A quick post from the Wall Street Journal’s blog points out two very different retirement scenarios. In the first, employees are forced to retire earlier than they expected or desired. In the second, employees who have to work longer than they have envisioned years ago while still planning their retirement.

One of the most interesting points in this post is the suggestion that postponing retirement actually helps the economy (and could well fuel a stronger recovery) by delaying many boomers from a fixed income, allowing them to continue spending. This extended period of consumption could help offset a slower recovery in the labor market due to the fact that people like you are working longer.

It’s an interesting perspective, but surely cold comfort to those of you who have to delay your dreams because of the mismanagement of your money.