The 1 in 6 Wake-Up Call: Why Waiting for Retirement Is a Risky Plan
It's not just a random stat.
According to the Social Security Administration, 1 in 6 Americans will never make it to retirement age.
(Source: Social Security Administration Life Expectancy Calculator, SSA.gov)
That’s millions of people who’ll never get to enjoy the life they spent decades deferring.
And yet
Most of us are conditioned to wait.
We put off the trips.
We delay the dreams.
We save life for "later."
But later isn't promised.
This is the harsh truth that most people ignore until it’s too late.
How Would You Live If You Stopped Waiting?
This is a question I challenge everyone, especially founders, leaders, and ambitious professionals, to ask themselves today:
"What if you started living as if you might not make it to retirement?"
For some, that answer has been life-changing.
But let me give you real examples, not mine, of people who stopped waiting and rewrote their stories thanks to Remote Rebellion.
Victoria: From Burnout to Valencia
Victoria worked in a fast-paced digital agency in New York, until burnout forced her to quit. She was almost ready to give up on the corporate world entirely.
But through Remote Rebellion, she got clear on what she actually wanted and, more importantly, what she wouldn't tolerate anymore.
The result?
She landed three freelance gigs that allowed her to move to Valencia, Spain.
Now, she works US hours, spends her mornings enjoying long breakfasts, meeting friends, meditating, and living her version of freedom.
She didn’t wait for retirement. She claimed her freedom now.
Gary: From Stuck to Working From the Philippines
Gary spent over three months searching for a remote job but kept coming across roles that weren’t truly remote or still required office visits.
After joining Remote Rebellion, he realized the traditional job hunt wasn’t built for the life he wanted.
He shifted his strategy, targeted the right companies, and now?
He’s working from the Philippines, fully remote, living his dream of building a farm!
The Data Doesn’t Lie
The CDC reports that nearly 15% of adults aged 45-64 die before retirement age (65).
(Source: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics)
Life doesn’t reward those who wait.
It rewards those who act.
What About You?
If you keep putting off the life you really want
If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll do it "later"
If you think you have to wait until you retire to travel, live abroad, or reclaim your time,
Ask yourself this today:
What if later never comes?
Victoria and Gary didn’t wait.
They acted.
They created freedom now, not at 65.
You can, too.
Let’s Live Now. Before It’s Too Late.
Stay Rebellious,
Michelle
This week’s article is sponsored by PowerToFly. PowerToFly helps highly skilled professionals advance their careers and supports companies in building inclusive, thriving workplaces. Whether you're growing your skill set or looking for your next opportunity, PowerToFly is here to connect you with teams that truly value diverse talent.