Kent, this post outlined what I call the 40/40 Club. Work 40 (or more) hours a week for 40 (or more) years. THEN! IF! you're make it to retirement age - you can live.

This Club is frankly socially sanctioned suicide.

What your father experienced is sadly the norm for most.

Balance - that's the key word mentioned in your closing thoughts.

Balance between waking up to your calling (versus Club membership).

I haven't worked a day in decades. What I do amply finances a simple life in the form of being of service to others. (Ya, that's a monk's path LOL).

As more Club members wake-up to the reality that life's too short (like your Father discovered) we'll witness a more conscious effort to leave the Club. Time to discover how to naturally nurture life-enriching relationships — yes?