I am 30, from the Netherlands, and choose to not build up a pension (freelancer). Though, I do save money with the intent of not needing to do work for the primary purpose of earning money (i.e. maintaining a standard of living).

I eschew pensions because they are part of a mindset that in my opinion is a major yet avoidable source of the continuing enshittification of our world.

My gripe with pensions is that they are paid out indefinetely, until the receiver dies. Why not a fixed number of years? Because people would be offended or scared?. "So you're going to let me wither and die?". Given an average life expectancy, the number is still sort of fixed, but again, it's about the mindset.

As a collective, we value human life _too much_. Stripping away any nuance: we try to keep everybody alive as long as possible. Death is natural. Death is dignified. Death is sad, but sad is not bad.

I wish we were able to say this. You've contributed to society while you were able, and we salute you for it. Because most humans are terrible at long term planning, here is that money we incentivised you to save up over the decades. Spend it wisely, for there will be no more. Don't fear the reaper, but embrace him when he comes.