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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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31–40 of 62 posts

He left pharmacy. The ambition went into running and giving.

Jun 2022 · Year 5

“I got back into racing after swearing it off.”

u/jasonlong1212Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Returned to racing after previously giving it up.
  • Completed a four-week overseas trip and increased philanthropy.

How it felt

  • Was willing to revisit an interest he had thought he was finished with. “I got back into racing after swearing it off.”
  • Giving had become a larger part of his retirement. “Philanthropy has gone way up.”
OutdoorsTravelFulfillment
u/jasonlong1212
Read original postreddit.com

National parks after the automotive career

Apr 2022Interview snapshot · published 2022-08

“It was only after I retired I realized how much more focus on life I should have paid attention to instead of worked a little harder.”

ESI Millionaire 319Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Retired since 2017, he pursued automotive interests and flexible travel with his wife, including visits to several national parks.

How it felt

  • Looking back, he wished he had given life outside work more attention before retirement. “how much more focus on life I should have paid attention to”
TravelOutdoorsChange
ESI Millionaire 319
Read original postesimoney.com

He spends little. His retirement is anything but simple.

2022 · Year 12

“Most of the stuff I enjoy is free or nearly free.”

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

Life at the time

  • Hiked, played games and paid veterinary bills after rescuing a cat.
  • Kept an animal sanctuary as a future ambition, not an operating project.

How it felt

  • Enjoyed inexpensive pastimes despite having substantial resources. “Most of the stuff I enjoy is free or nearly free.”
  • Saw continued low spending as a matter of temperament, not deprivation. “I'm also just frugal by nature.”
SimplicityPurposeOutdoors
u/AccidentalFI/RE
Read original postreddit.com

He traded corporate pressure for practical help, family meals and long rides.

2022Recalled in 2025

“I have found new ways to be busy and have fun”

ESI Retiree 55Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • In 2022 he built a workout room and began road cycling.
  • He helped an elderly aunt recover and built a porch for his sister.

How it felt

  • He found new ways to stay busy and enjoy himself. “new ways to be busy”
  • Friends’ difficult life changes were sobering. “has been sobering”
FamilyPurposeOutdoors
ESI Retiree 55
Read original postesimoney.com

He left the job. His own projects took over the calendar.

2022 · Year 2

“I still love the freedom to climb, hike, snowshoe, bike, or whatever activity I want on my own schedule and when the conditions are ideal.”

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

Life at the time

  • Spent substantial time on home projects and an income-producing app.
  • Climbed, hiked, cycled and exercised outdoors.

How it felt

  • Found that making friends after a move required deliberately leaving the house. “I need to push myself to go out”
  • Continued to value the freedom to pursue outdoor activities. “I still love the freedom to climb, hike, snowshoe, bike”
OutdoorsCreativityFriends
u/FireBoundSoon
Read original postreddit.com

Redundancy gave way to a life she enjoyed more than expected

Nov 2021

“I’m happy with where I’m at now.”

Deb / Deb’s WorldRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Rode her e-bike and volunteered as a support rider for community trike outings.
  • Joined two book clubs, kept blogging and helped with grandchildren when possible.

How it felt

  • Felt happy with her present life and rarely bored. “I’m happy with where I’m at now.”
  • Still recognized the painful feeling of not being enough that redundancy had triggered. “that awful time”
ChangeFriendsOutdoors
Deb / Deb’s World
Read original postdebs-world.com

Outdoor freedom brings a winter hobby question

Oct 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021

“I never miss work!”

Post-FI Interviewee 002Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • A recently retired physician spent time cycling, golfing and hiking. Pandemic restrictions limited travel and volunteering, while the couple negotiated different appetites for trips.

How it felt

  • He did not miss work but was still learning how to fill the colder months. “I need a hobby for the indoors.”
OutdoorsChangeTravel
Post-FI Interviewee 002
Read original postphysicianonfire.com

Birdwatching and pickleball while travel waits

Sep 2021Interview snapshot · published 2022-02

“We have also taken up birdwatching and pickleball.”

ESI Millionaire 295Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • After retiring in June 2021, he and his wife took up birdwatching and pickleball while pandemic conditions constrained travel.

How it felt

  • He remained eager for travel and volunteering, but acknowledged that their activities were still restricted. “we are still limited in our activities.”
ChangeCuriosityOutdoors
ESI Millionaire 295
Read original postesimoney.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

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