While the journey to FI was all about the numbers – savings rates and investment returns – and designing a lifestyle to fit those numbers, what comes after is all about crafting the life you truly want. For me, this means designing a lifestyle around increased independence. Here are the five changes that have made the biggest difference in my day-to-day life.
Working On My Own Terms
I used to grind out code from 9-5 (really more like 8-6) for my employer. I was so burnt out that I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to keep programming after reaching FI. Turns out, I actually love writing code – I just needed to do it on my own terms.
These days, my programming schedule follows my natural energy cycles. Some weeks I’m cranking out features for hours on end. Other weeks I might only open my laptop for a few quick commits and spend more time supporting the other developers on our team. This ebb and flow keeps my passion alive and my code quality high. No more forcing myself to stare at a screen when my brain is fried. No more guilt about taking breaks when I need them.
Location Independence: The Ultimate Freedom
One of the biggest wins of my post-FI life? Complete location independence. I just spent two and a half weeks in Asia visiting my dad. Now I’m writing this from Greece, where Rose and I will be staying for the next couple of months before heading back to Boulder for the summer.
The best part? Rose and I specifically designed our work arrangements to operate completely asynchronously with our teams. This means I can contribute meaningfully whether I’m in Boulder or Bulgaria. This freedom to roam while still staying connected has completely transformed how I think about work and travel. Traditional employers often have legitimate business reasons for requiring specific hours or in-office time. It wasn’t until I could walk away from traditional employment that I found a work situation that truly supports this flexibility.
No More Alarm Clock Anxiety
As someone who’s struggled with sleep, not having to worry about a looming alarm clock when I’m up at 3 AM has been life-changing. But it’s more than just avoiding alarm anxiety – it’s about embracing slow mornings. There’s something incredibly luxurious about taking my time with that first cup of coffee. I spend time reading next to Rose while our cat demands attention. Then, I am able to let the day unfold naturally.
Peak Life, Off-Peak Times
If you’ve ever been to a popular climbing crag on a weekend, you know the frustration of waiting in line for routes or dealing with crowds at the crag. Now, I can hit up even the most popular spots mid-week when they’re practically empty. (Hat tip to Mr. Money Mustache for popularizing this concept!)
This flexibility has actually made my weekend climbing sessions more enjoyable too. When I meet up with friends on Saturday, I’m not stressed about maximizing my precious weekend climbing time – I’ve probably already had several great sessions during the week! It’s freed me to focus on the social aspect of climbing rather than my own performance or just ticking off routes.
Investing in Relationships Without Time Constraints
Having a new niece, Heidi, who lives 45 minutes away (more like 90 minutes in typical Denver-Boulder traffic) has really highlighted this benefit. Instead of battling rush hour traffic after a long workday, I can visit during off-peak hours, actually spend quality time with her, and head home when it makes sense.
This flexibility extends to all my relationships. Meeting up with busy friends doesn’t need to be complicated by my own work schedule. And thanks to location independence, I can spend extended time with friends and family who live far away, rather than trying to cram everything into a long weekend visit.
The beauty of financial independence isn’t just about having money in the bank – it’s about having the freedom to design your life around what truly matters. For me, that’s meant optimizing for flexibility, relationships, and pursuing work and hobbies in a way that keeps them enjoyable rather than obligatory.
