Retired Early and Feeling Lost. What's Next?
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- Опубликовано: 28 июн 2024
- How does it feel when you haven't yet found your purpose after retiring early? In this episode, Jason talks with Eric about his three year journey exploring his post-FIRE purpose. In this episode, they discuss the phases of retirement, seeking out meaningful projects, lessons learned along the way, and much more.
**Show notes: twosidesoffi.com/purpose
Timestamps:
00:00 Phases of retirement
03:02 Why work?
07:35 Seeking projects
14:00 Key lessons learned
19:10 Why not start?
25:58 Just do it
29:28 ChatGPT brainstorming
33:10 Loss of structure
36:20 Concerns about RE
**Show notes, tools, resources + information: twosidesoffi.com
**Our podcast: twosidesoffi.com/podcast/
**Eric’s "NOW" page at 30X40 Design Workshop: thirtybyforty.com/now
**Eric’s RUclips Channel: thirtybyforty.com/youtube @30by40
**Jason's Blog: www.thenextphaseisnow.com
#twosidesoffi #financialindependence #firemovement
**Note: This content does not constitute investment advice and is being presented for informational and educational purposes only.
If you've retired, how do you define your purpose and what are your priorities? We'd love to hear from you.
I am still trying to figure out the purpose, seeking others to work on an idea so grand it will consume us for the rest of our days. Would such approach work for you?
Working was a means to an end for me. I can't remember I time where I didn't have that voice in the back of my head "1 more year and im done with this sh...". I find purpose in Being, hanging out with my Spouse. We actually have a daily scrum and talk about where we are in our "plans". Plans being what do I want to get done in the next day, week, month, year. I've taught myself how to woodwork and garden and work steele, plumbing etc etc. I just am and I love it. My 2 cents.
Great topic. I really relate to where Jason is on this. Eric, your points are very insightful. You would make a great coach.
Thanks,@@aztecforlife7360 . I agree, he would and is for me!
hey Jason - I've been watching your channel for quite some time now. I FIRED a year ago, and my partner is still working but is on track to FI soon. My sense of purpose and priorities come from helping others, making music and creating art and making others happy through it. We honestly don't understand when people say "I'm retired, what now". I would suggest people need to start getting into something that interests them and help them find meaning BEFORE they retire.
Jason, I have never left a RUclips comments before, but just want to provide my perspective: It's ok to not know what you want to commit to and just try out a bunch of things. You have many years to figure this out, FIRE gave you this unlimited freedom to try things out, even if it doesn't end up being anything substantial. Thinking of things to try out, have the courage to try things out and then reflect afterwards on how you have grown after the experience, is in itself a pursuit worthy of your time in retirement, provided that your physical health, mental health and personal relationships are being taken care of. Also, "fear of commitment to a project" might just be a desire to be a well rounded human being and not be specialized. We don't need to "achieve" things like writing a book or open a business to gain fulfillment or have a sense of self worth. Just experiencing life as it is - with all the natural/man-made wonders and diverse human beings who have vastly different life paths and interests - can keep you busy (if you wanna be busy that is, nothing wrong with indulging in leisure, you are in control of your time and that's what's beautiful).
This was a very good episode. I recently took the leap into early retirement 4 months ago. This conversation hits home. I am going through the same questions/decisions as Jason. I need to be passionate about an event, task or activity to be committed . I too struggle with just trying something out and see where it goes. I really appreciated Eric’s questions and the fact he is being a very good friend. I can hear the concern and support in his “pressure testing” of Jason’s next steps. I feel Eric truly cares and wants to make sure his friend is doing okay. Great job on the channel and please keep up the open and honest dialogue. This episode gave me the kick in the butt i needed to move forward on some decisions.
Thanks! We're glad you liked it. Thanks so much for sharing your own experience. Best wishes to you in moving forward on those decisions!
After watching you guys for so long, my sense is that Eric will never really retire, because you Eric are one of those lucky individuals that truly loves what you do. The difference with FI is that you can do it without stress about paying bills etc… you will do it simply because its a manifestation of *you*, and in all likelihood it will result in your best work. Personally, my story seems more aligned with Jason and I’m watching this closely as I’m pulling the plug in early 2024. All the best to you both…please keep it up with the content, it is enormously helpful.
