Especially for anyone raised in an era where true-grit and gumption were how you got ahead – and now the thought of leaving the line of duty before retirement feels almost like a sin.

An entirely understandable position.

But, let me ask you, in all seriousness:

What would you do, if you didn’t have to wait to retire?

What if there were a way to retire early – and start doing something that brings you more joy – without losing anything you’ve worked for?

Well, I’ve discussed this idea with readers before, and some say it’s unrealistic. They claim they have no choice. And they only stay in the daily grind because they’re putting their heads down and holding on until retirement.

That may be so.

But I’d like to put a little bee in your bonnet with something most people have never considered:

I can tell you with certainty – from personally helping many people and witnessing the results first hand – the job world has changed dramatically.

And the idea that you must owe your soul to a company store until you can break free and enjoy your remaining time on earth is an “oldie”, but not necessarily a “goodie”.

The truth is, it is absolutely possible to do what you dream of doing in retirement – and do it now. While you still have your health and energy.

For example, you could:

(a) Make your future “retirement” activities your new career

(b) Take a sabbatical, so you can work in adventures or the trip of a lifetime

(c) Work part-time

(d) Move into a new, more exciting career

(e) Turn you retirement dream into a small business

Or any of the many creative solutions that I’ve seen change lives. (We’ll discuss more of these soon.)

For now, I’d like to leave you with a few thoughts to ponder.

What will you actually do when you retire? What will retirement actually look like? What would making a positive change now do for you? What would it mean to your family? And, how do you really want to spend your time?

Time is precious.