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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.

Age
Wealth
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41–50 of 84 posts

Consulting becomes something to select

Sep 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021-10

Life at the time

  • In early retirement, he accepted selected consulting opportunities and considered spending part of the year in Europe.

How it felt

  • He described good work-life balance and enjoyment of retirement; the European move remained conditional on affordability. “am enjoying early retirement.”

A less demanding job changes the feeling of Monday

Aug 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021-09

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”

A small contract bridge gave way to a lighter nomadic life

Jun 2021Recalled in 2023

Life at the time

  • He left full-time employment but retained a small contract.
  • Relocation from Singapore required packing and downsizing.

How it felt

  • Separation from family during COVID helped end his hesitation. “one more year syndrome”
  • He discovered he needed fewer possessions. “how little”

School hours fit one partner better than the other

Jun 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021-07

Life at the time

  • Semi-retired teaching let him share the children's school commute and holidays; his wife's medical job still demanded long hours.

How it felt

  • He enjoyed his schedule while describing their very different workloads and her wish to reduce work later. “I carpool with my kids to school every day”

He learned to stop being busy. Then life overturned the plan.

Mar 2021

Life at the time

  • A relationship ended and a health condition disrupted running and familiar routines.
  • Returned to paid work and began a new relationship.

How it felt

  • Found that the original retirement plan no longer matched his circumstances. “My life decided it didn’t want to conform to the plan.”
  • Reported being happy again in a life that had changed shape. “I’m generally happy now.”

Financial independence does not immediately loosen the paycheck habit

Mar 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021-06

Life at the time

  • After leaving a corporate software role and trying financial advice, he moved into a less lucrative public-sector software job.

How it felt

  • Even without needing the income, he found himself unready to abandon regular earnings and preferred the new work's sense of fulfillment. “it seems more fulfilling thus far.”

Swimming, service and a gradual exit from client work

Feb 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021-03

Life at the time

  • He swam, played tennis and drove older neighbors to appointments, while still accepting occasional court-reporting assignments after his 2019 retirement.

How it felt

  • He felt ready to leave full-time work; pandemic restrictions disrupted social life, and spending savings remained uncomfortable. “I am slowly drifting into obscurity as far as work.”

A modest side hustle supplies a reason for the day

Jan 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021-05

Life at the time

  • In semi-retirement, he kept a side hustle that provided some income and a daily purpose, while enjoying a simple life with his wife.

How it felt

  • He described an excellent balance and happiness in their time together. “enjoying simple things”

FI/RE becomes parenthood and a small software business

2021Recalled in 2026

Life at the time

  • He and his wife spent long nights gaming in Seattle.
  • Occasional attempts at independent development produced little.

How it felt

  • Leisure felt relaxing but directionless. “chill, but also aimless”
  • He wondered whether life had been more fulfilling before FI/RE. “happier and more fulfilling”

He kept the running group and shed most of the workweek.

Nov 2020 · Year 5

Life at the time

  • Running, tennis, fishing and shared meals shaped time with his wife.
  • Consulting and board service preserved professional and community connections.

How it felt

  • He felt content with the balance. “I’m content.”
  • Consulting was becoming less interesting, raising the question of another challenge. “a little boring now”

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