From Corporate Life to FIRE: A 3-Year Reflection

Three years ago, on July 19, 2019, my wife and I said goodbye to our corporate careers. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with excitement for our new chapter and nostalgia for the combined 25 years we’d spent working for a company whose investment products are beloved by the FIRE community. As we turned in our badges that sunny day, we knew we were stepping into a life of freedom and possibilities.

Saying Farewell to a Legend

One of our last acts before leaving was to pay tribute to Mr. John (Jack) Bogle, the founder of Vanguard, who had passed away just six months earlier. We visited his statue in Morgan Court, not just to say goodbye but to express our gratitude. Mr. Bogle’s vision had created the low-cost investment vehicles that made our early retirement possible.

I had the privilege of a few brief encounters with Mr. Bogle during my time at Vanguard. He was always gracious, greeting everyone he passed in the hallways. His genuine care for the “crew members” (as Vanguard employees are known) was evident in every interaction. Two years before his passing, we even had the honor of having him sign his latest book in his office.

Life After Corporate America

Contrary to what some might expect, life after leaving our jobs has been anything but boring. In fact, these past 1,095 days have been filled with more joy, freedom, and purpose than we could have imagined. Not once have I woken up wondering how to fill my day. Instead, our challenge is often deciding which meaningful activities to prioritize.

Our New Routine (or Lack Thereof)

While we’ve settled into a loose routine, no two days are exactly alike. Here’s a glimpse into what our “typical” day might look like:

I rise early with the sun, enjoying a quiet morning of writing or piano practice.
Tatiana and our daughter wake up later, and we share a light breakfast.
We review the day’s schedule together. Often, Tatiana takes our daughter, Yuna, to the park to meet other moms.
I tackle home projects, investment management, or other errands.
After lunch, we enjoy outdoor activities as a family, taking advantage of the cooler late afternoon hours.
Evenings are for family dinner, bedtime routines, and a bit of relaxation.

This flexibility allows us to follow our natural rhythms and energy levels. We’re no longer slaves to alarm clocks or rigid schedules.

Adjusting to FIRE Life

Transitioning to this new lifestyle came with its own learning curve. Here are a few ways we’ve adapted:

Keeping Track of Days: Without the structure of a work week, we’ve found new ways to orient ourselves. Trash collection days, mail delivery schedules, and friends’ availability all serve as markers.
Social Life: We’ve learned to balance our free time with the schedules of working friends. Weekdays are perfect for uncrowded outings, while weekends are reserved for social gatherings.
Visitors: Having the freedom to clear our schedules for visiting friends and family has been an unexpected joy. It’s like taking a vacation while others are on theirs!

Course Corrections Along the Way

Not everything has gone exactly as planned, but that’s part of the journey. Here are a few ways our plans have evolved:

Housing Strategy: Instead of buying a house outright, we opted for a 50% down payment and a low-interest mortgage. This allowed us to keep our rental property, which now generates enough income to cover our new mortgage and then some.
Location: We chose to settle in Florida rather than moving abroad. The events of the past two years confirmed that this was the right decision for us.
Transportation: We’re still driving our trusty 2007 Camry, but we’re keeping an eye on the market for a potential upgrade.
Investment Diversification: We’ve opened a self-directed IRA to expand our real estate investments, adding a new dimension to our portfolio.

Do We Have Any Regrets?

In short, absolutely not. These have been the most incredible three years of our lives. We don’t miss the corporate grind—the meetings, performance reviews, or business attire. Our investments now provide the monthly “paycheck” we need without the stress of climbing the corporate ladder.

The only thing I occasionally miss is chatting with some of my former coworkers. The recent passing of my previous boss, who was more than just a supervisor, was a poignant reminder of why we chose this path. Life is short, and we’re grateful for every moment we get to spend on our own terms.

Final Thoughts

Over 1,000 days into early retirement, we wouldn’t change a thing. The freedom to live each day in flip-flops, to be present for every moment of our child’s life, and to seize each day as it comes is truly priceless.

As we continue our FIRE journey, we’re excited for what the future holds. We’ve learned to be flexible, to appreciate the small moments, and to continually reassess and adjust our plans as needed.

To those of you on your own path to financial independence, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Enjoy the process, stay true to your values, and don’t be afraid to adjust your sails along the way.