Explore life after financial independence and retirement: everyday routines, changing plans and honest reflections. Read longer timelines or single interview snapshots.
Later-life retirement with part-time teaching · at interview
After leaving his main career, he kept a small online teaching commitment and took up hiking, writing, travel and visits with grandchildren. He described the balance as outstanding, with only a short daily period of paid work.
Retired from primary career; optional patent work · at interview
After retiring from research in 2002 at 58, he trained as a patent agent. By the interview, occasional assignments continued after a busy second career. He found the challenge rewarding and kept consulting for enjoyment, despite already exceeding his financial target.
Later-life retirement · at interview
Two years after retirement, the couple took frequent trips and spent substantial time at their mountain cabin. Keeping a separate travel fund helped him enjoy spending on experiences.
J left a Vancouver financial career when his daughter was young. Parenthood made the departure easier to explain, and freedom supported his wife’s artistic travel. By the following year, childcare anchored his days while photography and chess occupied the remaining space.
Sydney Lagier retired at 44 in March 2008. A later part-time CFO contract was initially enjoyable, then stressful; by her 2014 interview, writing, piano, travel and practical help for working friends gave retirement a varied shape.
Ermine left a stressful career and found that recovery took much longer than expected. Two years later, varied practical and creative projects fit him better than a narrow job role, although spending savings still felt uncomfortable.
Paul and Vicki Terhorst retired at 35 and kept exploring. A house in Argentina added another way to live, but years later they preferred fewer possessions and more time on the road.
Kevin and Erin left conventional full-time careers for more spiritual practice and community. The transition worked well for their partnership but disrupted social rhythms. A later market loss changed their plans and strengthened their interest in a lower-cost life in Mexico.
