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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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311–320 of 542 posts

He had built an organization. Leaving gave him time to look after himself.

Sep 2021 · Year 1

“Mostly it feels like a huge relief to not have such stress.”

ESI Retiree 32Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Walking, golf and cooking occupied much of his week.
  • He deliberately arranged family calls and activities with friends.

How it felt

  • Mentoring remained satisfying at a smaller scale. “very satisfying”
  • He guarded a relaxed calendar and looked forward to his wife joining him. “a huge relief”
RecoveryPurposeFriends
ESI Retiree 32
Read original postesimoney.com

A health crisis changed the timetable for life on the road

Sep 2021Recalled in 2022

“We set off this journey with almost no plans at all”

Jed & KellyRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Quit full-time jobs, rented out the house and took their renovated caravan on the road.
  • Started tracking household and travel income and expenses.

How it felt

  • Found shedding possessions liberating. “almost no plans at all”
  • Set off with very few plans after deciding time together mattered more. “how good it felt”
TravelChangeFreedom
Jed & Kelly
Read original postmoneyflamingo.com

The adventures changed as his body did. He kept finding another project.

Aug 2021 · Year 10

“I treasure the extra 10+ years of freedom I’ve enjoyed.”

Darrow KirkpatrickRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Stepped back from regular blogging to protect time for sleep, exercise and the outdoors.
  • Used forearm crutches to extend hikes and work toward the Colorado Trail.

How it felt

  • Recognized changes in his strength and the need to adapt. “I’m not as strong, though I’m also wiser about living.”
  • Still treasured the extra decade of freedom retirement had provided. “I treasure the extra 10+ years of freedom”
BoundariesOutdoorsChange
Darrow Kirkpatrick
Read original postcaniretireyet.com

Leaving the military leads straight into family care

Aug 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021-08

“I need to join a caregiver support group soon.”

ESI Millionaire 277Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • After a long military career, he became a full-time caregiver for a parent, with daily life centered on those responsibilities.

How it felt

  • He recognized a need for better balance and support, and had not settled a longer-term retirement plan. “I need to join a caregiver support group soon.”
FamilyPurposeChange
ESI Millionaire 277
Read original postesimoney.com

A job elimination becomes a welcome retirement

Aug 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021-08

“I am happy to say I am retired.”

ESI Millionaire 278Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Following an involuntary job exit, she remained out of employment and planned travel with her partner.

How it felt

  • She was happy to call herself retired and valued having control of her time. “I am happy to say I am retired.”
ChangeFreedomContentment
ESI Millionaire 278
Read original postesimoney.com

A less demanding job changes the feeling of Monday

Aug 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021-09

“I no longer dread the oncoming Monday mornings but maybe I am still in the honeymoon phase of this new job.”

ESI Millionaire 279Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • After negotiating an exit from a stressful technology-management role, he took a less demanding job that he regarded as semi-retirement.

How it felt

  • He reported improved sleep and less dread, while acknowledging that the new role was still in its early months. “my stress is very reasonable”
RecoveryWorkChange
ESI Millionaire 279
Read original postesimoney.com

A market shock tested confidence; beach life made the trade worthwhile

Aug 2021Recalled in 2021

“the freedom and control I have over my time is unbelievable.”

Stop Ironing ShirtsRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Life near the beach included longer winter Hawaii trips.
  • Optional consulting supplied intellectual stimulation.

How it felt

  • Monthly withdrawals had finally begun to feel comfortable. “Life is amazing”
  • He valued freedom while sometimes envying former peers’ promotions. “moments of FOMO”
MoneyFreedomIdentity
Stop Ironing Shirts
Read original postesimoney.com

The travel plan collapsed. A different home and a broader routine followed.

Jul 2021

“instead, we stayed home like everyone else.”

Leif DahleenRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • The pandemic interrupted extended family travel in Mexico and Spain.
  • Bought a larger home after spending much more time in the previous setup.

How it felt

  • Found that a small house and cabin worked less well when the family stayed home full time. “not such a great setup”
  • Had to revise a life that had been organized around being away. “instead, we stayed home like everyone else.”
ChangeHome
Leif Dahleen
Read original postmorningstar.com

The world tour ended. Teaching gave the quieter life another dimension.

Jul 2021 · Year 3

“So, I’m doing this mostly for fun.”

Karsten / Big ERNRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Settled into a suburban home base with outdoor activities and time with his daughter.
  • Took on teaching and a limited remote economist role.

How it felt

  • Enjoyed a more relaxed routine after the earlier travel-heavy years. “It’s just a more relaxed life.”
  • Chose professional activity partly for interest and enjoyment. “I’m doing this mostly for fun.”
HomePurposeOutdoors
Karsten / Big ERN
Read original postearlyretirementnow.com

Leaving at thirty-four brought room to explore—and discomfort with withdrawals

Jul 2021Recalled in 2021

“I enjoy the quiet it seems to give my mind.”

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

Life at the time

  • Running became a new hobby.
  • He used summer for family time and exploration.

How it felt

  • Running quieted his mind. “quiet”
  • Withdrawing money felt harder than expected. “harder than I expected”
IdentityMoneyParenthood
ESI Millionaire 53
Read original postesimoney.com

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