Life after financial independence
Can I treat early retirement as an experiment?
Some people explicitly leave the door open to work and evaluate the experience as their circumstances change.
A sabbatical can leave the decision open
At departure, the author used both retirement and sabbatical language. Family time and outdoor interests mattered, while a future return to work remained possible.
“I am calling it a mini-retirement or long sabbatical”
u/outdoorfire38
Jan 2023 · At departure
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A trial can change how a later job feels
After a year-long retirement trial, the author returned to employment and evaluated it week by week, with more confidence in the option to leave.
“Right now I'm taking employment week by week”
u/Hnry_Dvd_Thr_Awy
Jul 2026 · Year 1
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A second attempt has more structure
After an earlier return to work, she built food-bank, library and walking commitments into another retirement attempt.
“It is a big adjustment to spend money”