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

Life after financial independence

What do the first few months feel like?

The immediate experience can be relief, uncertainty or a surprisingly quiet period before bigger plans take shape.

Relief can be immediate

Walks, books, naps and golf lessons filled her first weeks. She described elation and relief, and her husband left his job soon afterward.

“An enormous weight was lifted”

ESI Retiree 40 Feb 2021 Recalled in 2023 Read original by ESI Retiree 40 (opens in a new tab)

Doing less may feel better than expected

Long mornings, reading and walking occupied Elizabeth’s first six months. The book, business and extensive travel she had imagined did not immediately materialize.

“weird, cozy, liberating fog”

Elizabeth George 2024 Recalled in 2026 Read original by Elizabeth George (opens in a new tab)

Relief can still feel disorienting

The couple enjoyed slow breakfasts and exercise, while the absence of a work routine took adjustment.

“the lack of structure and routine is a little disorienting”

ESI Millionaire 55 Apr 2018 Interview snapshot · published 2018 Read original by ESI Millionaire 55 (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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