Financially Independent. Retire Early? Let's Discuss!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

By popular request, we have launched the audio podcast version of the show! You can now find it in Apple Podcasts by searching, or at the direct link below. It should also be appearing on all other major services like Amazon Music (just ask Alexa!), Tune In, and Stitcher. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-sides-of-fi/id1560745986

[@nadia.lewis.]

I honestly don’t know why people don’t think jobs themselves aren’t the weird thing. Having someone tell you where to be, when to be, when to eat, where to sit, who to be, how to act, how to dress… that level of control is mind boggling. Like, what other structures have that sort of control?? Cults, strict lifestyle BDSM, schools for children… No thanks, man. I’m an autonomous adult: I’ll make my money my way, spend my money my way, set my clock, spend my time. I don’t need to be managed, by a person to societal expectations. And the word “lazy”??? Is a weapon used by people who are trying to extract something from someone. I’m a free human, I’m motivated autonomously, not through guilt and shame. Over it. Love hearing you guys talk it all through! Packing orders here in Canada 🇨🇦, where I hope to FIRE by 40. 🥳🎉💰💰💰

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks for the perspective! “Lifestyle BDSM” is a great description for sure. It is interesting how readily we can fall into routines because they are the most common path. Thinking about what matters to you and from where you get motivation and find value is so important- and not done often enough. Best wishes to you on your FIRE journey!

[@dmtgallardo]

So happy to be following this channel at 31 years old. Thank you Eric for your work.

[@pedrowhite911]

Great episode! My wife and I hit FI last year. As retirement approached from my professional job however, I got cold feet and could not punch out completely at such an early age. During the early days of the pandemic, after about 10 days, I was going stir crazy at home. My identity was too wrapped up in what I did, and I could not imagine replacing my job with my hobbies (eating, traveling, hiking, driving, and visiting with family) full-time. We decided to continue working part-time, which has turned out to be a major blessing! Having over half the year to enjoy our hobbies and still feel like we are making a meaningful contribution to society is fantastic! Although, I have to admit that having the ability to work because we want to and no longer because we have to was a huge frameshift for us. Looking forward to future episodes! The accumulation bit was the easy part. Having to figure out, "Now you've hit FI, so what?" is the hard part.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks so much, Pedro! Congrats to you and your wife on achieving FI. You hit the nail on the head. The freedom to do what you want is the key. And if part time work is the right fit for you, that’s wonderful. Best wishes to you!

[@johnwestfall5644]

Stumbled onto your latest podcast last week and am now going through these in order. Gotta say that I'm really enjoying these, as I've been planning to retire early next year. You guys are engaging to listen to, and feel that you have some great insights. Looking forward to getting caught up with all of these!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thank you, John. Welcome aboard, we're glad to have you!

[@kresnaluzuriaga741]

Currently on a career break. Rewatching this episode back when it first aired to structure and live out my life with purpose on a daily basis. This channel has inspired me to temporarily step back from work by taking action and preparation to focus on other important aspects of my life... hoping to reach officially FIREd in the next few years.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Best wishes to you in achieving all your goals!

[@jeriboxx4331]

Love the parents thing, my dad was the same way said the same thing, scary to start your own business, but he was a corporate guy had no reference. So I talked to my uncle who owned his own business and he said it’s about time what took you so long. Lesson: talk to someone who’s been there. I love the show.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks so much, Jeri. You said a lot there: find mentors who can guide you is how I think about it. Entrepreneurship is tough and we can all get a leg up by learning from the experience of others!

[@rpguitar]

This is such a good conversation and I relate to many points in it directly. Jason's overview of how he gingerly gave notice at work is so much like mine... To most of the people I managed and my peers/supervisors I crafted a softened version of the reasons for my exit. To the inevitable question "What will you do next?" I answered that I had always wanted to explore going into some sort of venture for myself. While this was not complete B.S., neither was it my direct intention. My main reasons for leaving my 30+ year career were to finally remove hands from my time, and to erase bonuses, raises, and promotions - granted (or usually not) at someone else's whim - as the basis for measuring my success. The real prize was being able to walk away from it.

[@richmartin7738]

I was at that concert!!!!! Love me some Genesis. Also have been really enjoying your vids and “longer” form discussions. Very interesting perspectives that have allowed me to consider my future FI. Keep up the good work gents.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Wow, how cool is that! Thanks for the feedback, Rich. We're glad to learn you're enjoying the show. Best wishes to you on your journey!

[@ericb2872]

Love being a fly on the wall at a Brewery (enjoying a few craft beers) listening to you guys. great context.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thank you, Eric. Cheers! 🍻

[@apkarchitecture]

Finding this topic absolutely fascinating. Whilst not on "the path" the topic of conversations with others was so insightful. Keep up the good work. I'm sure sitting down and making a podcast/video is much harder work than just having a video chat so do know that people out here appreciate it!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks so much for the kind words! We are very glad to hear that you are finding these episodes compelling. As one who has far (far) less experience than Eric in producing for KZbin, I can confirm you are right that it takes effort to do i right - and I'm really enjoying learning from him. -Jason

[@OnmywaytoFI]

You guys are spot on about the ability to obtain FIRE. Hard work and grinding it out. We are 40, plan to be FI by late 40’s. Full time job along with running a small business out of the house has enabled us to build wealth. Nothing handed to us. I am one who looks forward to the FI and working in my own time. Eric you sharing your desires of Freedom, Purpose and relationships resonates with me. I appreciate you two sharing your stories and experiences.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks very much, Matthew! We appreciate your support. Best wishes to you on achieving all your FI goals.

