Well, I did it. I retired.

Savings $2.3 million, NW $3.4 million, annual spend less than $80k. In a HCOL area but bought our home when prices were reasonable. Partner and I are both early 40s, no kids. Plan to workout, ride my bike, play tennis, travel, read, and cook. I’m realizing in my 40s I need to find more non-active hobbies because I get worn out. Trying to shake the anxiety I feel from work. It’s crazy that it doesn’t just go away.

likeupliftingsmarthelpfulfunny
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Congrats! Please don’t hesitate to share more as time goes on, it would be great to hear more about the reality of retirement from the folks in our community who make the decision to retire early.

likehelpful

Yes! And would love to hear about any life style creep or un expected expenses that spring up along the way.

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Anxiety takes about 6 months to fade away. Hold on to those physical activity hobbies, they can carry you much further in your later years than you think. I’m about much older than you and cycle 150 miles per week and do strength training. One of my cycling buddies is 77 and he rides more than I do.

likehelpful

Sir please

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How do you get your cash flow / $80k per year?

Thank you OP. You are my hero / heroine. Iam in late 40s, nowhere close to yours but will get there someday soon

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Life is an option. for those who has Savings and decided to retire, it is good for them. But for those who still working and try to get finacial stability, you don't have to wait until you have "enough" savings to enjoy your life. Life is short you do not know when your time to leave it will come, or when the time for your love ones to leave you. Don't be too stingy when it comes to spend it for having good times with your love ones. But ofcourse don't be too extravagant also.

Cool. Another extinction diary. Have fun!

Maybe you should go spend a few days with the Hadzabe tribe in Africa. That would be difficult, but it would definitely take your mind off work.

I have like $80 in the bank and I have not worked in three months. As the search goes...I too appear to be retired. Difference is, I will be homeless in a month. Expect to end it all by Xmas. So thanks for shoving that in my face.

I think doing something meaningful can enrich your life and relieve some of your worries. Would you like to hear more?

Hey, great job, man. I'm relatively new to the job market, (still in high school,) and I'm seeing all this success that comes with hard work. You've clearly made it. Maybe try out writing sometime; it's very therapeutic. Fictional composition takes a lot of work to get right, and especially trying to find your own style, but once you get it, it's really nice. Take it from me; I've been writing fiction for about seven years. Haven't published anything, though. But seriously, try writing as a hobby.

Congratulations on reaching such an impressive milestone. Retiring in your early 40s with strong financial stability is something many people work their entire lives for, and it speaks volumes about your discipline and long-term planning.

It’s also completely normal that the anxiety doesn’t disappear right away. When you’ve spent years operating in high-pressure environments, your mind needs time to adjust. Many early retirees experience a transition period where they’re learning how to slow down, rediscover interests, and separate their identity from constant productivity.

Exploring more low-impact or reflective hobbies writing, learning, volunteering, creative projects, or even community involvement might help create more balance alongside your active lifestyle.

If you ever decide to explore part-time consulting or light project work just to stay engaged, I’d be happy to connect you with opportunities. You can reach me at emilychristhiringteam.gmail.com
.
Wishing you a fulfilling and peaceful next chapter.

Kind regards,

profile no longer exists lol nice spam

Lol, I think it's normal to still feel work anxiety after years of a structured life and stress. The first year is probably more of a transition period than a perfect retirement plan. A regular schedule, social activities, and light hobbies might be helpful. Are you planning to leave work completely, or will you do some light consulting work?

Congratulations! I hope your retirement life gets better and better. Don't be too anxious; it's important to enjoy every day

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