement generally include savings, investments, pensions, and other assets that can generate income after leaving formal employment. By starting this phase earlier than the average retirement age, individuals gain increased freedom and flexibility to explore personal interests, hobbies, travel, or engage in philanthropic endeavors.
Retiring early can offer numerous advantages, including the potential for improved work-life balance, reduced stress levels, and improved mental and physical well-being. Furthermore, early retirees may have more time to spend with family and loved ones, pursue lifelong passions, or engage in community service. However, retiring early may also present challenges, such as potential financial strain or the need to adapt to a new lifestyle or routine.
The decision to retire early is a highly personal and subjective choice, influenced by individual circumstances, financial security, personal goals, and overall preparedness. Thus, "retired early" encompasses the concept of voluntarily stepping away from professional work before the anticipated age of retirement, allowing individuals to embark on a new chapter in their lives while actively managing their financial situation.
The phrase "retired early" is not a word but a combination of words. However, let's break down the etymology of each component:
1. Retired: The word "retired" comes from the Middle English term "retiren", which means "to withdraw". It originated from the Old French word "retirer", which has a similar meaning. "Retirer" can be traced back to the Latin word "retrahere", formed by combining "re-" (back) with "trahere" (to draw). Ultimately, "retired" implies withdrawing or moving back from something, such as a job or occupation.
2. Early: The word "early" originated from the Old English word "ærlīce", meaning "in the morning" or "at dawn".