Man with a net worth of $8.5 million faces family opposition to early retirement in his 40s

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The couple has a net worth of $8.5M which can support retirement. Financial constraints are not the issue.
Spouses and in-laws view early retirement as morally wrong because of religious beliefs about work.
The spouse earns $250K to $300K per year but also feels burned out in her current role.
If you are thinking about retiring or know someone who is, there are three quick questions that lead many Americans to realize that they may retire earlier than expected. take 5 minutes to learn more here

A Redditor built an impressive net worth of 8.5 million dollars by the age of 40. He owns a 4 million dollar primary home with a 500,000 dollar mortgage, along with a rental property. After years of hard work, he feels burnt out and hopes to retire once his net worth reaches 10 million dollars. Based on his income, he expects to earn another 1.5 to 2 million dollars over the next two years, making early retirement financially realistic.

The problem is that his spouse and in-laws believe that this early retirement is morally wrong. Their views seem to be shaped by religious teachings. In the Christian New Testament, 2 Thessalonians 3:10 to 12 includes the well-known line, “He who does not want to work does not eat.” In Sikhism, the principle of Kirat Karo encourages followers to work honestly and diligently and avoid wasting their lives due to idleness.

Their views may also be influenced by the father-in-law’s personal history. He started with nothing and went on to build a 20 million dollar business. The spouse hopes to get involved in that business, but the Redditor has no interest in joining.

He shared the full situation in this Reddit post. I can offer some reflections here, but it is always wise to speak to a financial advisor for personalized guidance.

This post was updated on 8 December 2025 to include the various religious texts that support unemployment as immoral.

How many people retire in their 40s? — 24/7 Wall St.

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We don’t have every detail from the Reddit post, but it’s pretty obvious that money isn’t the problem here. With a net worth of 8.5 million dollars, a simple withdrawal rate of 4 percent generates about 340,000 dollars a year before taxes. The spouse raised concerns about a possible market crash, but even a sharp drop of 50 percent still leaves a portfolio of 4.25 million dollars. And of course, the portfolio also has the potential to continue growing over time.

The spouse herself earns a high income, around 250,000 to 300,000 dollars a year, but she also feels burnt out in her current job. Her long-term goal is to transition into the family business, and she may not have siblings. If she is an only child, she may be the only person expected to take over once her parents eventually move back.

In theory, the couple could move to a lower cost of living area and stretch their money even further. In practice, this seems unlikely. The family business seems to be tied to a specific place, and the spouse is not expected to go far from her parents. This makes relocation, and the financial flexibility it brings, an unrealistic option for them.

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A good compromise might be for the couple to work more flexible jobs instead of choosing overworked careers. They have the financial flexibility to make that kind of decision, and it does not represent a complete exit from the workforce.

Part-time or remote work can be viable solutions. This route will likely result in lower income, but this path can reduce stress and still give the couple things to do. The couple may want to consider joining local groups in their area based on their hobbies. Doing this can help them gauge what life might be like if they don’t work often.

Elderly couple, woman and man, walking hand in hand in a city park, enjoying a vacation or holiday together. They are active and happy, enjoy free time, walk and talk outside. — Romantic Studio / Shutterstock.com

The Redditor knows he can SAVE, but the spouse doesn’t want them to stop working. You may be thinking about what they stand to lose when they leave their job without thinking about what they stand to gain.

Retirement makes it easier for the couple to go on vacations, spend more time with loved ones, and enjoy a slower pace of life. It seems they are both burned out and need better schedules. One Redditor commented on the post and recommended that the couple read the book Die With Zero. The book is a fan favorite among the Chubby FIRE and Fat FIRE subreddit groups.

Ask your wife what she would like to do more if work wasn’t an obstacle, and help her imagine a dream life outside of long hours. Even with this exercise, you don’t have to retire right away. While the couple can retire right away, opting for more flexible jobs can be the best of both worlds. Everyone still works, which will keep the spouse and her parents happy, while a better balance between work and private life can make the man feel happier too.

You might think that retirement is all about picking the best stocks or ETFs, but you’d be wrong. Even large investments can be a liability in retirement. It’s a simple difference between accumulation vs. distribution, and it makes all the difference.

The good news? After answering three quick questions many Americans are reworking their portfolios and finding they can retire earlier than expected. If you are thinking of retiring or know someone who is, take 5 minutes to learn more here.

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