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The couple’s net worth is $8.5 million, enough to support their retirement. Financial constraints are not an issue.
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Spouses and in-laws believe early retirement is morally wrong because of religious beliefs about work.
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The spouse earns $250,000 to $300,000 a year, but she is also feeling burned out in her current role.
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One Reddit user has an impressive net worth of $8.5 million at the age of 40. He owns a primary residence worth $4 million, a $500,000 mortgage, and a rental property. After years of hard work, he felt burned out and wanted to retire when his net worth reached $10 million. Depending on his earnings, he expects to earn another $1.5 to $2 million over the next two years, making early retirement financially realistic.
The problem is that his spouse and in-laws think it’s morally wrong to retire so early. Their views appear to be influenced by religious teachings. In the Christian New Testament, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, there is a well-known saying: “He who refuses to work cannot eat.” In Sikhism, the principle of Kirat Karo encourages believers to work honestly and diligently and avoid wasting their lives by doing nothing.
Their views may also be influenced by personal stories about their father-in-law. He started from scratch and built a $20 million business. The spouse wants to be involved in the business, but Reddit users have no interest in joining.
He shared the entire situation in a Reddit post. I can offer some ideas here, but it’s always wise to talk to a financial advisor for personalized guidance.
This article was updated on December 8, 2025, to include various religious texts that support lack of work as immoral.
We didn’t get all the details from the Reddit post, but it’s clear that money isn’t the issue here. For a net worth of $8.5 million, a simple 4% withdrawal rate would generate about $340,000 in pre-tax income per year. The spouse expressed concern about a possible market crash, but even a severe 50% decline would still leave a $4.25 million portfolio. Of course, the portfolio also has the potential to grow over time.
The spouse herself earns a high income, approximately $250,000 to $300,000 per year, but she is also exhausted from 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 one expected to take over once her parents finally call it quits.
