[sceptical]

I retired three years ago at the age of 49. I was rather successful as a software engineer and is content with what I achieved. My response to your thoughts.

1) I have not missed work at all for the last three years. Not a single day. I have not done any programming since I retired. Instead I spend my time on other hobbies and travelling. I try to take two week-long trips every month to new locations. That is plenty meaningful for me. I have nothing to prove, I already did that. My job now is to see the world while I still can.

2) Initially it was daunting to start living on savings / investments. Especially with an initial ~20% market correction and high inflation. However I am spending less than I expected, only around 2% withdrawal rate and I could reduce that by almost 50% if needed and still live rather comfortably.

3) Financial independence is nice. But you also have to spend the money, while you still can.

[pc86]

I think "rather successful" is an understatement if you're able to travel for 24 weeks out of the year on only a 2% withdrawal rate.

[Gud]

Consider reading “Get Real, Get Gone: How to Become a Modern Sea Gypsy and Sail Away Forever”, written by Rick Page who has been sailing around the globe for a long, long, long time without any 2% withdrawal rate available.