Life after financial independence
What if all my friends are still working?
Having your own weekdays free does not make other people available. Some adapt their expectations; others take a more active role in arranging contact.
A full day does not necessarily mean more time with friends
The author found plenty to do, but working friends and relatives were not much more available than before retirement.
“Friends/family still working means I don't see them much more than normal”
u/Hnry_Dvd_Thr_Awy
Jan 2026 · Year 0.5
Read original by u/Hnry_Dvd_Thr_Awy (opens in a new tab)
Become the person who makes plans
He regularly initiated contact to maintain and renew friendships, taking on more of the planning rather than waiting for invitations.
“I try to reach out to someone almost every day”
MrFireStation
Apr 2019 · Year 3
Read original by MrFireStation (opens in a new tab)
Flexibility does not create friendships by itself
Reduced engineering work gave him time, but forming new friendships remained difficult.
“My current semi-retirement is an experiment of sorts.”