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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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81–90 of 101 posts

Farm work replaces the weekly business flight

Sep 2018Interview snapshot · published 2018

“Having retired in early 2018 and building out our small farm, I have not had to look very hard for things to do.”

ESI Millionaire 88Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • After retiring in early 2018, he devoted time to building out a small farm and repairing its irrigation.

How it felt

  • He had grown to dislike frequent business travel and now enjoyed the physical work, despite sore muscles. “the physical work I now get to enjoy”
OutdoorsRoutineFreedom
ESI Millionaire 88
Read original postesimoney.com

Family time arrived quickly; a new sense of purpose took longer

Sep 2018

“a little aimless”

Phia & Mike · Freedom101Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Phia spent more time parenting, cooking and writing.
  • The family traveled and walked to everyday activities.

How it felt

  • She valued the slower family life. “a little aimless”
  • She still wanted an absorbing role beyond home. “pretty amazing”
PurposeParenthoodRoutine
Phia & Mike · Freedom101
Read original postfreedom101.ca

Freedom to contribute still leaves a purpose question

Apr 2018Interview snapshot · published 2018

“I have struggled to find something worthwhile to sink my teeth into.”

ESI Millionaire 57Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • The retired couple traveled with their children and supported churches, while spending substantial time together as a family.

How it felt

  • He struggled with the absence of fixed schedules and with choosing something worthwhile to pursue. “figuring out exactly what that is has been difficult”
PurposeRoutineFamily
ESI Millionaire 57
Read original postesimoney.com

Slow breakfasts replace the rush to work

Apr 2018Interview snapshot · published 2018

“I hated Mondays, now I love them.”

ESI Millionaire 55Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • After both retired in 2017, the couple spent more time exercising, sharing breakfast, meeting neighbors and renovating their home.

How it felt

  • They welcomed the slower pace, while finding the loss of routine disorienting. “the lack of structure and routine is a little disorienting”
RoutineSlowing downFriends
ESI Millionaire 55
Read original postesimoney.com

Their work ended together. Faith, golf and service kept the week full.

2018Recalled in 2023

“ample time for spontaneity”

ESI Retiree 39Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • They retired on the same day and rearranged their commitments.
  • Golf, vacations and selected ministry work replaced employment.

How it felt

  • A flexible routine came together quickly. “ample time for spontaneity”
  • They felt little emotional disruption from leaving. “No, not at all”
PurposeRoutineContentment
ESI Retiree 39
Read original postesimoney.com

He won his freedom—and ran out of goals.

2018 · Year 2

“The decreased stress from the first year has also carried over into the second year, which I’m very thankful for.”

Mad FientistRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Spent time exercising, cooking, traveling and being with his wife.
  • An existing business tool still brought in more than the household spent. “money is still coming in”

How it felt

  • Reported lower stress and gratitude for control over time. “The decreased stress from the first year has also carried over into the second year”
  • Found that appealing commitments could still crowd out meaningful personal projects.
RoutineFreedomCreativity
Mad Fientist
Read original postmadfientist.com

Comfort came easily. Companionship took longer.

Nov 2017 · Year 5

“Finding the balance between the two impulses (self indulgence vs. generosity/community/interdependence) is a continual struggle.”

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

Life at the time

  • Used classes and exercise to bring structure to open time.
  • Found work contacts fading while friends remained occupied with jobs and children.

How it felt

  • Could find the absence of structure disorienting. “the lack of structure that FI facilitates can be disorienting”
  • Was still balancing autonomy, activity and the wish for company. “Finding the balance between the two impulses”
FriendsRoutineTravel
u/graspinforthenextcan
Read original postreddit.com

She recovered her sleep and good mood. A bigger purpose could wait.

Oct 2017Recalled in 2019

“it felt like a vacation”

ESI Retiree 2Read original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Long sleeps, bread baking and weekday shopping filled the first months.
  • Gym visits and holidays became easier to arrange.

How it felt

  • The change initially felt like a holiday. “it felt like a vacation”
  • Freedom brought immediate enjoyment after an unhappy job. “It was great!”
RecoveryRoutinePurpose
ESI Retiree 2
Read original postesimoney.com

He stopped accepting the old calendar. A decade later, that was still the prize.

Aug 2017 · Year 1

“I’ve hit my full stage of relaxation and am enjoying life immensely.”

ESIRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Built a rhythm around exercise, home projects and family visits.
  • Left a volunteer role that was not a good fit.

How it felt

  • Felt more relaxed and less bound to appointments. “I’ve hit my full stage of relaxation”
  • Liked being able to leave unfinished tasks for another day. “Then again, I have plenty of time tomorrow for tasks.”
RoutineFreedomBoundaries
ESI
Read original postesimoney.com

Parental leave opened into a family-centered retirement

Mar 2017

“Absolutely, my quality of life is immensely better after retirement.”

Tawcan reader JRead original post (opens in a new tab)

Life at the time

  • Most days centered on caring for his one-year-old.
  • Photography and chess fit around family responsibilities.

How it felt

  • He felt healthier and enjoyed unhurried family mornings. “immensely better”
  • He missed some workplace friendships. “good friends”
ParenthoodFamilyRoutine
Tawcan reader J
Read original posttawcan.com

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