There are many reasons why people continue in their line of work even though they may feel tired, jaded or stressed. They could feel a deep sense of duty/responsibility to the company or work team. Rightly or wrongly they could also feel that they are indispensable. There are others who also loved their jobs and are therefore prepared to make sacrifices like working long hours and go on long business trips. Then there are those who stayed on on their jobs because they have no more market value. Last but not least there is always the monetary rewards of working.

In my case, it is a combination of all the above factors. If I were to quit now, there could be big disruption to the project my team is working on. I also welcome the overseas business trips as a means to break the monotony of working here. At 55, my market value is not what it used to be. I don't think I could walk into a new job at my current remuneration. And yes, the financial benefits of my current is quite attractive.

The question is not about retiring. For me, it is about what to do in retirement. The prospect of doing nothing, living life aimlessly, is not appealing to me. We have achieved financial security 5 years at 50, and we found that we would have a more meaningful life working as compared to retirement with no purpose.