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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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21–30 of 79 posts

The money raced ahead. He still felt lost.

Jul 2024

Life at the time

  • Took a break and traveled after being let go.
  • Considered continued job hunting or moving somewhere cheaper after receiving lower-paid offers.

How it felt

  • Felt lost as the planned route to a $3 million target became uncertain. “I feel lost”
  • Had spent a decade working and saving without a settled picture of what came next. “a decade long marathon of working and saving.”

Being home is different from being present

Jul 2024Interview snapshot · published 2024-10

Life at the time

  • Newly retired, he spent time managing family finances and prioritized time with his children rather than immediately adopting every planned hobby.

How it felt

  • Leaving work exposed how often his attention had remained at the office even while physically at home. “It is a massive adjustment to step away”

She quit her career. Years later, she quit performing retirement.

Jun 2024

Life at the time

  • Stopped regular blogging and social-media engagement.
  • Completed ten German courses and spent more time on art, gardening and study.

How it felt

  • No longer felt the same need to remain publicly available or relevant. “I barely respond to email.”
  • Felt closer to the life she had wanted, while missing some friends’ updates. “I think I’ve actually, finally achieved that ‘next life’ I was seeking.”

The urge to build another career gave way to family life

Apr 2024

Life at the time

  • Uses blocks of personal project time around the children’s routine.
  • Runs, swims, cooks and helps with household tasks.

How it felt

  • The urge to make money from new interests is finally easing. “not feel the monetary tug”
  • Feels grateful for family time and a stronger relationship with his spouse. “never been better”

Ordinary days became enough

Mar 2024 · Year 0.5

Life at the time

  • Lifted weights at home and cycled regularly.
  • Tried two or three new recipes weekly.

How it felt

  • Enjoyed lower stress and freedom from Sunday dread. “No more Sunday blues.”
  • Felt guilt about productivity and worried about unrealized creative interests. “a twinge of guilt”

Travel and hiking after two accounting careers

Feb 2024Interview snapshot · published 2024-06

Life at the time

  • The retired accountants made travel and hiking their main activities, with family and friends central to their plans.

How it felt

  • He had enjoyed the final stretch of his career enough to postpone an earlier possible retirement. “I enjoyed working”

A stay-at-home father finds a public voice

Jan 2024

Life at the time

  • Combined parenting with writing, podcasting, and financial coaching.
  • Expanded into public speaking and a book after starting the blog.

How it felt

  • Felt motivated to help others through what he had learned. “how can I serve other people”
  • Still questioned whether resources were sufficient as expenses rose. “do I have enough now”

The portfolio soared. Feeling free took much longer.

Jan 2024 · Year 3

Life at the time

  • Spent more deliberately on experiences and people close to him.
  • Adjusted to a working partner’s schedule and changing workplace friendships.

How it felt

  • Felt uneasy as returning to a prestigious career seemed less plausible. “a door closing on ambition and prestige”
  • Also reported better health and greater happiness than while working. “I'm a happier, healthier person, with less anxiety.”

The executive title is easier to lose than expected

Dec 2023Interview snapshot · published 2024-05

Life at the time

  • Following an earlier-than-expected corporate exit, he tried more biking, hiking, golf, pickleball and gym time.

How it felt

  • He was surprised by how little he missed the prestige of his former role and appreciated life without that title. “I am surprised how little I miss it”

Community service continues after corporate work

Aug 2023Interview snapshot · published 2024-01

Life at the time

  • After retiring from corporate sales at 61, he continued serving on the local town council for a modest payment.

How it felt

  • He valued community involvement and wished he had adjusted his work-centered habits earlier. “get involved in their local community on some level”

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