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Explore turning points, everyday joys and unexpected challenges after financial independence or retirement, with the date and original source for each account.

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151–160 of 177 posts

Writing helps give an involuntary retirement shape

Aug 2018Interview snapshot · published 2018

Life at the time

  • After leaving accounting because of disability, The Retirement Spot author read, wrote, sang karaoke and visited grandchildren while his wife continued working.

How it felt

  • He found the balance uneven and started blogging in part to keep himself occupied. “That is one reason I started my blog.”

A part-time library and a new circle of colleagues

Jun 2018

Life at the time

  • Read long books he had put off while working.
  • Wrote a personal blog and an annual A–Z gratitude post.

How it felt

  • Regarded other bloggers as a new circle of colleagues. “my new colleagues”
  • Felt grateful for their writing, perspectives, and inspiration. “I am very grateful”

Freedom to contribute still leaves a purpose question

Apr 2018Interview snapshot · published 2018

Life at the time

  • The retired couple traveled with their children and supported churches, while spending substantial time together as a family.

How it felt

  • He struggled with the absence of fixed schedules and with choosing something worthwhile to pursue. “figuring out exactly what that is has been difficult”

Freedom did not transform him overnight. Parenting made it real.

Apr 2018 · Year 1

Life at the time

  • Spent his first retirement year finding new uses for the available time.
  • Made progress in running and strength training.

How it felt

  • Did not feel transformed simply because his job had ended. “I felt the exact same.”
  • Was still working out the shape of the next stage. “I’m still finding my way”

Freedom felt oddly disorienting. Local commitments helped give it substance.

Apr 2018 · Year 1

Life at the time

  • Made more room for health, hobbies and unhurried days.
  • Began organizing time without the structure of the old job.

How it felt

  • Felt free but also somewhat lost in the first year. “free, but a little lost as well!”
  • Still wanted productive activity, even without the same need to earn a wage. “I still like to be productive.”

The deadlines disappeared quickly. The professional identity took longer.

Apr 2018Recalled in 2023

Life at the time

  • Reading, television and daytime walks replaced deadline-driven work.
  • Retirement allowed time with a gravely ill father.

How it felt

  • Freedom felt blissful, even oddly illicit on weekdays. “was bliss”
  • Work-related dreams lingered after the job ended. “being naughty”

He already had enough. It took a second job to recognize the choice.

2018Recalled in 2020

Life at the time

  • He reduced contracting hours before leaving paid employment.
  • Chosen projects mixed compensated work and volunteering.

How it felt

  • Helping others felt more rewarding than the contractor role. “thoroughly enjoying the new projects”
  • Recognizing financial independence widened his options. “freedom to choose”

Their work ended together. Faith, golf and service kept the week full.

2018Recalled in 2023

Life at the time

  • They retired on the same day and rearranged their commitments.
  • Golf, vacations and selected ministry work replaced employment.

How it felt

  • A flexible routine came together quickly. “ample time for spontaneity”
  • They felt little emotional disruption from leaving. “No, not at all”

A second career keeps scientific skills in use

Dec 2017Interview snapshot · published 2017

Life at the time

  • 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.

How it felt

  • He found the challenge rewarding and kept consulting for enjoyment, despite already exceeding his financial target. “I could give up my work”

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