3 ms·
I am 30, from the Netherlands, and choose to not build up a pension (freelancer). Though, I do save money with the intent of not needing to do work for the prim
by oerdier 2y ago
I am 30, from the Netherlands, and choose to not build up a pension (freelancer). Though, I do save money with the intent of not needing to do work for the primary purpose of earning money (i.e. maintaining a standard of living).
I eschew pensions because they are part of a mindset that in my opinion is a major yet avoidable source of the continuing enshittification of our world.
My gripe with pensions is that they are paid out indefinetely, until the receiver dies. Why not a fixed number of years? Because people would be offended or scared?. "So you're going to let me wither and die?". Given an average life expectancy, the number is still sort of fixed, but again, it's about the mindset.
As a collective, we value human life _too much_. Stripping away any nuance: we try to keep everybody alive as long as possible. Death is natural. Death is dignified. Death is sad, but sad is not bad.
I wish we were able to say this. You've contributed to society while you were able, and we salute you for it. Because most humans are terrible at long term planning, here is that money we incentivised you to save up over the decades. Spend it wisely, for there will be no more. Don't fear the reaper, but embrace him when he comes.
- salawat 2y agoI'm with you, but not so much on the embrace death part, but moreso on that the only mechanism most retirement investment vehicles work on is an incestuous loop whereby said money feeds back into propping up all the usual suspects instead of things best positioned to effect change. Passive investment may be a force that kills us all because we couldn't bother to open our eyes and realize we had all our money chasing counterproductive goals.
- mateo1 2y agoThat might have been the worst thing I've read on the internet all year. Would you embrace your "dignified" death at 70 when your pension runs out and you have no food, clothes, home or medical help? Or heating? Is this really something you believe or something you typed drunk after a fight with the pensioner next door? Would you also embrace the reaper and think it's a sad, but not bad thing if you lose your ability to work next year, burn through your savings and die on the pavement because nobody cares?