So...you've worked for forty years..what will you have mentally and physically?

At the end of the forty years, probably not a lot left in some ways. People work for home ownership, etc. - everything they feel others expect of them, right?

Some people don't need elaborate goals, though. Getting to a point where they don't have to make a house payment and can start saving for vacations is important to them. Maybe their joy is just in getting away once in awhile, no matter where they're going.

But I think I see the point of your question: live for now, too - "stop and smell the roses." I think it's all about finding a balance - short of that, at least try to do what you think will make you happy now or someday down the road.

Hopefully, you'll have something to look forward to.

I used to think I would work forever. Then, after about 25 years, I wanted some free time.

So, I took a big demotion, went back to being an engineer, and made about 60% of my salary.

But, I bale out early every day - I work an 7 hour day, and spend a lot more time playing with the dog.

I'll probably get fired - but what the hell.

I hope after 40 years that I will be mentally sound, physically fit, and some $$$$$ in the bank

I have worked 40 years. With my divorce I lost everything the house the cadilac even my status in the church. But I am so much better for it all. I am am able to reach out to those who need it. I am a tremendous comfort and I have rose out of the ashes like Phoenix and live. Physically I have aches and pains but as someone put it, "I take care of myself." Mentally I am free to be me. It took a long time to learn that I kept wanting to serve someone and give everything to them. I like being me. Finding out what type of food I like, and not being afraid to step out and say "HEY thats wrong! I don't agree." I like being free.

Forty years of a nice time out, hopefully.

depends on what you do for work. If you are kieth richards, physically you look dead, and mentally its amazing you arent dead.

Most likely, mentally and physically you'll be tired.. But at least there are a billion good stories to tell!

You're like an ant, do the same thing, day in and day out, to what purpose? There is no meaning to your life and never was. The only pleasure is the relationships you have with your children and family, other than that, its lights out when you die....

The same thing you would have if you didn't work for 40 years, a 40 year older mind and body.

Do you think work ages you, or age?

i haven't worked for forty years, but, those who have, should have many experience, accomplishments, and a tough spirit.

Maybe nothing, maybe something, thats up to you. One thing is for sure, nobody ever said on their death bed - Oh God, I wish I had spent more time at work.......