You're listening to Two Sides of FI, a conversation between two lifelong friends about financial independence - what it takes to get there and what comes after. One of us reached FI in 2020, the other in 2024. We started this show to document our different paths, and now that we're both post-FI, we're still figuring out how to use the freedom we spent years working toward. I'm Eric and I'm joined by my friend Jason, and this is our story.
Episodes
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
What's it really like to be 5 days away from early retirement? Join Laura, a 51-year-old scientist, as she discusses her final days running her research lab. From wrestling with the "Am I really ready?" question to unexpected tears at faculty meetings to cleaning out decades of research, she opens up about the reality of choosing early retirement at the peak of her career. This isn't just another FIRE success story – it's a candid look at what it really feels like to step away from a meaningful career when you're financially independent but emotionally invested.
Whether you're questioning if early retirement is worth leaving a dream job, wrestling with your professional identity, or wondering how it feels when that last paycheck stops, her story offers inspiration and real-time insights about one of life's biggest transitions.
Show notes: https://twosidesoffi.com/retiring-early-in-five-days
1 years ago
Great episode, love hearing Laura’s perspectives.