Investing into 401k worth it?

Had an interesting conversation with a friend yesterday. He was asking me why I was investing into my 401k. And I was just like don’t we all just did that and when we’re 65 we get it back.

And then what he said kind of just dawned on me. We most likely won’t be seeing that money until we’re 65 maybe 75 since the my might be raising the retirement age in a couple years. And at that point I honestly don’t forser being Alive.

Second, I’d much rather just retire earlier from my corporate job. I simply will not be working a 9-5 for the next 40-50 years.

It just seems like a waste to put it in nos when I could use it or invest it now.

Thoughts?