[Kileen‏]

Today was my last day. When I announced I was retiring (at 44), I thought my organization would dismiss it as a resignation.

They did not. While shocked at my announcement, they used the word “retire” in all conversations and even hosted a retirement party yesterday.

I am reasonably well known in my professionial community but boy did I cause a stir that I didn’t predict! I’m now better known for retiring early than anything I accomplished in my professional career.

Many asked me questions about FIRE and said I challenged their thinking about priorities and what is possible when you dare to to think differently.

I was not fully prepared for the wave of emotions today as I said goodbye to coworkers. I have confidence in my decision but saying goodbye to people is hard!

One chapter ends, another begins.

[Kathleen]

Congratulations! What a wonderful achievement! Getting ready to field a lot of phone calls from colleagues who want to know how you did it.

I retired at 55 from teaching and all the new teachers seek me out.

They’re off to a good start!

[Stacie]

Congratulations!! What was the highest factor that attributed to ER? Was it high savings rate, high earning, frugality, passive or multiple income streams?

[Darron]

Congrats! I retired from the military at 44 too. Pension and paid off house and rental made it possible.

However, I did start a few businesses a year later, but on my terms!

[Curtis]

Awesome! I’m retiring in one month at 44 as well. I’ve had a similar experience of shock from almost everyone since I couldn’t really flaunt what my plans were.

Several people at my company are questioning their life decisions now haha.

It’s very difficult for the average consumer mentality to change though.

Hard work with high savings rate and a frugal mentality is all it takes though!

[Tonya]

I’m 36 and have all
Intentions of retiring early.

I have a 5 year old that I want to be present for.

What are your plans while you aren’t working?

[Amy]

Yah! Congrats! Did you talk about it before you made the announcement that you were retiring?

I personally haven’t kept it a secret that I’m a few years out and what my plans are, but I am aware that that scenario isn’t safe for everyone.

[Bryan]

I’m in a similar position and now that my numbers are correct I’m thinking about what I want to accomplish professionally before I retire early.

Was it hard to make that mental shift or were you ready?

[Stacey]

I also retired at age 44! I was making $65,000 a year and only one other job did I earn more. My boss brought in a bag of bagels.

Now I live on a boat and travel around while I’m sure everybody else is still in the office.

[Author]

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