Anyone else get rolling existential crises?

[Anonymous]

I had cancer in my early 40s (am ok now). Now, every time I read or see something about sickness and death it triggers thoughts of quitting work bc I can’t figure out why I would spend my whole life doing THAT when I could be given years or even months to live at any point (not bc of my prior diagnosis but bc it made me realize we all could). Does anyone else have this? Do you consider quitting and moving to somewhere super cheap and just treasuring every moment? I have a really good job (tho stressful) but sometimes I just think - why.

[Anonymous]

Often. I have this often. And the older I get the more it is escalating. I'm trying to take action on it. I'm 47 and am figuring out how to retire early. By the time I'm 50 the kids will be (should be) off my payroll and it's time for a change. Trying to figure out what that looks like now so I'm ready to go when the time comes. I don't think the time will ever be 'right' so I've set myself a deadline and that's what I'm working towards.

[Anonymous]

Yes and no. Any of us could die in a car accident today, but we work because we might not and probably won't. I want to provide a nice life and inheritance for my kid, a nice life and old age for myself. Those are worthy objectives.

But I think it's healthy to remember, like you are doing, that work is just a means to an end. It isn't a purpose and it doesn't love you back.