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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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461–470 of 541 posts

Travel together, with another career still possible

May 2018Interview snapshot · published 2018

Life at the time

  • The retired couple traveled and exercised regularly, while remaining interested in trying a different line of work.

How it felt

  • He valued close family involvement and wanted to enjoy experiences while they were healthy. “I’m not a fan of being away from the family at all”

The open road gave way to a quiet home—and firmer boundaries.

May 2018

Life at the time

  • Lived in a small trailer, arranging access to gyms, connections and practical amenities.
  • Maintained separate spaces and activities as a couple. “We maintain our own separate spaces even in 200 sqft”

How it felt

  • Valued autonomy alongside time together.
  • Presented the arrangement as what worked for them, rather than a universal formula. “I only know what works for us.”

He could choose his projects. Their shared adventures were still on hold.

May 2018Recalled in 2019

Life at the time

  • Familiarity with working at home eased the transition.
  • He sought small projects without requiring payment.

How it felt

  • Ending the search for another job felt freeing. “I was actually done”
  • Earlier gaps between jobs had made solitude familiar. “The really freeing thing”

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”

A wish for roots does not mean a wish for office hours

Apr 2018

Life at the time

  • She traveled without a permanent lease or household bills.
  • She increasingly wanted her own bed and familiar belongings.

How it felt

  • Finances felt secure, but travel had become tiring. “I’ve grown weary of the road”
  • She felt isolated and wondered whether roots and relationships mattered more than mobility. “the more isolated I feel”

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”

Slow breakfasts replace the rush to work

Apr 2018Interview snapshot · published 2018

Life at the time

  • After both retired in 2017, the couple spent more time exercising, sharing breakfast, meeting neighbors and renovating their home.

How it felt

  • They welcomed the slower pace, while finding the loss of routine disorienting. “the lack of structure and routine is a little disorienting”

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”

A little teaching leaves room for a much larger life

Mar 2018Interview snapshot · published 2018

Life at the time

  • After leaving his main career, he kept a small online teaching commitment and took up hiking, writing, travel and visits with grandchildren.

How it felt

  • He described the balance as outstanding, with only a short daily period of paid work. “freedom and independence”

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