Key Points
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Retiring may not be the right move if you’re worried about running out of money early or getting bored.
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Make sure you have a clear idea of how far your Social Security checks will go before you retire.
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A phased retirement might make more sense for you if retiring all at once isn’t feasible.
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You decided years ago that you’d retire in 2027, but now that it’s just a few months away, you’re starting to second-guess whether you’re actually ready to leave the workforce behind. Now’s the right time to weigh those concerns. If you decide you don’t want to retire yet, you can always remain at your job a while longer. Coming out of retirement later on could be trickier.
It’s ultimately your call whether you retire next year. But if any of the three things listed below apply to you, that could be a sign that quitting your job in 2027 might not be the best move.
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1. You’re worried you’re going to run out of money prematurely
Review your retirement budget and ensure you have enough savings to support the lifestyle you want. If you’re worried about coming up short, it’s worth working a little longer to give yourself more time to save. It’s much easier to do this than it is to try to come out of retirement when you’re older.
You don’t necessarily have to continue working the same job you’re in now, though. Some seniors opt for a phased retirement, gradually reducing their hours rather than quitting their jobs all at once. This gives them some of the freedom of retirement while also giving them a steady stream of cash to slow the drain on their personal savings.
2. You’re worried you’ll get bored without a job
Retirement is a liberating time for some, while others struggle with the lack of purpose and social interaction it can bring. If you think you’ll belong in the latter camp, retirement might not be the right choice for you.
You could leave your current job behind and find something part-time that gives you a bit of structure without cutting into your free time too much. Or you could build your own side hustle on your schedule.
3. You expected more from Social Security
The average Social Security benefit as of August 2026 is only $2,088 per month. If you were expecting significantly more than this, you might not have enough personal savings to get you through your whole retirement.
If you’re not already claiming checks, you can estimate your future Social Security benefit at every claiming age by creating a my Social Security account. Once you know about how much you’ll receive, compare this to your expectations to make sure you’ll have enough. If not, consider delaying your retirement until you’ve developed a plan to cover the shortfall.
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