Common Questions · Everyday life

Life after financial independence

What if my hobbies start feeling like work?

Several people changed their expectations or stopped a project when enjoyment gave way to obligation.

Drop the demand to make hobbies productive

He became happier when he stopped making hobbies feel like jobs. Games, audiobooks, family and occasional classes remained part of a life with little boredom.

“quickly sucked the joy out of them”

u/Yangoose Sep 2024 · Year 1 Read original by u/Yangoose (opens in a new tab)

It is possible to stop a once-enjoyable commitment

Regular blogging began to feel obligatory. After a period based in one location, Lori felt less inspired to keep producing new posts and the couple paused.

“feel pressured”

Randy and Lori Grant Oct 2018 Read original by Randy and Lori Grant (opens in a new tab)

Protect creativity from new obligations

His early retirement intentions included keeping art from turning into another job; this was an intention, not a proven long-term result.

“I have to keep reminding myself not to turn it into a job.”

ESI Millionaire 316 Apr 2022 Interview snapshot · published 2022-07 Read original by ESI Millionaire 316 (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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