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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 94 posts

His focus shifted from the portfolio to people, learning and longer trips.

2022

Life at the time

  • Structured mornings and open afternoons balanced exercise and volunteering.
  • Health-club friendships and weekly dates supported life together.

How it felt

  • He enjoyed choosing his activities. “freedom to choose”
  • A crowded calendar left less time for reading than he wanted. “too much on my plate”

Leaving protected their health. Feeling safe took longer.

2022

Life at the time

  • Left work because of health before reaching the preferred financial cushion.
  • Slow-traveled, cooked and walked, with family offering a place to stay during visits.

How it felt

  • Was cautious about treating a few good months as proof of permanent security. “I don't want to act like I have it all sorted out yet.”
  • Still felt fortunate about the early experience. “so far my "retirement" seems very blessed.”

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.”

Part-time travel helped a physician find his place at home

Sep 2021

Life at the time

  • In Mexico, he taught and graded his teenagers’ classes.
  • Regular meetups with local and expat families built connections.

How it felt

  • He no longer missed work. “don’t miss work at all”
  • He preferred retirement after finding a place in family life. “prefer retired life”

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 worry about boredom gave way to crowded days of discovery

Jul 2021Recalled in 2021

Life at the time

  • Both quit their jobs and began a nomadic life.
  • They returned to their home countries in Europe.

How it felt

  • She wondered whether she would become bored. “I thought I would get bored”
  • They wanted room to discover what made them happy. “take our time”

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”

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