If you asked me 5 or 10 years ago what my definition of early retirement was, it would be much different than what I think of it today. In fact, my definition of early retirement can be much different than yours. My early retirement outlook will change depending on which life stage you’re at. That’s what happened to me. The meaning of early retirement differs amongst other people and even your own self from a different time period.

When I first started thinking about early retirement, I was still climbing the career ladder, grinding at work, working late hours, and traveling for work. I focused a lot on work and juggled with family obligations. With all of this, my purpose for early retirement was to get away from the grind. I didn’t want to do any grind anymore!

Now that I’m a little wiser and have a little more experience, my definition of early retirement has changed. Luckily, I was able to get a small glimpse of what getting away from the grind would be like. When the federal government shutdown last year, I was at home waiting for the government to re-open. During this time, I experienced a little bit of early retirement life. It was great in the beginning…not having to wake up a 5am with a 90 minute commute to work. After a couple of weeks, it got old. It was, at this time, I realized I can’t live like this if I were to retire early.

The meaning of early retirement changed for me. No longer do I not want to do anything rather I just want to reduce the grind or change up the grind. Keeping yourself busy and active is good and I realize that now. I just need a change of pace and something to help reduce the constant go-go-go lifestyle.

Based on my new definition of early retirement, I can happily say that I’ve reached it! I will be resigning from my job. I’ve got something lined up that is a lot less go-go-go and less grind that will make me feel much more free to do other things. The past 30 years have paid off!

The meaning of early retirement differs from person to person. Someone might say early retirement is doing nothing, no work. Another person might say early retirement is doing something they can enjoy doing which doesn’t feel like work. Regardless, in order to even consider early retirement you have to work towards it. Meaning, you have to save, invest, spend less, change lifestyle, and work towards financial independence! If you are interested in following my journey, email subscribe here to get alerts of latest posts or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.