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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 65 posts

They could afford freedom. Agreeing on what it meant was harder.

Dec 2018 · Year 1

“A year after leaving my job, I still feel too busy.”

Chris MamulaRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Left his job and moved across the country, rebuilding routines and relationships.
  • Said yes to social opportunities, sometimes at the expense of time as a couple.

How it felt

  • Still felt too busy a year after leaving work. “A year after leaving my job, I still feel too busy.”
  • He and his wife had different needs for freedom and security, with no settled shared routine yet. “We’re not there yet.”
PartnersRoutineHome
Chris Mamula
Read original postcaniretireyet.com

She quit her career. Years later, she quit performing retirement.

Dec 2018 · Year 1

“I’m a person who’s passionate about too many things and loves throwing myself into projects… and therefore my early retirement looks jam-packed with stuff.”

Tanja Hester · Our Next LifeRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Adjusted to daily life with Mark after both left work.
  • Balanced creative projects and social commitments with time together.

How it felt

  • Found that spontaneous days meant different things to each partner. “More time together doesn’t make for instant harmony.”
  • Realized that extra time still did not make every appealing activity possible. “You still can’t do everything.”
PartnersRoutineChange
Tanja Hester · Our Next Life
Read original postournextlife.com

Writing helps give an involuntary retirement shape

Aug 2018Interview snapshot · published 2018

“Well since I don’t work, the balance is a bit off-kilter.”

The Retirement SpotRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • After leaving accounting because of disability, The Retirement Spot author read, wrote, sang karaoke and visited grandchildren while his wife continued working.

How it felt

  • He found the balance uneven and started blogging in part to keep himself occupied. “That is one reason I started my blog.”
CreativityIdentityPartners
The Retirement Spot
Read original postesimoney.com

Leaving engineering made room for parenting. Blogging kept a working rhythm in his days.

Jul 2018 · Year 6

“Blogging keeps me busy so I don’t feel bored.”

Joe Udo · Retire by 40Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Blogging still took twenty to thirty hours a week.
  • Family travel could move at a slower pace than former vacations.

How it felt

  • The site provided engagement and helped prevent boredom. “Blogging keeps me busy”
  • He expected retirement to change as his son became more independent. “Life changes. Retirement will too.”
ParenthoodWorkPartners
Joe Udo · Retire by 40
Read original postphysicianonfire.com

Consulting and outdoor hobbies after the executive job

May 2018 · Year 3Interview snapshot · published 2018

“fun side gigs, active outdoor hobbies, travel, family and a lot of volunteer work.”

ESI Millionaire 64Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • After retiring from a chemical-company career, he combined technical consulting with shared activities including tennis, hiking, running, skiing and fishing.

How it felt

  • He described the side gigs as enjoyable and valued an active life with his wife. “We had and still have many shared active hobbies”
WorkOutdoorsPartners
ESI Millionaire 64
Read original postesimoney.com

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

May 2018

“I only know what works for us.”

Steve AdcockRead original post (opens in a new tab)

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.”
PartnersTravel
Steve Adcock
Read original postthinksaveretire.com

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

May 2018Recalled in 2019

“I was actually done”

ESI Retiree 5Read original post (opens in a new tab)

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”
PartnersCreativityFreedom
ESI Retiree 5
Read original postesimoney.com

Teaching stayed; the career’s daily stress did not

Oct 2017

“I sure love my Januarys”

Terri Webster SchrandtRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Taught university classes, prepared material at home and wrote books and blog posts.
  • Exercised daily and fitted water-sport weekends around her husband’s work.

How it felt

  • Loved the January and summer breaks. “I sure love my Januarys”
  • Felt teaching remained a sustainable passion, despite being only partly retired. “a passion I can sustain”
PurposeCreativityPartners
Terri Webster Schrandt
Read original postretirementreflections.com

He became the homemaker. When she retired, they had to divide life again.

2017Recalled in 2022

“The second time I retired the first few months were easier.”

ESI Retiree 36Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • He tried another short-lived job after leaving his main career.
  • Cooking, household care and exercise later gave him a workable schedule.

How it felt

  • At first, an open calendar raised questions about identity. “who am I”
  • The second departure felt easier with routines already in place. “the first few months were easier”
PartnersIdentityPurpose
ESI Retiree 36
Read original postesimoney.com

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