I Would Travel More

Traveling has always been a source of fulfillment for me. I once enjoyed an unplanned eight-month mini-retirement after graduating from university, during which I explored South America for four months and caught a glimpse of what early retirement could feel like.

Recently, I arranged another four-month mini-retirement with my employer, this time to Central America, where I’ll be exploring with my partner. We're also planning to move in together soon, which means even more significant changes ahead! I’m eagerly anticipating this adventure and am sure it will be an unforgettable experience. Just to clarify, while travel is my preferred method of mini-retirement, there are various ways to enjoy that time.

Traveling provides me with a sense of freedom that I believe aligns with my goals for early retirement. When I travel for a few months, I tend to move quickly, spending about a month in each destination. However, in retirement, I envision exploring more leisurely, perhaps staying in one country for months at a time, engaging in house-sitting, and genuinely immersing myself in the local culture.

Who knows, I might even decide to live in some of these countries for a few years! I anticipate that this approach will help keep my living costs lower compared to my current expenses in the Netherlands, which can be quite high. My travel plans include South America, Patagonia, Asia, and beyond, and I will budget accordingly for the more expensive regions.

I Would Spend More Time Outdoors

My love for the mountains is profound. Their majestic beauty brings me immense joy, and hiking through nature is one of my greatest pleasures. Whenever I travel, I seize the opportunity for multi-day hikes.

During spring and summer in the Netherlands, I make it a point to be outside more often, aiming for 8,000 steps a day through walking or running. I’m fortunate to live in the eastern part of the country, surrounded by greenery. A ten-minute walk in one direction leads me to a lovely park filled with dogs, while a five-minute stroll in the opposite direction brings me to a forest. Despite my daily lunch walks at work, I long to spend more time outdoors. Nature rejuvenates my spirit and energizes me for the day ahead.

Winter presents a challenge since it gets dark by 5 PM, making it less appealing to go outside after work. It would be wonderful to enjoy daylight more during those months.

I Would Read More

Reading has always been a passion of mine. As a child, I frequented the library twice a week, borrowing the maximum of ten books each visit. I often returned the same day to exchange them for new reads. By age nine, I had devoured all the books in the children's section and moved on to adult literature, with my librarian’s encouragement.

However, as I reached the end of high school, my reading enthusiasm waned. It became less socially acceptable to be a voracious reader. Once I entered university, my leisure reading came to a halt as I was overwhelmed with academic materials.

Since then, finding time to read has been a challenge, though I still cherish it during holidays. I’ve begun writing book reviews on my blog, having covered titles like "Rich Dad Poor Dad" and "10X Thinking." I aim to improve and expand my reviews in the coming month.

I Would Cook More

During my university years, I went through a health-conscious phase, focusing on intermittent fasting and regular gym visits. I loved cooking and baking, enjoying the free time that my schedule allowed. Nowadays, however, my cooking has become quite minimal; I prepare meals twice a week and rely on them for the rest of the week. This approach keeps my grocery budget under $70 a month, which is a step towards early retirement.

While cooking isn't my primary hobby, I would like to dedicate more time to preparing healthy and delicious meals.

I Would Work Out More

I genuinely enjoy the feeling I get from working out, even if getting to the gym can be a struggle. I often find myself sitting on my bed, trying to persuade myself to go. Yet, once I’m there, I always feel great afterward. That cycle of motivation and satisfaction defines my current gym experience.

During my university days, I had the luxury of time to work out when I wanted. I would wake up early, hit the gym, and then prepare meals for the day. Essentially, I'm yearning for that carefree university life again — having the freedom to explore, maintain my health, and enjoy my time.

I Would Invest More Time in Blogging

I'm grateful that I now manage to write blog posts three times a week. Waking up early to write brings me fulfillment that my day job cannot provide. If you're contemplating starting a blog, know that it doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be accomplished in just 15 minutes. Blogging is a fantastic way to hold yourself accountable for your goals while connecting with like-minded individuals.

Once retired, I envision dedicating much more time to my blog — revamping old posts, enhancing my social media presence, and creating valuable content. There’s an abundance of improvements I could make, but I would need an extra 40 hours a week to accomplish them, making retirement an ideal time to focus on this passion.

I Would Game More

My love for gaming spans various titles, including "Sims," "Rollercoaster Tycoon," "League of Legends," and "Super Mario Bros." Gaming offers a relaxing escape and helps me unwind. While I don't plan to spend every day gaming, I would like to carve out more time for it in my retirement.

Finding My Passion — What Would You Do If You Retired Early?

What I've shared is merely my current vision of retirement. Since I'm not close to that stage yet, my interests may evolve. I might discover new hobbies, experience changes in my health, or even stumble upon a job I truly enjoy.

Ultimately, my goal is to find my passion — to embrace joy in early retirement by focusing on activities I love and minimizing those I don’t. This mindset applies to my current life as well. Letting go of what doesn’t bring joy, like my job, is part of the journey. I’m exploring different roles in various fields to see where I fit best. In general, I’m choosing to say no to things that don’t spark joy.

Writing this piece has intensified my eagerness for financial independence. Knowing that I will reach that goal, regardless of what obstacles arise, brings me comfort. Ultimately, I simply want more time to pursue my passions. Don't we all desire that? I can’t wait to hear what activities you would pursue if you retired early!

This video discusses the top three pieces of advice from clients who successfully retired early, shedding light on the mindset and strategies that can lead to a fulfilling retirement.

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About Marjolein Dilven

Marjolein is the founder of Radical FIRE, a personal finance blog aimed at helping you achieve your dream life through smart money management and investment strategies. With a master's degree in Finance and a background in economics, she is dedicated to guiding others towards their financial goals while enjoying the journey.