The Sydney Morning Herald logo

The January 31 edition

Admit it. We’ve definitely all thought about it at some point in our working lives. We’ve more than likely discussed it. Probably at the end of a particularly vexing project or a very long week at work. Wouldn’t you love to retire early? Escape the grind of emails, meetings, deadlines and “key deliverables”? Our cover story today looks at what it’s really like to walk away from a lifetime of work and retire early in a country where non-Indigenous life expectancy is among the highest in the world. A person who stops working in their 50s may have more than 10,000 days of retirement to fill – a challenge once the novelty of not working wears off. Happily, the people featured in our story have all navigated their way through the initial shock and found it is possible to regain their equilibrium and sense of purpose, but not without considerable effort. The biggest takeaway? Retirement planning needs to go beyond just financial considerations when it comes to creating a playbook for anyone who thinks they are ready to tackle this next life stage. – Melissa Stevens, editor

13 stories
Early retirement can come as a shock to some.

The early-retirement trap: How to avoid loneliness, boredom and ‘wet leaf syndrome’

Quitting work earlier in life is the ultimate goal for many. But the reality can be a brutal letdown.

  • Sue Williams
Advertisement
Martin Luther King III remembers his father playing baseball, taking him bike-riding and teaching him to swim.

Martin was 10 when his father’s death rocked the world. This is the message he has for kids today

The son of internationally celebrated civil rights activist Dr Martin Luther King jnr on Indigenous affairs, the current state of the US and living your legacy.

  • Amanda Hooton
The analgesic action of aspirin (right) is derived from salicin, found in willow bark (left), which has been used traditionally for thousands of years.

Trump has abandoned the WHO. Now India and China are moving in

At the World Health Organisation’s global summit in New Delhi last month, traditional medicine practitioners joined with scientists and government ministers.

  • Maeve Cullinan

Peta and David share an office. They ring a bell when they need to speak to each other

Writers and colleagues Peta Murray and David Carlin are teaching each other how to grow old in style.

  • Susan Horsburgh
Jonathan Van Ness.

‘I want a hairy forearm’: What this TV host looks for in a partner

The Emmy-winning TV personality, 38, best known for his work on the Netflix series, Queer Eye, is also, simultaneously, an author, podcaster, comedian, hairstylist and founder of JVN Hair.

  • Benjamin Law
How to stop overthinking.

The simple shower hack that could finally stop your brain from spiralling

Stuck in a loop of persistent, unhelpful thoughts? Forget doomscrolling, drinking or binge-watching – there are better ways to stop overthinking.

  • Amanda Hooton
Advertisement

Easy-to-wear styles for relaxed summer evenings

Just so hot right now: great pieces for balmy nights with items starting at $70.

  • Kim Wilson

The ‘Bermuda’ comeback: Why your dad’s favourite shorts are suddenly cool again

While micro shorts continue to be the popular choice of body-confident wearers everywhere, high-waisted styles bring a 1950s freshness to proceedings.

  • Damien Woolnough

I am a doctor. If I see people at festival without a hat, should I say something?

They’re getting a free consultation without having to make an appointment, writes our Modern Guru.

  • Danny Katz
Layers of soft sponge and crisp meringue, topped with kiwi and passionfruit.

Helen Goh’s Matildas tribute cake

Helen Goh created this green and gold cake in honour of the Aussie soccer stars.

  • 1-2 hrs
  • Helen Goh
Tyga’s long room spills from a bar zone with DJ decks to a charcoal-fired open kitchen.
14.5/20

This hot new restaurant is a game-changer for an already brilliant Melbourne eat street

The word “fusion” triggers the ick, but it’s an obvious way to describe the bold, exuberant and engaging menu at Koornang Road newcomer Tyga.

  • Dani Valent
The Kiama-chic dining room is a sea of guests wearing pastels and linen.
14/20

‘Totally fine but unremarkable’: The verdict on Rick Stein’s Sydney seafood restaurant

There are some hits, some misses and fake olive trees at the signature Coogee Beach venture by the beloved British celebrity chef.

  • Callan Boys
GW quiz index tile

Test your general knowledge with the Good Weekend quiz

Trivia buffs: can you get a perfect score in the interactive superquiz?

Other editions

The March 21 edition

Stephanie Alexander and The Cook’s Companion at 30 | Free-diver Ant Williams | Debra Adelaide and Gabrielle Carey | How to deliver a baby on a plane

  • 11 stories

The March 14 edition

The high-strung, low-key world champ who could become our most-capped swimmer | Ukraine’s world-leading robotics work | Filmmaking at -50C | Consoling a friend

  • 13 stories