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The couple has a net worth of $8.5 million that can support retirement. Financial constraints are not the problem.
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The husband and in-laws view early retirement as morally wrong because of religious beliefs about work.
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The wife earns between $250,000 and $300,000 annually, but she also feels burned out in her current role.
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One Redditor built an impressive $8.5 million net worth by the age of 40. He owns a $4 million primary home with a $500,000 mortgage, plus a rental property. After years of hard work, he feels exhausted and hopes to retire once his net worth reaches $10 million. Based 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 wife and in-laws think that retiring so early is morally wrong. Their views seem to be shaped by religious teachings. In the Christian New Testament, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 includes the well-known verse, “He who will not work must not eat.” In Sikhism, the principle of Kirat Karo encourages followers to work honestly and diligently and avoid wasting their lives in idleness.
Their views may also be influenced by the father-in-law’s personal story. He started with nothing and went on to build a $20 million business. The husband hopes to get involved in that business, but the Redditor has no interest in joining.
He shared the entire situation in this Reddit post. I can offer some thoughts here, but it’s always wise to talk to a financial advisor for personalized guidance.
This post was updated on 08 December 2025 to include the various religious texts that support idleness as immoral.
We don’t have all the details from the Reddit post, but it’s pretty obvious that money isn’t the issue here. With a net worth of $8.5 million, a simple 4% withdrawal rate would generate about $340,000 a year before taxes. The husband expressed concern about a possible market crash, but even a severe 50% drop would still leave a portfolio of $4.25 million. And, of course, the portfolio also has the potential to continue to grow over time.
The wife herself earns a high income, around $250,000 to $300,000 a year, but she also feels burned out at her current job. Her long-term goal is to move into the family business and she may not have any siblings. If she’s an only child, she might be the only person expected to take over once her parents back out.