rifleman......only when you  take money out....are the 'pains you describe'  are felt by the investor...
US or International stocks...not withstanding.......Should an investment that falls under the 'check list' of Warren Buffet....and WEALTHY BARBER AUTHOR......your investment will yield dividends.........and those dividends  should be re invested  in the same program...or similar....until you can  live as comfortably as you need to....
....Except for your personal needs...transportation ..rent/mortgage/heat-power-water...food and entertainment....

Unless you want to take over the World...that easily fits in with most  working people's  available investment and  needs ..for retirement...  with or without their own  house.