I tend to agree. I have my doubts Eric will be able to fully pull the trigger on retirement
I think one my the biggest fears with retiring early is slowly getting lazier over time. When I try to pull back in my own business, many times, I find that I’m actually more unhappy doing so. I think that we are wired to have purpose, and when we take our jobs away, part of that goes away.
Just another fantastic episode, Gents. You can tell by all the comments how much people appreciate you two talking about life's purpose in retirement. If I may say, the fact that people feel like they're listening to two friends sharing important life experience should make you feel proud and flattered. I'd like to think of myself as a well informed, articulate contemporary of you, but I'm under no illusion people would want to listen to me discuss these issues. You two have that magic. Appreciate it.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Jeremy. We sincerely appreciate your support
GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!
I have followed you guys from the beginning. I have been retired (still hard to say that) since May 2020. Soon after I found your YT videos and could instantly relate. I have a close friend who is on Eric's side and we talk all the time about this and how to bring him across the finish line too.
Without knowing, I have been following in Jason's tracks. Starting in 2020 I started several classes on freeCodeCamp (I come from the tech field), I started a side-hustle setting-up small organizations with file servers and tech support. Then couple of weeks ago I watched the episode where Jason stated he prepared taxes for awhile. In 2021 I started preparing taxes for an accountant friend of mine
Now, Jason says he looked into taking flying lessons. This is something I have thought about for years and recently started looking into actually doing it. 🤯
I totally get Jason's desire to contribute to something without the commitment to the drudgery of a 8-5 job. I wish I could have focused more on the "retire to something" rather than the "retire from something" - a topic you guys have discussed several times.
I won’t be able to retire early but I love to tune in because so much of what you two discuss is applicable for whenever someone retires. I am learning a lot! I appreciate the genuineness in your conversations! ❤
Thanks so much. Best wishes to your wherever your own path takes you.
I do feel a bit sorry for Jason. I have been there. I took a year off and worked on personal projects which was fun (initially) but I did find I missed the sense of working on something with a bigger purpose - I missed working with other people on a project that was far bigger (and dare I say with more meaning) than my personal projects. As a "failed retiree" I can say it's a lot harder than people think it is! Really enjoy the honesty of the channel...
It's retirement not rocket science, don't over think it. Eric you were smart enough to build your own business and grow it to what it is today, you'll figure retirement out also. We have no idea how retirement is until we retire and it's different for everyone. Jason your still young so don't be so hard on yourself you'll eventually find your retirement rhythm. It just takes some a little longer than others, just like getting to retirement itself. Remember your at a point in life a lot of people would like to reach. I can't tell you how much help Y'alls videos have been on my journey to retirement and this video was fantastic. Thanks. Steve
Thanks, Steve
Great show as usual. I’m nearly 2 years in on my RE and I completely empathize with Jason. I’m finding it a bit hard to land on that next big thing. For me I’m settling smaller goals than when I was working. I’ve also found I’ve stopped telling people I no longer work. It just tends to go down the same path each time. Oh what do you do all day? and there isn’t one big thing like a job to point too, so it kind of comes out awkward with a bunch of little things that seem scattered and unimportant to most people. Like Jason I get in my head a bit after those discussions.
Me too. When I was working in IT and told people what I did it always turned into free tech support. It got to the point that when I attended events with strangers I told them "I sell life insurance." - No one EVER wants to talk about life insurance.
Then when I stopped working I said I "did consulting" to avoid the awkward retirement questions. Then I just started saying "I don't work anymore" which brought even more awkward questions or statements like, "your wife still works why don't you?", which made me feel like a bum.
Now, I've gone back to "consulting" or "life insurance" depending on the audience.
Excellent discussion. I was laid off in September from a company where I had worked for 27 years. Thanks to FI, my plan had been to just retire early. I had planned for RE, I thought, but am a little lost thus far. It still feels like a long weekend. The physiological difference might be that I had no choice in the timing.
I feel guilty to not be looking for a job. At the same time, all the FI math confirms that I do not need one. I mostly miss the people interaction.
