afterFI/RE Life after FI/RE
Common Questions · Leaving work

Life after financial independence

What if retirement does not make me instantly happier?

Leaving employment can change the circumstances without producing an immediate emotional transformation.

A major change can initially feel ordinary

Carl did not experience an immediate transformation on leaving work. He was still finding his way while making progress in running and strength training.

“I felt the exact same.”

Carl Jensen Apr 2018 · Year 1 Read original by Carl Jensen (opens in a new tab)

Appreciation can grow with practice

Over time, spontaneous golf, ski trips and coffee invitations became easier to enjoy. The author reported little financial anxiety with room in the budget.

“Over time I’m enjoying this freedom more”

u/abcd4321dcba Mar 2023 · Year 1 Read original by u/abcd4321dcba (opens in a new tab)

Freedom and uncertainty can coexist

She loved not working, yet sometimes felt unsettled about purpose even with classes, friends and theater.

“I do feel unsettled at times.”

ESI Retiree 14 Jun 2019 Interview snapshot · published 2019 Read original by ESI Retiree 14 (opens in a new tab)

Different experiences, drawn from the people in our collection. Summaries are ours; quotations are theirs.

Explore all 38 questions

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