Why More Americans Are Redefining Retirement, Just Like I Did

An older man sits in front of his laptop at his desk at home.

For generations, the American Dream meant working diligently for decades, building a nest egg or earning a pension and retiring in your early 60s to enjoy a life of leisure.

This became increasingly popular following Social Security's introduction of early retirement at age 62. It was a milestone workers could count on, a promise of stability and a reward after a lifetime of work.