I was “forced” into early retirement last year at 56 yrs of age. I thought I’d go back to work but then I found I was really enjoying my time doing all the things I had been waiting to do. Going for walks, working out, reconnecting with friends, visiting family in the US and in India, practicing my spiritual path…etc.
I got two job offers that fit my 30 yrs of experience exactly. It didn’t take much to turn them down after I asked my self do I really want to be back in the old stressful rat race?

I believe with a modest lifestyle which I can adjust as needed, savings and a small pension I will be able to make my money last while continuing to enjoy life as it should be lived having fun…and being happy.

I’m finding more and more that time is one of those commodities that we can’t buy no matter how hard we try. Seeing posts like this one and following people like Tim Ferris is a real eye opener to really focus on the important things in life and not to focus on everything.

A slower life is my goal too. But I know I have several years of hard work and no hobbies before I get there.

I’m doing the same thing lately. Gotta find a balance somewhere.

That’s because it takes a ton of work to make a “big blog” happen. A TON. For someone to have become a “big blogger,” they had to have done an incredible amount of preparation and execution to get to that point.

When their blog is popular – and sometimes popularity goes far beyond what is ever expected – there’s a tendency to want to step back, take a breather, and let the thing coast for a while. You’ve poured so much of your energy into this thing over the past X years and now that it’s successful, you’re somewhat drained.

What comes next? I don’t think there’s an easy answer to that for anyone. I think it depends on how you’re wired.

I read a comment early on about the balanced approach being available all the time. Like a lot of things, I think it becomes available when you are ready. I’m glad you found it when you did.

I tried to never allow myself to get that wrapped up in anything, which may have affected my success in blogging and writing. I wouldn’t do it any other way. Money comes and goes, but those people and memories that are truly important are only there for a split second in your life. Those are worth more than money ever will be.

Cheers!

PS: Let me know what I’m missing in comic book land. I still haven’t been able to get back into them.

I think taking it slowly is the best way to get in balance. If you go to extreme, that’s just plain stressful too!

I have always enjoyed GRS, even when the subject matter didn’t necessarily apply to me. Your latest post however, resonates so clearly with me and my current situation.

I won’t bore you with all the details. Just saying thank you and congratulations. Well done, my friend!

I hope you reading my prolific statement is not considered work;>)

JD, seems to me you have a wonderful wife, a beautiful home, and a great life. Yes, enjoy my friend.

Being Rich in Time yet Rich Monetarily is something we are all striving for. If you ever do TRULY achieve that, Congrats, I hope to one day see that success as well!:)

Kudos to you, JD, for having worked hard enough to be in the position to have this choice now, and (I believe) for making the right one.

I would just encourage you not to take TOO much time off, whatever “too much” means. But, I think that by nature I am more indolent than you, as well as older.

I freely acknowledge that this is absolutely none of my business, you and Kris seem to really enjoy and reconnect during your travels, so maybe schedule a few more trips?

Best of luck to you, as always.

I LOVE this post! I’ve been writing an academic article on the idea of “alternative hedonism,” which is the notion that we are looking for deeper ways to feel pleasure and happiness that don’t necessarily involve consumption (or saving) but rather having time. The documentary and book No Impact Man are examples of alternative hedonism, what you are going through is (I think) and you can also check out Juliet Schor’s recent book Plenitude.

I think this is fantastic. Keep writing about your experiences!

Jen @ toddlerspit (I wrote a piece for GRS years ago on the costs of raising kids ).

Troy at #39 had an interesting point. I think it’s clear that what was important to J.D. DID change over time, and that these changes have driven the financial makeover, the professional makeover, and now the priorities makeover.

It is so easy to forget that people DO change, with time and circumstance; and that what seems desperately important to us at 15 or 30 or 45 may seem completely trivial five or ten years later.

I too am looking forward to J.D.’s continuing self-discovery.

In looking for balance, it is helpful to view it as a verb, rather than a noun.