‘Too young to retire’ — that’s a little personal, isn’t it?

The retirement age protects older workers who want to continue working. But what about those who want to stop even earlier?

- Leslie Koh

I am, apparently, too young to retire.

So I've been told countless times, after announcing my decision to take a break from full-time work. Though I’m pursuing part-time studies and doing some freelance writing on the side, I’ve been telling others, half-jokingly, that I’m semiretired.

It’s half true because I have, in my mind, decided that I am no longer a “worker”, at least in the traditional sense. The mental switch means not actively pursuing a career and not worrying about being productive at the workplace; and, instead, doing what I really want, whenever I want. That means afternoon naps, catching up with friends, long walks or runs, and the occasional hop across the Causeway for a spot of shopping.

If I'm honest, the studying and freelancing are more for the sake of occupying my time and ensuring my brain doesn’t degenerate, than anything else.

And if I’m really honest, their true purpose is acting as a cover for retirement.

Why? Because I’m getting a little tired of the frowns and disapproving looks I receive whenever I say I’m retiring. (Adding a “semi” doesn’t help.) It seems that many feel almost offended that I should dare to quit the working life at this tender young age — never mind that I’m past the midway point in life - and consider joining the ranks of the retired.

And little seems to mitigate that judgment. I've explained that being 52 and not having kids or any major financial commitments mean that I can survive on past savings, with a little help from some freelance work and passive investments, until the annuities from CPF Life kick in. I’ve also protested that I’ve been keeping myself occupied with studies and the occasional freelance project.

All to no avail, because, you know, “You're just too young to retire.”