Thanks for the good discussion
Man... this is top of mind for me. I am about 5 - 8 years out, and can feel myself hitting the trap of, "when I hit FI, I'll figure out what I want to be when I grow up".
Appreciate your candor, as always.
And self-deprecating humor 😂 cheers 🍻
Just thinking about it 5-8 yrs out puts you ahead of many! Best wishes to you in your FI journey
I am not sure that I have ever written a comment. (I think that I may have left a comment asking about the beer in your hand..). I want you guys to know that I have watched your channel for a long time and really enjoy it. I have this sense of excitement when I see a new episode.
My favorite episodes are those from the emotional side of retirement, how it makes you feel, etc. These are the best! You should know that I am providing this praise as a CFA Charterholder, CFP Certificant and MBA in Finance.
I just wanted you guys to know how much I appreciate your channel. Cheers!
This was so relatable to me. I am semi retired, we own a business and I assist my husband with it. I was in a creative field for 23 years and felt great about my work but felt a constant push against what I was doing as a yoga therapist by the medical community I worked in for the past seven years of my career. I wrote books, lectured in a medical school, traveled and spoke, owned a studio and school and so much more. When the pandemic hit I became sick and never really recovered. We also became FI at that time. Now I’m struggling and feel very stuck. I focus on cooking healthy meals, exercise as much as I am able, read, help people with finances in an unstructured way, spend time and help family, yet I still fall flat. I can’t figure it out and feel like I have whiplash. Not sure I need to change or continue to work on acceptance.
Thank you. Really see myself on Eric. Look forward to hearing Jason’s journey 3 years past FI. More to come.
Only 9 mins in so far - but really appreciate the honesty
My personal issue…FIRE or not…is that investing time without a goal is a hurdle I need to overcome. I want to give myself permission to learn and create without being productive or important. We will see how it goes when I FIRE next year.
Thanks guys, especially Jason for being so open. I see a lot of myself in your challenges, so it was very helpful to hear.
Great episode. I feel like it got a bit uncomfortable for Jason at times given the line of questioning, however I recognized myself a lot in his answers as I've been dealing with similar issues. I'm hoping I can stop procrastinating on projects when I'm FIREd, but it will be tough because I am me and I will be me after FI too.
Jason here - Thanks! True. But we grow through confronting the difficult + uncomfortable things in life, right? Best wishes to you in pushing through procrastination and embracing and conquering the challenges that will come
Great episode guys. Right on point for me.
I really dig that you are such great friends and honestly respect each other and listen … and that your such goods friends you care enough to nudge and hold each others feet to the fire…and call each other out when they are not being honest with themselves! I have a a friend like that and I’m great full for him
Try filling your time with Experiences.....Take a 7 day cruise to Alaska, a 14 day international trip to Japan, go visit the National Parks, etc....
No disagreement! Experiences are the very best currency we can acquire in life -J
At 12:01 - I've always had a lifetime drive to learn new skills and create new goals for myself. I'm a self taught software engineer currently working in Silicon Valley. Over the years I've taught myself other practical skills (auto mechanics, plumbing, HVAC, home electrical, drywall, bricklaying, etc). I liked learning these skills to save money but it was really as a fun challenge to myself. I'm now nearing my planned early retirement age of 60 y/o and this topic is extremely interesting. My only post retirement plan at the moment is to hike the PCT trail from Mexico to Canada and get back into my former skydiving hobby, which I stopped when our kids were born due to having no time to spend all day at the dropzone.
Appreciate the honest conversations
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In truth this whole question of purpose after retirement is front of mind for me. I'm well on the way to FIRE but I'm also really thinking about what I'm going to do with myself once I've finished work. My wife keeps telling me that I'll always need something to keep me challenged and she's right, I can't just sit on the couch.
I watched my Dad go through it a couple of years ago and he retired at 72! He could have retired at 50 but loved what he did so much that he didn't feel like giving it up. What happened to him early in his retirement is what I fear will happen to me: the loss of discipline, focus and structure made him really unhappy. He's since found something he really likes doing, which has probably saved his life, frankly.
