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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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201–210 of 541 posts

A sudden exit leaves the retirement label unsettled

Aug 2023Interview snapshot · published 2024-01

“Fortunately, I was positioned financially to make this decision, though it was still awfully hard.”

ESI Millionaire 379Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Financial security enabled him to leave public administration under political pressure and return to neglected interests.

How it felt

  • The abrupt transition was difficult despite gratitude for new freedom and a supportive spouse; future employment remained undecided. “I may return to work, or I may not.”
IdentityChangeFreedom
ESI Millionaire 379
Read original postesimoney.com

He escaped the corporate role, then found another reason to use his skills.

Jul 2023

“I see it as, work optional.”

Barney / The Escape ArtistRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Took time to decompress after leaving corporate work.
  • Later spent time writing and coaching, with paid activity still in the picture.

How it felt

  • Did not see the resulting life simply as retirement. “I actually don’t see it as being retired.”
  • Valued being able to choose work rather than needing to avoid it altogether. “I see it as, work optional.”
PurposeRecovery
Barney / The Escape Artist
Read original postcaptainfi.com

Family freedom stayed precious as the work itch returned

Jul 2023

“It may be hard to articulate, but I do miss the professional identity and the responsibility of being someone people can rely on.”

u/vpokedadRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Has cruised in Alaska and moved closer to his spouse’s relatives.
  • Avoids crowded weekend errands and uses flexible travel timing to find better value.

How it felt

  • Cherishes family memories but misses professional identity and challenge. “I do miss the professional identity”
  • Feels grateful for the trial while considering returning to work. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to sample retirement”
FamilyIdentity
u/vpokedad
Read original postreddit.com

A small contract bridge gave way to a lighter nomadic life

Jul 2023Recalled in 2023

“Total complete freedom to do whatever I want is pretty darn awesome!”

ESI Millionaire 187Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • The contract finished in March.
  • He spent four months traveling through Asia.

How it felt

  • Complete control of his days felt rewarding. “pretty darn awesome”
  • Having no main earned income felt unusual. “feels odd”
TravelSimplicityWork
ESI Millionaire 187
Read original postesimoney.com

Retirement and divorce arrived together. A different life still took shape.

Jul 2023 · Year 3

“I absolutely love retirement life!”

ESI Retiree 53Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Cycling, woodworking, gardening and scuba learning filled his days.
  • Old friendships changed and new people entered his circle.

How it felt

  • He was pleased with how retirement was developing. “absolutely love retirement life”
  • He valued the flexibility to change a day’s plans. “always open to change”
ChangeIdentityCuriosity
ESI Retiree 53
Read original postesimoney.com

Travel brought joy. Being available for a sick friend made the freedom matter differently.

Jun 2023 · Year 0.92

“I actually stopped telling strangers I’m retired because I don’t want to hear it.”

ESI Retiree 52Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Friends, travel and new activities kept evenings busy.
  • They took on practical support for a seriously ill friend.

How it felt

  • Being present in that final stage felt especially precious. “immense quality time”
  • Unsolicited judgments about early retirement became tiresome. “I don’t want to hear it”
RecoveryFriendsPurpose
ESI Retiree 52
Read original postesimoney.com

Slow travel felt right. A return to paid writing helped her value freedom again.

May 2023 · Year 4.75

“Choosing freedom over money, my time back as my own.”

Michelle · Fire and WideRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • In 2022 she tried a contract writing investment articles.
  • Revisions and performance expectations made the computer feel like work again.

How it felt

  • She was glad to reclaim control of her time. “Choosing freedom over money”
  • The experiment clarified that paid writing did not fit her interests well enough. “I’m just not that into it”
TravelFreedomWork
Michelle · Fire and Wide
Read original postfireandwide.com

Family freedom stayed precious as the work itch returned

May 2023

“I was worried I'd be bored, but I'm not.”

u/vpokedadRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Learns sports with a coach, gardens and tackles home improvements.
  • Collects his child from school, plays nightly chess and makes afternoon coffee for his spouse.

How it felt

  • Boredom fears have not materialized after four to five weeks. “I was worried I'd be bored, but I'm not”
  • Feels more patient and finds everyday pleasures brighter. “my patience has improved”
FamilyIdentity
u/vpokedad
Read original postreddit.com

She loved being retired. She still needed a reason to use her brain.

May 2023 · Year 1

“After a year of fun and relaxation, I’m starting to feel an itch to challenge my brain again.”

u/jellybean83087Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Sold her house, traveled across the country and spent eight months in Seattle.
  • Learned winter sports and built healthier routines.

How it felt

  • Felt happier and less stressed, but missed regular company and challenging problems. “I'm starting to feel an itch to challenge my brain again.”
  • Enjoyed everyday freedoms such as waking without an alarm. “sleeping without setting an alarm”
RecoveryFriendsPurpose
u/jellybean83087
Read original postreddit.com

He caught up on sleep. Decades later, he was still learning to leave blank days.

May 2023 · Year 21

“We love the slower pace, and we try to avoid obligating too much of our time.”

Doug NordmanRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Surfing, writing, repairs and slow travel filled a flexible life.
  • Grandparenting was changing the couple’s priorities again.

How it felt

  • He valued having time and attention for surprises. “We love the slower pace”
  • Overcommitting could still turn chosen activities into exhausting days. “leave blank days on the calendar”
Slowing downFamilyBoundaries
Doug Nordman
Read original postesimoney.com

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