People

Retired from primary role; optional temporary assignments · at interview

After retiring from his main role, the physician chose temporary assignments and mentoring, volunteered for an outdoor organization and traveled with his wife. He described a changed relationship with work when earning became optional.

Jed and Kelly left full-time jobs in 2021 after cancer treatment changed their priorities. Their semi-retirement combined travel with blocks of paid work; a year later, they were still refining a sustainable rhythm rather than claiming complete financial independence.

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli’s 2022 account looks back on leaving work together at 38. Travel eventually combined with a walkable Mexican home base, creative work and friendships built across countries.

Military retirement followed by a civilian flying career · at interview

After her husband's military retirement, his seven-days-on, seven-days-off flying schedule allowed the couple more travel and shared activities. She described this stage as resembling semi-retirement; full retirement was still a future possibility.

u/enfier’s first report from retirement was upbeat and unexpectedly busy. Two years later, a second child and endless household tasks had changed the equation. Returning to paid work promised interesting problems, adult company and money to outsource chores. He saw a redesign, rather than a failed escape.

Retired since 2017, he pursued automotive interests and flexible travel with his wife, including visits to several national parks. Looking back, he wished he had given life outside work more attention before retirement.

u/jasonlong1212’s retirement did not mean abandoning effort. Running, shared time with his wife and growing philanthropy replaced the demands of retail pharmacy. The pandemic narrowed the first of these reviewed years; the next brought racing and overseas travel back into a life already satisfying at home.

The retired couple extended their RV travels during the pandemic; he read and played guitar while they considered overseas destinations. He described their travel-focused life enthusiastically, despite needing to revise the timing of the next move.

This couple left California careers for a nomadic life close to their European roots. An initial concern about empty days quickly faded. Family visits, mountains, museums and new subjects filled the space, while independent projects kept her husband engaged.

Recently retired; exact departure date not established · at interview

A recently retired physician spent time cycling, golfing and hiking. Pandemic restrictions limited travel and volunteering, while the couple negotiated different appetites for trips. He did not miss work but was still learning how to fill the colder months.