# What do you lose when you stop working, besides the paycheck?

Canonical: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/answers/what-do-you-lose-when-you-stop-working/
Section: Should you stop earning? (Retirement Decision Lab, Decision 2 · Week 2 · Wed Nov 11)
Facts checked: 2026-10-06 · Next review by: 2027-04-06
Reviewed by: Todd Allyn, Founding Director, Sovereo Intelligence Research

## Short answer

Structure, a reason to get up, a network that brings opportunities, and in the US, employer health coverage before Medicare starts at 65.

## Detail

Health coverage is the big money item. If you stop working before 65 you need a bridge. COBRA usually lets you keep your job's plan for up to 18 months, but you can be charged up to 102% of the full cost. Losing job coverage also opens a 60-day window to buy a Marketplace plan.

The quieter losses show up later. Skills fade and contacts move on, which makes it harder to earn again if you need to.

Retiring from a job is different from retiring from producing income. Many people keep a small income they enjoy. It takes pressure off savings and keeps options open.

## Where it gets personal

Week 2 puts a number on what you give up when income goes to zero. The Retirement Decision Lab: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/

## Sources

1. An Employee's Guide to Health Benefits Under COBRA, US Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/publications/an-employees-guide-to-health-benefits-under-cobra.pdf
2. COBRA coverage and the Marketplace, HealthCare.gov: https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/cobra-coverage/

Education only. Not financial, tax, investment, immigration or legal advice.
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