I think most people would not consider this to be a nightmare except they would have to decide what they really want to do if not work. Perhaps the nightmare is not working?


In my opinion it really depends on the person's age at that point.

If a US person is 55+, it would seem to be an easy decision. I see no point in continuing to work for my current employer beyond age 55.

But if the person is younger than say 50, it does create a bit of consternation once you have "enough" to cover your needs but not enough to throw caution to the wind and indulge in all of one's desires. If $200k a year is "enough" then maybe you are a single/dual income household making $250k a year pre tax. Your next "promotion" at work might help you bring in an extra $800/mo and you keep asking yourself, Do I really care about an extra $800/mo for the extra headaches? Saving it doesn't move the needle. Spending it means I need to save more for the lifestyle creep. What the heck am I even doing working here if moving up the ladder is meaningless?!

Maybe you start thinking about taking a little income from that $5M. A little nicer vacation, newer cars, upgrade the home, and oh no maybe a BOAT! Well now you need $6.5M....$8M.....more?

It reminds me of the conversations I've had with my wife and kids over the years when they ask things like, "Why can this family down the street go on all these fancy vacations and drive new cars?". I use it as an opportunity to explain Normal Distribution Curves. No matter what population you find yourself in, always assume you are near the mean and be content.

Jeff (Sisyphus some days)