Paying for my freedom

For the last three years I have been stealthily planning my early retirement. Most people plan their lives around home, career, children, etc. I plan mine around when I can leave full-time work.

Dismiss the typical image of retirement from your mind. I won't be sitting on my butt watching soaps. I plan on leaving full-time work at age 44-45 (I'm 30 now). It is my main goal in life. Of course, I still live my life to the fullest (traveling, good food, great weekends) but on a budget geared toward buying my freedom, not stuff.

You would never imagine the harsh criticism I receive from people when I say that. Other will look at me like I'm crazy. They ask what I'll do after I retire and the answer is always "Whatever I want." The first plan is to buy an RV with my also retired husband and go around North America...in the meantime, while working, we are traveling the world. No sense in letting work be our entire lives.

Of course, I may work in some fashion...but never full time. A temp job, part time, substitute teaching, freelancing...the possibilities are endless.


For more info on retiring young:

The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs
Your Money or Your Life by Dominguez and Robin
Stop Working, Start Living by Dianne Nahirny
You Can Retire Young by Larry Ferstenou