Some reasons why a highly capable developer, (or other highly skilled tech worker of some kind) might not be rich to the point of retiring at 50 : (a) came from poor background in the first place, basic things like house deposit, student loans paid off etc didn't come easily (b) immigrant who arrived with very little (c) supports extended family financially (d) has partner that can't earn much or anything for a myriad of reasons - such as poor health, or working in socially important job that pays little (e) health issues that interrupt career and/or health expenses (f) has disabled and//or troubled kids that are tiring and limits their productivity and earning potential (g) issues looking out for ageing parents, caring for them. That's what I can think of off the top of my head. Other posters below listed some others. So anyone who says "Why are you still working" is not only talking complete BS, it's actually dangerous BS. (IMHO, of course ;) )