The crisp air and shorter days signal that fall is here, bringing not just a shift in weather but also some big personal changes. I find myself single for the first time in five and a half years, and while this is a significant adjustment, it’s also an opportunity to focus on me. Navigating life […]
Two Months into Early Retirement
I’ve been meaning to write a one-month and two-month update, but, unsurprisingly, I’ve slacked off yet again! Fortunately, it’s because I’ve been so busy enjoying the summer in Seattle that sitting down to write took a backseat. But as Sunday, September 1st, 2024, marks two months since I took the leap into early retirement, I […]
Lessons from the Rockies: A Camp FI Adventure
This year, I had the pleasure of attending my third Camp FI Rocky Mountains, and as always, it was a weekend filled with engaging conversations and new insights from the Financial Independence (FI) community. Among the many things I learned, one topic stood out to me more than the rest: inheritance law. Five years ago, […]
One Week in Early Retirement
Emotionally, I feel great! I had so much anxiety and stress about leaving—what others would think of me, concern about loss of identity, worries about my team, and whether I properly handed everything off to my replacement. Within the first few days, I started feeling physically lighter. I’m not sure how to explain it other […]
My First Day of Early Retirement
Tuesday, July 2nd, was my first day of early retirement. It felt strange waking up without an agenda, no emails demanding my attention, no meetings to prepare for. Yet, old habits die hard. I kept checking my phone, looking for emails that no longer needed my response. I spent the morning weeding and cleaning up […]
Creating a New Routine in Early Retirement
Retirement marks a monumental shift in life—a transition from the structure of a 9-to-5 job to the undefined expanse of free time. While the newfound freedom is exhilarating, it can also be daunting. For many, the absence of a daily routine can lead to a sense of aimlessness. I believe that early retirement is the […]
Regret in the FIRE Journey: Reflecting on Career and Mentorship
The journey to Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) is often portrayed with a glowing halo of freedom, autonomy, and the endless pursuit of personal passions. The community surrounding this movement advocates for a life liberated from the conventional constraints of a 9-to-5 job, enabling one to live fully on their own terms. Yet, we seldom […]
Countdown to Freedom: Preparing for My Last Day at Work
As the clock ticks towards the day I bid adieu to my current job, the anticipation is not just about stepping into the unknown but embracing the freedom that comes with it. It’s a momentous shift, one that I’ve been planning with both excitement and a meticulous attention to detail. This transition isn’t merely about […]
Notice Given – Embracing Early Retirement
As I sit down to pen this post, a whirlwind of emotions courses through me. It’s a moment that marks both an end and a beginning – the decision to step into early retirement. This journey is not just a significant change in my life; it’s a transformation with the promise of new challenges and […]
Year 3 Done!
As we close 2023, it’s time to reflect on the financial journey of the past year. Let’s dive into some key highlights and metrics. Net Worth and Investments Starting Point: I opened the year with a clear focus, stepping in with purpose and a strategy set the previous year. From the outset, I was set […]