True... for many people, it's probably much easier to reach for better work than FIRE.
I'm not opposed to FIRE overall, especially thinking about what is truly valuable to you (e.g. spending more $ vs. buying time). But taken too far, people think it's the answer to their problems, when they could work on finding contentment now.
This is the finest essay in your series. Brandon's story perfectly captures the journey of early retirees as they rebuild their routines and search for new life purposes.
The key lesson from his story is that our jobs don't hold us back from our dreams—fear does. Even when living financial free life, we face struggles and challenges. A 'dream life' isn't about achieving success and perfection, but rather acknowledging our fear while continuously pursuing growth and meaning.
Damn... that's one hell of a comment. I really enjoy how you worded that.
Financial freedom doesn't make us free of our fears. And aiming for perfection in certain lanes (e.g. money) may only distract us away from the real challenges/opportunities ahead of us.
This brought to mind Langston Hughes's beautiful poem, Harlem, about a dream deferred. I applaud Rick for bringing this forward, and the mad fientist Brandon for "doing the work," and being real with himself about his dreams and what was standing in the way. Great insights.
I am always a fan of the Chinese philosophy 中庸之道, The Doctrine of the Mean (or some translate it to "The Golden Mean).
I like the word "evolution" in your title: retired life is a life journey, not a goal. What I love the most about my "retirement"—it made my dreams safe, free from the pressure of "failure". :)
That is a good point... I'm amazed by people take huge risks, especially with their primary income in the balance. It's another thing to do it on the side or after freedom (still hard though).
This is so good! A great reminder that maybe the day job isn't the problem.
Agreed!
It’d almost be easier if it was…
I fell for FIRE back when I was unsettled in my career. Funnily, when I found more enjoyment in my work, FIRE faded from view.
True... for many people, it's probably much easier to reach for better work than FIRE.
I'm not opposed to FIRE overall, especially thinking about what is truly valuable to you (e.g. spending more $ vs. buying time). But taken too far, people think it's the answer to their problems, when they could work on finding contentment now.
This is the finest essay in your series. Brandon's story perfectly captures the journey of early retirees as they rebuild their routines and search for new life purposes.
The key lesson from his story is that our jobs don't hold us back from our dreams—fear does. Even when living financial free life, we face struggles and challenges. A 'dream life' isn't about achieving success and perfection, but rather acknowledging our fear while continuously pursuing growth and meaning.
Good work! I enjoyed it!
Damn... that's one hell of a comment. I really enjoy how you worded that.
Financial freedom doesn't make us free of our fears. And aiming for perfection in certain lanes (e.g. money) may only distract us away from the real challenges/opportunities ahead of us.
This brought to mind Langston Hughes's beautiful poem, Harlem, about a dream deferred. I applaud Rick for bringing this forward, and the mad fientist Brandon for "doing the work," and being real with himself about his dreams and what was standing in the way. Great insights.
Thanks Heather for your feedback, and I'm honored this made you think of Hughes!
I am always a fan of the Chinese philosophy 中庸之道, The Doctrine of the Mean (or some translate it to "The Golden Mean).
I like the word "evolution" in your title: retired life is a life journey, not a goal. What I love the most about my "retirement"—it made my dreams safe, free from the pressure of "failure". :)
That is a good point... I'm amazed by people take huge risks, especially with their primary income in the balance. It's another thing to do it on the side or after freedom (still hard though).