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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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41–50 of 88 posts

Six quiet months came first. Then a long trail—and a grandchild—changed the pace.

Aug 2022 · Year 2

“Of course time with our family has been priceless.”

ESI Retiree 42Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • After completing the trail, they moved near their grandchild.
  • Language study, coding, exercise and family visits structured his days.

How it felt

  • He enjoyed learning and greater control of his time. “time with our family has been priceless”
  • He wanted roots before investing in new local friendships. “my job was not me”
RecoveryFamilyHome
ESI Retiree 42
Read original postesimoney.com

A trial in Mexico grew into a home and a different health routine

May 2022

“So, yes, we are pretty much alone in this line of thinking.”

Jim & Kathy McLeodRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • They used local clinicians and handled routine costs themselves.
  • Learned Spanish and helpful residents eased administrative problems.

How it felt

  • They were satisfied with care and its timeliness. “as good as, or better”
  • They felt unusual among peers who preferred seasonal stays. “pretty much alone”
HomeChangeEnough
Jim & Kathy McLeod
Read original postfindependencehub.com

Retirement began with relief. Belonging took more effort.

Apr 2022 · Year 2

“Last, and actually least, money still doesn't matter very much day to day.”

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

Life at the time

  • Read, skied and hosted family celebrations during the second year.
  • Started volunteering at the library after pandemic restrictions delayed local involvement.

How it felt

  • Saw volunteering as a first step, with the next stage still open. “I'm not sure what's next, but this is a good start.”
  • Financial planning remained in the background of an increasingly comfortable routine. “money still doesn't matter very much day to day.”
PurposeCuriosityHome
u/a_marie_z
Read original postreddit.com

Two homes and new learning followed an unwanted departure

Apr 2022

“Fortunately, we have excellent retiree medical benefits but the emotional toll that a potentially life-altering event will take is something we think about.”

ESI Millionaire 313Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • They divided time between Northeast and Southeast homes.
  • They continued spending on travel comforts.

How it felt

  • Retirement felt welcome after a difficult career ending. “it’s wonderful!”
  • Health changes remained an emotional concern. “emotional toll”
HomeCuriosityFreedom
ESI Millionaire 313
Read original postesimoney.com

Freedom once meant the road. Later, it included a growing family.

Apr 2022Recalled in 2026

“more space than I knew what to do with”

Pablo · The FIRE ExitRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • He stopped trading and moved to Lisbon.
  • He rented an apartment with abundant space.

How it felt

  • Trading no longer felt challenging. “stopped being a challenge”
  • He wanted time for life beyond screens. “more space than I knew what to do with”
FreedomHome
Pablo · The FI/RE Exit
Read original postmonevator.com

Travel with friends gave way to a smaller home and local ties

Nov 2021

“I don’t miss the stress or environment though.”

PoF Post-FI 7Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • She moved from a large suburban house into a condo.
  • Community events and visiting her mother occupied her time.

How it felt

  • She was excited to help coordinate a music festival. “totally excited”
  • She missed career problem-solving but welcomed freedom from its stress. “glad that I have moved on”
HomeFriendsPurpose
PoF Post-FI 7
Read original postphysicianonfire.com

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

Sep 2021

“The afternoon is a free-for-all.”

Steve AdcockRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Settled into an 800-square-foot desert home, with dog walks and morning writing.
  • Put computers away at 4 p.m. to protect shared time.

How it felt

  • Had come to appreciate the quiet and solitude. “We’ve come to appreciate the solitude.”
  • Liked leaving afternoons open instead of filling the whole day with commitments. “The afternoon is a free-for-all.”
HomeRoutineBoundaries
Steve Adcock
Read original postthinksaveretire.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

An involuntary exit opened an active life; a grandchild changed the map

Jun 2021Recalled in 2021

“Having a granddaughter changed everything”

ESI Millionaire 50Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • He moved to Idaho and flew backcountry routes.
  • Walking and family visits joined a busy project list.

How it felt

  • He valued improved quality of life. “Almost everything is better”
  • Becoming a grandfather reshaped earlier plans. “Having a granddaughter changed everything”
OutdoorsFamilyHome
ESI Millionaire 50
Read original postesimoney.com

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