OMG. You so did answer the questions and you BOTH are great contributors!
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Stellar advice Eric…for me too! Thank you.
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Great episode y'all. I see a lot of myself in Jason.
Thanks, Dane! 🙏
I relate strongly with Jason and have similar concerns for when I RE in a few years. Loved the advice from Eric and open dialogue. Thanks for sharing, both of you, good stuff. I think this is a topic that could continue to be explored!
Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your support
Every time I learn listening to your dialogs. Thank you for sharing and bringing reality to FI. The reflection is healthy and thought provoking.
Thanks so much for your support! We sincerely appreciate it.
Awesome episode! Deep conversation and encouragement.
Thanks
That was a really helpful conversation to hear. I too am at a crossroads and am exploring ideas for my next path
Great! Best wishes to you, Lori
I love your conversations! So real and relatable. Great work guys!
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Gents loved this session, I can so relate.
I feel a little stuck like Jason.
I am working on landing the wine pouring venture.
Not a high performer, like you two seem to be, lol, but I love to learn, and enjoy a challenge. I have been retired for a year and a half and haven’t really found my groove yet. I think fear limits me from tackling projects that I think I might like then I second guess myself. Listening to you guys discuss these issues is very helpful and I appreciate these videos very much.
Thanks, Jason and Eric. Having retired earlier this year, my day to day has plenty of meaningful activities, but I’m still missing something. You’ve given me a lot of different ideas to explore and some approaches to execution to get started.
Glad to hear it, Kelly! Best wishes to you
This was your best episode yet!
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This is an excellent conversation. I see this as a type A verses B thought process. I’m also attracted to the idea of doing things rather than the process. Very good show!!
Thanks!
Great episode, Eric and Jason! As someone who retired a year ago at 60, I deeply relate to your conversation about the quest for purpose post-retirement. Like Jason, I’ve been exploring various activities but still searching for the few things that truly ignites my passion. Jason, your idea about writing a book resonated with me, especially regarding the need for structure. From my own experience, I would recommend looking into entrepreneurship classes if you haven’t already. I’m currently enrolled in one, and it’s been enlightening in terms of idea generation, development, and the early stages of market introduction. These classes could provide a structured environment for you to flesh out your book ideas, using real-time feedback and methodologies taught in the course. The journey to find meaningful engagement post-retirement is unique for everyone, and I appreciate your openness in sharing yours. Thanks for a thought-provoking episode!
Just read your page in PathFinders and thought it’d be fun to connect with a fellow Pathfinder (I’m pages 115 + 156). Love the concept of showing both sides of FI. So helpful to see both the end and middle of the process to inspire others. 😊
Pulling the trigger in 4 months at 58, and this resonates. Thanks, and keep it up with the great content!
The finish line is in sight! Best wishes to you. Keep us posted on how you're doing
Thanks so much for the vulnerability in this episode!!!!
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Love the 'critical friend' coaching here.
Me too! -Jason
I really appreciate the willingness to have these candid conversations that many of us thinking about but, maybe aren't having.
Thanks, Jake
Very inspiring and insightful as I find myself where about to retire for 3rd time
Well explained thoughts
Thanks! We'd love to hear more about why you've elect to retire 3X. Best wishes to you, Mark
Thank you both. That was a truly fascinating episode. I am a long-time supporter of Eric's work with 30X40 Design Workshop, so the conversation regarding micro business start-up's and enterprise really struck a chord. Having read both of Eric's books on alternative business strategies for Architects, I would love to see this idea could develop. As a younger subscriber to your channel with a career to navigate before retirement, I would love to see how under Eric's guidance regarding passive working models, Jason could harness his own time, skills and expertise to develop a scalable, passive product. Practical application of such strategies is rarely publicised in a transparent and applicable manner, so I have no doubt that others would find this equally fascinating!
Thank you both for all of your hard work. Keep it up. Aaron
As someone who has a proven professional track record of both great execution as well as vision, but who also sometimes struggles to find internal motivation to move from vision forward to execution on my personal projects I believe i’m struggling with similar problems as you Jason.
