People treated me differently after they learned that I am retired

Usually, people retire when they are old or their body doesn't allow them to work anymore.

I, on the other hand, don't plan to do this way. I want to enjoy everything that I worked hard for in my younger years, I don't want someone to enjoy my money lol!

When I retired at 37, I told my family and they had a different reaction. Some say, "Good for you" while others ask "Why?".

I did not explain it, because I am sure it would sound superficial to them, I just smiled and said, I don't want to work anymore.

When relatives asked why I retired so early, I answered with a smile.

One particular relative keeps on telling me, "It's good to have a job, you have a high salary, you should keep your job and enjoy it".

One keeps asking me "When are you going to apply for a job again" lol!

When I told someone that I was talking to that I was retired, she instantly ghosted me.

Tried this with different women, and same reaction. I was treated like I had no money, tambay, or just plain poor and lazy.

I am amazed how people will treat you based on your job title or salary, this is an eye-opening to me.

You can consider me unemployed, but I still have money lol! I am not asking for your handouts, and I am still eating (sometimes too much).

People think retirement is when you are old, fragile, weak, and have no money (unless you're a foreigner!).

What I realized is, my entire life revolves around my work. I plan my vacation around it, If I want to do something I need to consider the schedule.

After retirement, I've never had this feeling of relief, freedom, and excitement that I can do things on a whim without considering "work".

I think retirement should not mean to be in your 60s, you will not have the same energy, you'll be consumed by work your life story will be 90% work, 5% long weekend vacation and holidays, and 5% misery, anxiety, and depression.

My advice to the young ones, plan your entire life already. Work and work some more. Save more than you can imagine, don't be a slave. Don't retire in your 60s, no one gets out alive here.