Retirement Redefined: 401Play

It's Wednesday... another great day to be a photographer!!

Today I thought I would write about something that isn't necessarily about photography, but then again might be: Retirement, "post-recession," redefined.

The traditional way of planning for retirement has been: work until you're 65 at a job you don't really enjoy, while counting the days until retirement; or... work really, really hard at a job you don't enjoy, and hopefully retire at an "early" age, say 55. A third option, of course, is to work at a job you don't enjoy while spending every penny you make. Then, after "retiring," get a job as a greeter at Walmart. I am in no way criticizing those friendly folks that smile at me every time I enter my local Wally World. I am simply saying that, perhaps there is a better way. And what is that better way you ask? Passion!

I love photography. I love everything about photography... capturing memories, learning about natural AND artificial light, getting creative with Photoshop... Photography is truly a "passion" for me. So my thought is this... instead of doing something I don't really love, and praying I can retire early... what if I figured out a way to make a living, a GOOD living, doing something I'm truly passionate about. Instead of watching the "retirement clock," I would be enjoying each and every day. This is not a new concept. The old saying is, "do something you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life." But how many of us really do that?

Maybe it is time to consider a new retirement plan for yourself. Instead of 401K, we could call it 401Play... What do you think?

I'll see you tomorrow. But until then... I hope you are having fun doing whatever it is you do!

Ryan