Wondering if there is anyone on here that has retired early (FIRE Movement)

[Phaseolus]

I look back after retiring 6 years ago and wonder how I ever had time for a full time job! I’m busier than ever!

I've come to the conclusion that people who don't do well in retirement never developed enough interest in life outside of their jobs.

 

[dirtshooter]

Well my wife is a stay at home mom and we have 3 kids 6 and younger so I won't be retiring anytime soon at 37 but my employer funded union pension broke 500k this year as $7/hr worked in contributed by the employer not by myself (I have never put a penny into that pension myself as per the collective agreement) so I will keep working to see if it can reach 7 figures. Right now I average 40hrs a week and I feel like we spend too much money even though we have 6 figures in the bank. My goal will to be to work until I have 40 years in the union and that pension should be grand and my health benefits paid out for life. Maybe do two turnaround a year to make spending money.

We're gonna move to the farm this year and build new do that'll set us back too but it's better than being close to a city.

I don't wanna work but you gotta do what you gotta do.

 

[roymunson]

Cool idea, but man, I don't think I"d trust myself at this age with nothing to do.

I'd love to not be tied down every day, but I know if I had money and free time, I'd spend it pretty hardcore. Morally, for me, I'm not sure it'd be the right thing to do even if I could retire right now. Plus, I have 3 kids that I get to spend time with and I think it's important they see Dad knows to get up and go to work in the morning.

I own my business, I'd rather make myself a 3 day a week job and keep reaping the income I've got a pretty good gig going.

 

[eamyrick]

I retired at 48 from a blue collar job. I’m busy every day and much happier. Time with my kids and plenty of time for me. I have enough money for the things I need and a few things I want.

This is the way. Congrats.

 

[Elkbelch]

I retired at 54 in February. I love it so far, I didn't hate my job but I worked 12 hour shifts rotating between nights and days as well as Hollidays. I was able to access my 401k without penalty because I retired from my current employer. I purchased an annuity with half my funds and that replaced most of my income. I setup automatic withdraws with Fidelity where I am taking about 3% a year. Like I heard someone else say, I am busier now than ever. My wife and alll my friends still work so I pretty much spend my days by myself. She may retire next year if we can handle the health insurance. I will get a decent raise at 62 with SSI and a pension from a previous career.