5 surefire signs you’re done with work (even if you haven’t admitted it yet). Will you finally retire in 2026?

Research shows this is common. In one recent Manulife Wealth longevity study, more than half of retirees said they left the workforce sooner than expected (1).

If you’ve been wondering whether retirement might be closer than you think, here are five clear signs you may be ready to step away from your full-time career.

Work makes you feel numb

Regardless of age or how many years you’ve been in your current role, not everyone gets excited about work every day. Many employees — as many as 80% — say they feel disengaged on the job, especially after years of stress, deadlines and long hours (2).

If you’re at the stage of life where work no longer gives you a sense of purpose — or you feel emotionally checked out most days — it could be a sign that you’ve simply outgrown your career. That numb feeling may be your cue that you’re ready for a slower pace or search for a new chapter beyond full-time work.

Promotions and raises don’t matter anymore

Early in your career, a raise or a promotion can feel like a big win. More money, a higher title and a sense that all the hard work is paying off. But later on, those milestones often lose their lustre.

If you have strong savings, a modest raise may not meaningfully change your lifestyle. A new title can also come with more pressure, longer hours and added responsibility — without great personal benefit.

If climbing higher at work feels more tiring than motivating, or if you’ve reached your professional goal, it may be a sign that stepping back — or stepping away — can start to feel like the better option.

You keep checking your retirement savings

For most of your career, you probably didn’t pay close attention to your retirement accounts. Once contributions became automated and your income was steady, there may not be much reason to keep an eye on your balances often. It puts you into a set-it-and-forget-it complacency (3).

That can change as retirement gets closer. If you find yourself inspecting your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or other investment account balances more often, it may be a sign you’re mentally preparing to stop working. Those savings are what you’ll rely on once your paycheques end, so it’s natural to start paying closer attention.

If your balances are close to — or already meet — your target, that constant checking may be your way of confirming you’re financially ready to exit full-time work. In some cases, it’s not anxiety at all, but rather about reassurance that you’ve done enough.

Visible signs of aging or health changes

Even people who once said they would never retire sometimes change their minds. In recent years, well-known business leaders have acknowledged stepping back because their health or energy isn’t what it used to be.

Investment legend Warren Buffett is a perfect example — after 60 years, he finally decided to step down as Chairman at Berkshire Hathaway in late 2025. His announcement came as a surprise to shareholders, but the billionaire said the decision was based on signs that his body couldn’t keep pace with the rat race anymore (4).

You don’t need a major health scare for this to matter. Feeling more tired than usual, struggling with long commutes or finding it harder to keep up with a steady work flows can all be subtle hints that your body is asking you for to step on the breaks.

If work is taking more out of you than it gives back, retirement may not be about giving up — it may be more about protecting your health and enjoying the years ahead while you still have the energy to do so.

You want more time for family and giving back

If you find yourself thinking more about family, friends or volunteering, it may be a sign you’re ready to step into a new phase of life. For many people, priorities shift as work becomes less central and personal time matters more.