My Father-in-Law Retired at 55 and Has Thrived for Over 30 Years — Here Are the 4 Lessons His Life Taught Me
When my father-in-law decided to retire at 55, many thought he was stepping away too soon. Now, at 86, he’s been enjoying retirement for nearly as long as he worked — and he says he wouldn’t change a thing.
Talking with him about how he built such a fulfilling second act in life gave me powerful lessons I plan to follow as I start shaping my own retirement plans in my 40s.
1. Build a Strong Financial Base Before You Clock Out for Good
One of the smartest choices my father-in-law made was ensuring he owned his home outright before retiring. He sold the family property and bought a smaller, more affordable home in cash — eliminating the stress of mortgage payments completely.
That single move gave him both freedom and peace of mind. My husband and I want to follow suit: we’re working toward being debt-free and mortgage-free before we retire.
He also had multiple private investments beyond his pension. Inspired by that, we’ve been steadily investing in shares and reinvesting dividends, building a foundation that can support us long after the paychecks stop.
2. Keep Your Body in Motion
Even now, at 86, my father-in-law is impressively active. He still hits the gym several times a week, spends hours in his garden, and even chops his own firewood each winter.
He’s living proof that movement truly is medicine. His lifestyle reminds me of a beautiful analogy I once read — that water remains pure because it flows, while still water grows stagnant. Our bodies are no different.
Watching him has convinced me that staying active is key to aging well. I plan to make exercise a lifelong habit — because good health makes early retirement far more rewarding.
3. Fill Your Days With Purpose and Play
For my father-in-law, retirement has never meant idleness. He’s cultivated a vibrant mix of hobbies — gardening, working out, golfing, and traveling with my mother-in-law.
Those interests give his days structure and joy. Seeing how fulfilled he is reminds me that passion projects are essential to a happy retirement.
Writing is my own great love, and I hope to keep doing it long after I leave my day job — maybe even finally finish a few novels. And with a bit of planning, travel will definitely be part of the adventure too.
4. Tend to Your Partnership
One of the most touching lessons he shared is about relationships. He told me that if you plan to retire early, you’ll be spending far more time with your partner than ever before — so it’s crucial to nurture that bond.
He and my mother-in-law have been married nearly six decades, still sharing almost every moment together with genuine affection.
I adore my husband, but with young kids, he often ends up last on my priority list. My father-in-law’s advice made me realize it’s time to change that — to invest more energy in us. More date nights, more shared goals, and more conversations about the life we want to build together.
Because one day, when the children are grown, it’ll just be the two of us again — and I want that chapter to be as joyful and strong as ever.
Final Thoughts
My father-in-law’s retirement isn’t just a success story — it’s a blueprint for a life well-lived. His example reminds me that early retirement isn’t just about having enough money; it’s about having purpose, health, and love that keep you going long after the workdays end.
