afterFI/RE Life after FI/RE
People
Single interview snapshot 2026

She retired twice, with a different plan the second time

Her first retirement brought purpose and money fears into view. Returning to work improved her finances, and a later break helped her decide what a second retirement needed to feel sustainable.

Finances
retirement_savings2017 · Personal
$500,000

Author-reported savings at first retirement; the article does not establish total net worth.

Source
roth_ira_balance2026 · Personal
$88,000

Approximate balance accumulated after returning to work, as reported in the interview.

Source
Posts1
2026
Post 01October 7, 2026 interview

Retiring twice

“I say I get to go to work”

Misty MillerRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Ballroom dancing and weekly jazz shows brought activity and new friendships.
  • Family visits and writing a children's book became part of the next stage.

How it felt

  • The first retirement felt financially unsafe and short on purpose. “I decided not to go back.”
  • The second retirement followed a trial break and a more detailed spending plan. “I feel so much happier.”
WorkMoneyRoutinePurpose
Misty Miller (opens in a new tab)
Notes

Publication day. The as-told-to essay retrospectively covers the author's 2017 retirement, 2019 return to work and second retirement in 2026.

Decision after the April leave test

I determined that I have much more money than I need right now

Account of returning to work

Headline and opening retirement account

Opening retirement account

Headline and publisher introduction

Editorial summaries with short, attributed quotations. The original contains the full story.

Research

Last checked Oct 2026. The accounts are self-reported. This is one interview snapshot. It does not establish a follow-up history or present circumstances.

  • One retrospective snapshot; exact second-retirement date, full spending and current portfolio value were not established.

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