[@andrewkwek6160]

Great sharing! Looking forward to more of these! Btw I'm retired at the age of 32, I haven't told my mum as well. She will freak out but slowly and surely she will get to know. However, it's not a major concern for me. There are many things that we don't agree on, this is just another topic haha

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks! Wow, congrats on your early retirement! Good luck with your conversations. Let us know how things go!

[@lukasgiefing1102]

I appreciate this so much! Eric, you know I'm a huge fan brother, awesome to meet your lifelong buddy here in this context. A big congratulations to Jason on his FI, Eric, sounds like you're knocking on the door. Personally, I feel as if I am 10 years out in achieving my own financial independence, so I am really looking forward to the continuation of this podcast. Thanks again gentlemen!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thank you for the feedback - and the congratulations, Lukas. I'm so glad to learn you are enjoying the channel. I wish you well on your own FIRE journey! -Jason

[@lukasgiefing1102]

@@TwoSidesOfFI Thank you Jason!

[@noraz12]

A great, future episode? What do you do once you retire? Traveling to go on tour with Genesis laser shows seems like a good option.

[@tommyryan7374]

I have watched Eric’s channel off and on for a couple years and I think he’s fucking brilliant setting it up how it works for him. I don’t understand how people can weird about that. Good on you mate 👍🏻 I just need to figure out how to do it for myself lol

[@garcia4062]

Muy bueno Gracias!!! Maestros los dos!!!

[@Bluponi]

Great discussion gentlemen... I would ask you to please consider going to High Schools and Colleges to bring this message to young people, too many of them don't know the miracle of compounding interest, and the earlier you start investing, the more you will have at age 65, or conversely, you can retire much younger... That would be a very noble next chapter in life.

[@bahaagamel5516]

We will always need more of your videos

[@grega4450]

great conversation. Understanding what retirement looks like is not easy and questioning doing the same

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thank you! There certainly is much to consider and learn during all big life changes.

[@SimonEllwood]

I am English and recently early retired at 57. I am just back from my first trip to California where my wife and I road tripped from LA to SF and back. We were amazed how expensive many things were especially groceries. The first shop we went to was Vons we walked around with items to buy and left after buying nothing at all. We soon searched for Aldi to get some items that were a sensible price. The wine and tubs of ice cream were cheaper than the UK but just about everything else was much more expensive. I now realise why the US fire community is looking to save so much.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

To be fair, California is among the highest cost of living states and parts are the highest in the nation. COL varies dramatically across the US. I used to live three hours north of where I do now. My home would have been 3-4X more expensive had I not moved.

[@SimonEllwood]

@@TwoSidesOfFI I love my real ale so keen to try the craft beer. $9 for 12 oz stopped me drinking too much ;) I loved the beer however.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

@@SimonEllwood glad you found some good ones - we’ve got plenty in CA! My favorite local brewery is $7 / pint. -Jason

[@lorgar87]

Thanks for the new upload, super interesting ;) I am an architect myself and dream of FI

[@lorgar87]

I can relate so much on the comments that other people around us would make on our own decisions... wow

[@fivewattworld]

Great stuff. I’m really enjoying these.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks! We are glad you're enjoying them.

[@mekon1971]

I retired when I was 38. I am 50 now and love being free.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks for sharing, Whitney! That’s wonderful. Any lessons about early retirement you can share with us?

[@mekon1971]

@@TwoSidesOfFI It's surprising how your overall financial position improves even after you "retire". I budgeted a certain amount every month and then started having money left over because finding low cost things became a "hobby". It has been fun mentoring people towards FI. The "small thinking" comment is dead on!

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Thanks, Whitney! Do you recall when that spending pattern shifted for you?

[@ryanaugustus]

When I get the “must be nice” comment, I respond with “Yes, benefitting from hard work often is.”

[@dougb8207]

Genisis; great stuff.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Right? That Laser Genesis show was pretty amazing

[@jackjack8390]

You mention that your comments or gripes are "from a privileged perspective", yet you talk about how much hard work it was to get to where you are. How is that privilege? You worked for it. Own it.

[@TwoSidesOfFI]

Both things are true. We had many advantages in our lifetimes that many others don't, *and* we worked really hard to get where we landed. Also, there's plenty of luck + timing at play, as there is for all of us.

[@donaldlyons17]

I watch his stuff because he got lucky and it worked!!!!! Just because someone works for something does not mean it will work right? Why not acknowledge you luck instead of focus on the "hard work" which does not tell the complete story!!!!!!!!!!? Like he said himself: "We had many advantages in our lifetimes that many others don't...."