I recently heard this advice, and I sadly do not remember exactly where, that talking about your ideas with others can actually be an impediment to move on to execution. Talking and doing often „scratch the same itch“ and you might literally end up talking away your motivation. As folks coming from corporate leadership positions this is really tough because for years our jobs was literally to talk about our vision and then motivate others to execute on that vision - most of the time by more talking.
But I found that reducing the amount I talk about projects I am considering does increase my urge/motivation to actually execute. I’m sure there is no silver bullet here, but maybe give it a shot.
In Addition I also found that reminding me of the good old Nike commercial Tag line helps a lot: „Just do it!“. Only thinking and talking about things will get you nowhere if you are a „one man show“. You gotta be doing. So just start. You can always adjust, iterate and revision. But you gotta get moving off of the start line if you want to get anywhere.
Great conversation from you both and Jason is experiencing something that I believe is very common. Fritz Gilbert hits this topic hard in his book ( what's next ) and I think it's actually MUCH harder than the financial side of the equation. Have you considered having other "guests" on your podcast where only 1 of you is on the interview to give each other a break if it's needed?
Thanks! Indeed he does - and it's a great read. Thanks for the suggestion
Great episode. I am 4 weeks away from retirement myself and have similar concerns. I might also be closer to Jason and might have similar challenges and concerns. This conversation gave me a good „food for thought“. Even though it is not early retirement- considering that I am almost 66 when I retire - the questions remain the same. Eric and Jason - keep up your great channel and your great conversations!
Thanks! Best wishes to you on your own retirement. The finish line is nearly here! Congratulations !
My youngest is the only still home, due to autism. We're his caregivers so even though I retired @ 56, almost 5 years ago...I am plenty busy.
I go through waves of making lists to catch up on homeowner stuff, and then go weeks with nothing but jumps up that day.
Just keep learning and you'll never be bored.
Best wishes to you and your family in all things. You're absolutely right that having a passion for learning and growth is a great gift and one that enables us to feel productive and fulfilled! Boredom never came our way 😂
Ideas are easy. It’s the execution that’s hard. I know the struggle myself... great vlog post here guys, thank you
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I am only 10 minutes in and I could and have said exactly what Jason is saying!!!!
One of the best ways to find purpose is mentorship. If you can find a few people to mentor it might scratch that itch and also not lock you into set time commitments.
Great advice, and as we've heard Jason really enjoys (and misses the work environment that provided it) mentoring. Thanks
I’d be interested in how Laurie is handling this change. I’ve prepared myself for retirement the last 3 years because I had change my position to an individual contributor role which had very little requirement on my time. I was able to easily adapt to work to retirement because of this. My wife however, worked her tail off with the business she owned and went from going 100 MPH (or 62KM since we’re now in Portugal) to 0 MPH. It’s been hard on her and I worry she’s not going to be satisfied in retirement but I’m not sure how I can help her since I’m happy just doing one or two things in a day…. She’s not.
My husband and I are early retired living in Portugal, too. (Porto). I’m a former university professor and I’m missing some of the aspects of my former life-mental stimulation (language learning fulfills some of that but not to the extent I thought it would), teaching, and mentoring. But I love our life here in Portugal-the peace, distance from the toxic aspects of academia, the challenge of moving abroad, etc. I’ve concluded you can have it all, just not all at once. 😊
Thought for Jason who knows about FI and loves to mentor. Charge something to do consults for others on the FI path to give that person a second set of eyes and advice/comfort that their plan is good. We all want to know others FI number so we can compare that to our number to make sure we are on a decent path.
This is a very timely discussion. I've been retired for 3+ years as well. There are almost too many options out there. It's a bit paralyzing.
Indeed, such expansive freedom can be paralyzing in its own way. Best wishes to you in charting a course that is fulfilling and engaging!
Loved this episode because it touched on a lot of what I also feel even just thinking about my own retirement. I know I want to retire, I just don't know what I'll retire to. A couple of suggestions for Jason --- consider looking for adjuct teaching appointments at local universities -- he seems like a natural professor -- my department regularly hires adjuncts and there could be opportunities to create online courses through a university that fund themselves. Another couple of things to consider -- could he look for employment with Cheeky Scientist or create his own company like that, which focuses on helping grad students in the sciences find a career in industry. Finally, what about seeking opportunities to serve as an expert witness? I think Jason would really enjoy serving as an expert on cases... it involves research and reporting. Best of luck to you both! Really enjoy listing to your conversations.
