You’ve probably heard the line: “Nobody wants to work anymore.” Usually tossed out at younger workers and usually with a sigh.
But here’s the twist. Georgia is one of the easiest states in America to retire in, which means a whole lot of older workers here are lining up to stop working as soon as humanly possible.
According to a new study from retirement expert John Stevenson:
- Retirement savings needed: $813,559
- Average annual wage: $64,210
- Average annual expenses: $34,180
That combo means the average Georgian can retire in just 27 working years. Compare that to most states, where retirement looks more like a 40-year marathon, and suddenly the “don’t want to work” crowd starts sounding less like a complaint and more like a life goal.
Zoom out to the national picture:
- 63% of Americans say the cost of living makes it nearly impossible to save.
- 14% dipped into retirement accounts just to pay everyday bills this year.
- 1 in 5 workers at the tail end of their careers haven’t saved a dime for retirement.
So yes—nobody wants to work anymore. And if Georgia is any indication, that’s not a problem. That’s the dream.
Read the full study here.
How to Read and Understand The News
When reading news, remember:
- Truth doesn’t change because we dislike it
- Facts remain facts even when they make us uncomfortable
- Events happen whether we accept them or not
- Good reporting often challenges us
- The news isn’t choosing a position — it is relaying what official, verified sources have said.
- Blaming the press for bad news is like blaming a thermometer for a fever.
Before dismissing news that bothers you, ask:
- What evidence supports this story?
- Am I reacting to facts or feelings?
- What would change my mind?
- Am I “shooting the messenger” because I don’t like what is happening?
Smart news consumers seek truth, not just comfort.

B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.