Now, the words 'retirement' and 'old age' are no longer someone else's story.

When I was young, men over 60 all seemed wealthy.

Pensions came automatically, they owned homes, and their children were successful...

But now that I am aging, I find that I have nothing prepared after divorcing my ex-wife without children 10 years ago.

So far, I have worked in the U.S. for over 15 years and have earned 40 credits. I have also received my citizenship. This means I am eligible for social security benefits.

However, my salary has been low over the years, and only recently has it reached a decent level.

Based on my current salary, I estimate that my monthly social security benefit will be about $1,500.

To be honest, that is too little.

With current prices, I can barely get by, so what can I do with this money in 10 years?

A bowl of seolleongtang costs over $20, and a hamburger set is over $15.

Retirement planning makes me reconsider.

I do not own a home. I have no 401k, no stocks, and no inheritance to pass on to my family.

Thus, social security is almost my only retirement asset.

However, the news says that the pension fund is running out, and projections suggest that by 2035, only 75-80% of the benefits can be paid.

This means I might receive only about $1,150 instead of $1,500.

Can I rent a house with that money? Even in the suburbs of Houston, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a cheaper area is around $1,300.

Including electricity, food, and medical expenses... there seems to be no solution.

So now I am... planning to work for another 10 years.

Since social security benefits are calculated based on the highest 35 years of income, if I continue to earn a bit more for another 10 years, my benefit amount could increase significantly.

Another realistic but bitter thought is that to receive more social security, I would need to continue working full-time until the maximum retirement age of 70.

My physical strength may not hold up, but as long as I have rent to pay, I might not be able to take a break.

Yet, despite all this, I want to preserve the small joys of life, like having a cup of coffee each day and taking a morning walk.

My retirement may not be 'perfectly leisurely,' but it is about creating conditions under which I can survive.

From now on, I want to save at least $500 a month, manage my health in preparation for potential Medicare costs, and hold onto some hope.

And I also say this... life doesn't always go as planned. However, I cannot live without preparation.

In the remaining 10 years, I plan to take charge of my life again.