I like the new show direction. You’re either heading for FI or it will happen later. The emotional changes of walking away from a successful career is what scares me most. Thanks for bringing this out more and discussing. You are not alone 👽 😅
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I can’t wait to see how Jason feels when he is an empty nester. I bet it’ll be a 180.
Thanks for the confidence, Patricia! I’m pretty optimistic about that myself. -Jason
I just purchased "Outlive" and I have another book recommendation for this group. I am reading "The Creative Act" by Rick Rubin. If you want to learn whether you are a creative or non-creative, this book will highlight this, by how much it resonates with you. The book lays out all of the steps (thoughts and behaviors) that make up the creative process. Great read for someone considering life after structured work.
Another great episode, thanks for sharing!
I think I understand Jason, (being one that already left the Corporate world myself) it is complicated to deal with all the available time at your disposal, but as already said, maybe just focusing on executing some of the planned stuff (easier said than done 😂) could be a good next step 🤷♂
And I'm one of those that think Eric won't be fully retired any time soon 🤣😂😁, and there is nothing wrong with that, it is just that he has been his boss for so long that he could just adjust to a "more free time available" type of work that would be appropriate for him...
But what do I know 😅😂👍🏻
Thanks again to both of you!
Saludos!
Thank you for these honest conversations. I am still working but wonder about meaning in retirement. May I suggest a reread of Viktor Frank's book Man's Search of Meaning?
Thanks for the recommendation!
There's so much I relate to here that I'm struggling to form a concise post. There's just too much to call out as profound, insightful, and even a little depressing - because I do it all. Lack of internal motivation; thinking the ideas aren't good enough and who will read/listen/etc.; more enamored of the concepts or vision than of the execution so nothing ever gets started; so fiercely protective of my schedule so I don't take on anything with a long term commitment - it just goes on and on. I'll be ruminating on this one for quite a while.
Thanks for sharing. If you come to any conclusions upon further thought we'd love to hear from you.
been retired for 7 yrs but I have a young kid at home. I feel myself unmotivated to do anything really even though I have all the time to do something. I just can't get my heart into anything
Jason, if you wanted others to find value in what you do, the comments for your videos should be very validating. The videos have been of use to me as well. You are so right that everyone’s experience is different. I was a civil servant and was forced into early retirement in a very nasty way. I don’t actually consider myself to be retired since I do not actually have enough saved to retire, but I am taking an 18 month break from working. For me, despite being pushed out early, having had such nasty treatment from those above me, not working has been beyond wonderful! I too like to have a goal and like to contribute; however, what I was required to give to the community when I was working was so significant and taxing, that I am having no problem now just reading, learning, studying. It feels very rewarding to me. That said, I still have the drive to do more. And by the way, I totally relate to your personality type…straying from the question when answering (the nexus is clear to me, but not always to the audience), feeling like I need to do more, SO many other traits… it feels good to know there is someone else out there who has the same gifts with which I sometimes struggle in my life. Thank you both for your contributions. For me, right now, I am trying to be okay with not having a defined purpose. My priority is working on being okay with who I am and what I have contributed in this moment of my life.
Jason here - Thanks so much for your support. I do get a lot of encouragement and positive motivation from many of the kind comments left here. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I'm sorry to learn that you had to deal with difficult times at work, but glad to learn you are getting positive energy from not working. Best wishes to you in all that is yet to come for you!
Love the episode. Jason could use a little brighter light, or maybe it's my phone
Nah it was on my end. Unexpected clouds rolled in and tried to compensate.
If you want to do a book, go through the two years of videos you have here. Like Eric said, it is a great way to package stuff up and put it iut there and it has a life of its own. I work in software and these days almost everything you need day to day is out there in blogs and youtube videos, but i still treasure good books. I get a lot out of the cohesiveness and consistency of a well put together book. I think with all the stories and interviews you can put together a great story. And as a "non-creative" you csn look at it as editing and compiling and whatever other process oriented words you want to put around it.
