..is reached when annual income from investment sources match that of annual outgoing debits.
That's what I reckon anyway. At that point, it is time to tell your boss to take that job and shove it, because you have then earned that right.

Surprisingly, there are very few people who even consider retiring before the Johnny dictated age of 67 for blokes.
Let's face it guys, you ain't gonna have much fun at 67. You'd be lucky to even walk without a crutch of some sort.

So, why do I get fingers pointed at me when I say that I may or may not work ever again? Why does nobody seem to understand the critical point at which work becomes optional?
Why is the mention of this point met with such venom?

Isn't it honorable to not require an employer or a government?

From my POV, the comprehension of early retirement (or optional work) is very sparse.
Nobody even seems to consider the possibility beyond a lotto win of sorts.
Surely there are better aims than working for the aim to work?

We've been slaves for so long, even the very thought of breaking free is alien to most. 

If things don't interest me, as work doesn't, I'm incredibly lazy. Thus, I've had a long-running plan to retire at a reasonable age (55) which is tracking very nicely so far.  However, if it weren't for my damn laziness I could probably knock that figure down by another few years. 

On a semi-related note, people who claim to "love their work" have got to be densest, most boring fks to ever walk this earth.  If work was fun, it wouldn't be work, it'd be play.  I mean, who can't think of 100 things they'd rather do on any given day than go to work?

I'm with you two, if you can survive without working, why work? By survive, I mean have the things you need, to live the lifestyle that suits you. Why be a slave to the man if you don't have to be. There's a certain freedom to not being tied down to a job.

Amadd wrote on Jun 15^th, 2012 at 3:20pm:

..is reached when annual income from investment sources match that of annual outgoing debits. That's what I reckon anyway. At that point, it is time to tell your boss to take that job and shove it, because you have then earned that right. Surprisingly, there are very few people who even consider retiring before the Johnny dictated age of 67 for blokes. Let's face it guys, you ain't gonna have much fun at 67. You'd be lucky to even walk without a crutch of some sort. So, why do I get fingers pointed at me when I say that I may or may not work ever again? Why does nobody seem to understand the critical point at which work becomes optional? Why is the mention of this point met with such venom? Isn't it honorable to not require an employer or a government? From my POV, the comprehension of early retirement (or optional work) is very sparse. Nobody even seems to consider the possibility beyond a lotto win of sorts. Surely there are better aims than working for the aim to work?

Yes, there are!

Work is like money, they are both useful, if treated as a means to an end, not just an end.

Btw, I retired at 57, 3 years ago.

With the new tax laws coming in next financial year, I think it makes it a distinct possibility for a lot of people to take an early retirement, or semi-retirement.

Being able to make a few bucks on the side sure would be handy too.

The "bogus" European affect on us can also be a source of cheap profit.

Cheap money to be made there, 'cause Keating had aligned us with Asia many moons ago.

If the whole of Europe crumbles 'cause of a self-professing nation of 11 mil., then they were pretty stuffed in the first place.

We're hardly a nit's nat on the Asian economy atm. We should stop giving to Eurolosers and invest more in Asio winners.

Is it really logical that the entire westen world holds it's breath for an economy of 11 mil?

I mean really, whatever debts they have would be absorbed by a sizeable economy in reasonable shape.

So the debts didn't really matter at all. I think we should all take notice there.

Amadd wrote on Jun 19^th, 2012 at 10:30am:

Is it really logical that the entire westen world holds it's breath for an economy of 11 mil? I mean really, whatever debts they have would be absorbed by a sizeable economy in reasonable shape. So the debts didn't really matter at all. I think we should all take notice there.

Greece is only a symptom of the underlying problems and those underlying problems are a real reason for the entire Global Population to hold their collective breath!

If you are looking for a little elaboration, you could see the references in the following, to what Japan has experienced, since their collapse stated  around 1990, the reasons for their collapse & the likely Global future.
http://www.ozpolitic.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1339954981/27#27

I should've explained my point more clearly.
Yes, I agree totally.

If a nation of 11 million can bring down the economy, then the foundations were pretty shaky to begin with.