I was like what you describe you are now and have been that way over 30 years (but with balance). Now retired with more money than we need with a stable, loving family, I am working to rediscover spontaneity. I hope you also come full circle. For me, it’s a journey worth taking.
I appreciate you sharing that Phillip. It means a lot to know others can relate and have made it through these choppy waters. What are some things that have helped you transition from rigidity back to being more spontaneous? This definitely feels like a worthwhile journey.
Retiring is the biggest thing as it frees up a lot of time. Kids growing older is another but bitter sweet. When kids are young, they think the world of you. When they are older, they care more about their friends and activities. I became a chauffeur, then a chaperon to my kids which, although stressful, freed up more time. So having less responsibilities and obligations is one key catalyst. Having more money helps. Disciplined savings and investing over many years has made us financially independent so retirement is a joy (I'm in my 50s). It allows for trying new restaurants, experiences and travel without fear of cost. But frugal habits die hard. Based on spend projections using financial calculators, we could probably triple our spend and still be fine. The frugal habits that got us to where we are don't need to constrain us anymore and working to spontaneously enjoy the rest of our lives more fully is still a work in progress. But having the time and money now to figure it out is why the journey is worth it.
Again, a question of Balance?
I was like what you describe you are now and have been that way over 30 years (but with balance). Now retired with more money than we need with a stable, loving family, I am working to rediscover spontaneity. I hope you also come full circle. For me, it’s a journey worth taking.
I appreciate you sharing that Phillip. It means a lot to know others can relate and have made it through these choppy waters. What are some things that have helped you transition from rigidity back to being more spontaneous? This definitely feels like a worthwhile journey.
Retiring is the biggest thing as it frees up a lot of time. Kids growing older is another but bitter sweet. When kids are young, they think the world of you. When they are older, they care more about their friends and activities. I became a chauffeur, then a chaperon to my kids which, although stressful, freed up more time. So having less responsibilities and obligations is one key catalyst. Having more money helps. Disciplined savings and investing over many years has made us financially independent so retirement is a joy (I'm in my 50s). It allows for trying new restaurants, experiences and travel without fear of cost. But frugal habits die hard. Based on spend projections using financial calculators, we could probably triple our spend and still be fine. The frugal habits that got us to where we are don't need to constrain us anymore and working to spontaneously enjoy the rest of our lives more fully is still a work in progress. But having the time and money now to figure it out is why the journey is worth it.