I know i would buy it 😁.
Eric, i have no doubt you will make your number. I think whether you retire is an open question 😜
Love the show, another great episode.
It would be nice two split a video into pre and post where one half is about a topic that’s timely for Eric vs. Jason.
We definitely aim for this most often but some topics are definitely more one-sided
You take a lifelong passion and turn it into a mission. Wine education from the point of view of a scientist? When my friend retired, she started a breed specific dog rescue for the breed she’s always had. Once money is out of the equation, it’s hard to stick with something unless it’s a passion.
“Building a story brand” by Donald Miller is an interesting review of story writing, but it frames it in a way that impacts a bunch of different ideas that I have had. Try reading it.
Also the apathy might be due to the new meds you’re taking. Anhedonia. Check with psych for other options but all meds have tradeoffs.
Always possible but based on the timing of the episode I don’t think so. Thanks though
Have you considered throwing yourself into a big philanthropic project?
i am 3.5 years i want to go back. It would help if VTI popped to 245
So why not go back?
Why don't you Wright a book about the experience of retiring early! From a very human perspective!
Eric pushed a lot of buttons on this episode
He did and I, for one am glad for it! He's helped me talk + think through a lot of things to date -J
I've been retired for almost the same period & have been in this lost phase for the past year. My dilemma is that it is difficult to commit to a new activity & make it meaningful without feeling I am going back to work. It is hard to have meaning without having a job. But a job also means doing something when one does not feel like it & one wants retirement to be about doing stuff that one always feel like doing. But maybe it is a question of replenishing one's passion & 'life-force', so I am stuck.
We retired at the end of last year (late 50s). After a knee surgery for my partner, he needed something to get him a little busier than just recovery, PT, ice, PT, small workouts. We went to a job fair at a local amphitheater to see about being bartenders (actually we just sling wine & beer in the summer but we get to watch/listen to the shows too). It's the smaller/artsier amp in our area so not a ton of shows. Anyway, while there my partner spoke with a staffing agency that does all sorts of events (college athletics, conventions, pro sports parking, theater performances, museum events, etc). Long story short, we've been doing shifts for them since the spring. It's COMPLETELY up to us if we want to work (shifts are grabbed via an app).
This is not a "purpose driven" gig, but we've really enjoyed it. We both worked in our large college athletic depts in college and being back on a campus for sporting events has been fun. Puts a little $ (very little, lol) in our pockets, but for now has worked out. We book our weeks 2 weeks at a time and decide how much or little we want. The calendar has "stuff" on it, but we work around our own social calendar and interests. For someone who has had a desk IT job for 35+ years, it's been nice to be active and working outside a fair amount. For us we realize this is much better than working most part-time gigs that dictate your schedule.
Life is inherently meaningless and we all struggle to find our own purpose but it will never feel fully complete. The Buddha found this out 2500 years ago with the concept of dukkha. The only way out is to accept things as they are and know that this is the human condition.
As an existentialist I don’t disagree. -J
I believe that Eric will retire we have the same target date and we will be Fi Twins 😊
What is your own target, if you're willing to share?
@@TwoSidesOfFI
Absolutely Jan 2025. The official end of my one more year 😁
Jason. Have another baby 😂 you will find yourself pretty busy all the time. Just kidding.
Young dad here. Appreciate and really enjoy your content.
Ha! My wife might have something to say about that 😂 thanks so much for your support
What if you used some of your time to help people in your community. That might fulfill a part of you. You might make new friends.
Agreed! I’ve enjoyed volunteering in several ways. I’m still looking for the best fit there! -Jason
Poor Jason looks more stressed and more tired with every video! :( Go back to work for a rest! ;)
Maybe you feel
Pressure to create because you gave up your career and feel like you need to be productive. Try changing your definition of productivity.
Fantastic episode! Despite my wife being MUCH closer to retirement eligible than me, I'm the fan and have to force her to watch. I must ask you the why behind discontinuing flight training. I was a student pilot for a whopping 20 hrs. and reconsidered as you stated, for a variety of reasons. May you share with us of few of those?