5 surefire signs you’re done with work (even if you haven’t admitted it yet). Will you finally retire in 2026?

In fact, about 52% of people in a 2025 survey told the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies they retired earlier than planned (1). If you’re wondering if you might be one of those early retirees, here are five surefire signs that you’re ready.

Work makes you numb

Let’s be honest, it’s rare to be enthusiastic about your work, regardless of age. As of 2024, only 31% of employees reported feeling engaged at work, according to Gallup (2).

But older employees tend to be more enthusiastic about their careers. Nearly 67% of workers 65 and over admitted that they found their job enjoyable or fulfilling, according to Pew Research (3). So, if you’re in this age group and feel more detached from your profession, maybe it’s a sign that you’ve outgrown the rat race and are ready for a different pace.

Promotions and raises don’t matter

When you’re young and ambitious, every promotion and salary increase feels like a milestone. But when you’re older (and wealthier), these highlights can feel less significant.

If your nest egg is worth multiple millions of dollars, a 5% raise probably won’t move the needle much. That’s the same with a new promotion or job title in your 50s or 60s. It can sound like more stress and responsibility.

If stepping up to the next rung of the career ladder has lost its appeal, maybe it’s time to step off entirely.

Constantly checking your retirement account

During your career, you’ve probably been building up your 401(k) and IRA without paying much attention. Once you have a steady job and an automated savings plan, it doesn’t make much sense to check your accounts every day or week.

But if you do find yourself increasingly worried about your nest egg, it could be a signal that you’re subconsciously preparing for retirement. After all, these funds are potentially your only lifeline after your worklife is over. So, if you’ve checked your 401(k) balance recently and it’s close enough to your target, consider putting your mind at ease and call it your last day.

Visible signs of aging

After previously claiming he would never retire, investment legend Warren Buffett finally decided to step down as Chairman at Berkshire Hathaway in 2025. His announcement came as a surprise to shareholders, but the billionaire said the decision was based on signs that his body couldn't keep pace with the rat race anymore (4).

“I didn’t really start getting old, for some strange reason, until I was about 90,” the 95-year-old told The Wall Street Journal. “But when you start getting old … it’s irreversible.”

Similarly, if you feel like your body isn’t cooperating or that your commute feels more tiring than usual, these may be signs that it’s time to slow down. Retiring once you see the onset of aging may be a good way to enjoy your twilight years.

More time for family and volunteering

If you’re spending more time thinking about family or getting involved with a local non-profit, it could be a side effect of being ready for the next chapter.

Close to 59% of retirees admitted they were spending more time with their family and friends after the workday. About 39% said they were pursuing new hobbies during idle time (1). If that lifestyle sounds more appealing than spending time in a boardroom, maybe it’s time to loosen the tie and quit. You may miss out on a few extra years of savings, but every moment with your loved ones is worth the sacrifice.

Article sources

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PR Newswire (1); Gallup (2); Pew Research (3); CNBC (4).