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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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51–60 of 91 posts

She escaped the office. Then burned out planning the next trip.

Oct 2021 · Year 1

Life at the time

  • Explored nearby nature and spent time with family after the pandemic canceled international travel.
  • Took almost a year to start sleeping well and waking rested.

How it felt

  • Enjoyed the open time without missing the job or feeling bored. “I haven’t had one SECOND of thinking ‘I’m bored.’”
  • Felt calmer and more curious as energy returned. “I have my curiosity and love of life back.”

Outdoor freedom brings a winter hobby question

Oct 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021

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.”

RV life lasts longer than the original itinerary

Oct 2021Interview snapshot · published 2022-03

Life at the time

  • The retired couple extended their RV travels during the pandemic; he read and played guitar while they considered overseas destinations.

How it felt

  • He described their travel-focused life enthusiastically, despite needing to revise the timing of the next move. “The RVing part of this plan was extended for another 9 months due to COVID.”

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.”

Birdwatching and pickleball while travel waits

Sep 2021Interview snapshot · published 2022-02

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.”

A health crisis changed the timetable for life on the road

Sep 2021Recalled in 2022

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”

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

Aug 2021 · Year 10

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”

Leaving the military leads straight into family care

Aug 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021-08

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.”

A job elimination becomes a welcome retirement

Aug 2021Interview snapshot · published 2021-08

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.”

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”

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