Retiring Early: Navigating Post-Work Life Inscription and Fulfillment

When you are asked, 'What do you do,' and you find yourself retired at 40 from the IT industry, how do you respond? Many express congratulations, while others may feel envious or curious. My own retirement at 64 came during 16 years spent self-employed as a consultant, traveling extensively through Australia and other continents by motorcycle. But what does one do after accumulating sufficient wealth to ensure financial security?

Post-Work Life Inscriptive Activities

Achieving a non-working status at an early age, as I did, can be viewed positively. Here are some responses that have worked for me and for many others:

I enjoy my retirement.p

I manage my portfolio.p

I am exploring options.

I am doing what I want… and it changes every day.

Good luck and enjoy your retirement!!!

It is natural to feel embarrassment initially, but with time, this feeling diminishes. The greater challenge often lies in the productive use of one’s time. Financial security, while important, does not equate to mental and emotional well-being. Engaging in hobbies and interests is vital, but sustaining enthusiasm over an extended period can be difficult without some form of monetary incentive.

For many, a balanced approach is the best solution: staying self-employed, either fully or partly, provides the best of both worlds. This keeps you engaged productively, stretches your financial corpus, and ensures that your mind remains active and engaged.

Reflection on Early Retirement

Early retirement at 40 is commendable. My experience, traveling Australia on a motorcycle with my wife, shows that life has many opportunities for exploration and adventure. However, as age advances and health considerations come into play, as they eventually did with me during the COVID-19 pandemic, one must adapt to these realities.

The transition from working to non-working status is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Responses to inquiries about your non-working life depend on the individual and their circumstances. After all, it is none of society’s business how you choose to spend your time; your happiness and fulfillment matter most.

Therefore, do what brings you joy and positively impacts the universe. Share your personal journey and experiences with others without worrying about societal reactions. Your path to fulfillment may be different, but in the end, it is essential to find what makes you truly happy and content.