Reflecting on two years since I last held a full-time job, I’ve experienced a blend of uncertainty and excitement. During this time, I’ve managed to balance leisure with feeling productive. Establishing a “production schedule” from 7:30 am to 11:30 am helped me maintain some discipline, although there were days I wrapped up early at 10 am when I felt done. Other days, I found myself engrossed in stock market activities until 1 pm PST. Dedicating a few hours each day to productive work, like writing, ensured I never felt guilty about enjoying the rest of my day however I pleased.
Feeling useful is crucial for me, and I’ve discovered it’s a common sentiment among those who no longer need to work. Having a meaningful pursuit, like managing this site, helps fulfill that need and contributes value to society, however small it might be. For anyone in early retirement who finds themselves bored, I’m always open to sharing insights here on the site.
Now, twelve years into early retirement, I reflect on the journey. There’s always that lingering question after achieving financial independence: “Is this it?” No matter your financial threshold—be it $500,000 or $5 million—the novelty of not having to struggle wears off, and you find yourself seeking ways to make a difference, much like Elon Musk’s endeavors with Solar City and Tesla Motors.
My primary interest lies in writing online, but I’m also curious about starting a scalable advisory business that avoids the typical inefficiencies plaguing consumers. If I embark on this venture, I’ll definitely share the experience.
The isolation of staying home can become palpable. I miss the casual office chats about weekends, office romances, or client demands. Engaging with others’ stories often sparks inspiration or simply amusement. To combat loneliness, I’ve taken up playing tennis with regulars at Golden Gate Park, discovering fascinating life stories and how happiness isn’t tied to wealth.
Despite having “won the race,” there’s a recurring worry about falling behind or maintaining distance from peers. The reality of seeing people leisurely enjoying their day in cities like San Francisco, Honolulu, or New York reminds me that many lead flexible lives, and my early financial independence isn’t unique.
As I continued exploring post-retirement, I realized all I truly enjoy is writing. It’s almost addictive; missing a couple of days makes me restless. Other activities don’t induce this feeling, not even tennis or SCUBA diving. There’s immense satisfaction in crafting a comprehensive article that resonates with readers, and now my challenge is scaling this passion into a viable business.
Reflecting further, I recognize the significant role of luck in my journey. The freedom to do as I please each day is a privilege, one that brings occasional guilt when considering others less fortunate. This awareness has steered me towards activities like volunteering and serving on school boards, striving to make a meaningful impact.
Ultimately, the desire for freedom was a driving force behind my departure from traditional employment. The restrictive environment under a micromanaging boss dimmed the joy of work. Post-retirement, the freedom to choose how I spend my time is non-negotiable. Even if it means earning less, the trade-off for greater freedom is worth it.
My financial habits have persisted, despite a significant cut in compensation post-retirement. Interestingly, my savings habits didn’t falter, and now with growing earnings, I find myself “catching up” on savings, demonstrating the lasting impact of ingrained financial behaviors.
Time seems to accelerate post-retirement. Days blend into years, and memorable experiences like a cruise through Northern Europe become fleeting memories. This realization compels me to document my life more diligently, cherishing every moment as time becomes increasingly precious.
Lastly, the fear of financial insecurity that once loomed has largely dissipated. The shift from saving to spending was smoother than anticipated, thanks to careful planning and continued financial prudence. This balance allows for enjoyment without compromising financial stability.
In conclusion, these reflections underscore that true freedom isn’t just about financial independence—it’s about finding fulfillment and joy in pursuits that resonate deeply, without the constraints of a disliked job. For those pondering their career paths or financial goals, remember: life is too short not to pursue what genuinely makes you happy.
