Courtesy of Jo Merrett
- Jo Merrett looked forward to babysitting her grandchildren once her adult kids started families.
- But the single mom, 51, said she can't retire until at least 70, so she won't be able to do so.
- Merrett told Business Insider she never invested in a pension and must work to pay off her mortgage.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jo Merrett. It has been edited for length and clarity.
My son and daughter, now 21 and 18, were always very close to my parents when they grew up.
Mom and Dad were always around, playing with the children and helping out with babysitting. It was lovely to see their bond.