[m101]

On a tangent to the article- I quit my career just over two years ago now: same age as author, live in London too. The hardest thing about not working is the social life that work gives you. Whilst we may think that work is for money, it is also for 1) filling our time, and 2) spending time with people. Yes, some people are definitely a net-negative interaction, but most people are actually positive to one’s day, but in one of those “you need to not work for a year to know it” way.

Amongst other reflections I have:

1) a pay-check does give you a sense of validation. This took some getting through

2) it’s been challenging working out what I will actually end up doing with myself. There were periods where I put more pressure on myself to do so. I still don’t know what will do.

3) the process of doing things because they are fun takes some getting used to when one’s entire life was built around doing something useful to others

4) when one lives off of savings it’s almost easier to spend as it feels like you didn’t suffer for it. Getting depressed at work makes it easier to spend more money outside of work

5) the “number” people need to retire (or not work for extended periods) is probably less than people realise

6) not working in finance (amongst all the moral corruption everywhere) has generally made me happier in part because I can live in a way which is more in-keeping with my values over having constantly breach them for work reasons

7) owning my calendar is a big freedom. I don’t have to ask a boss if I can do something all the time. No need to explain yourself.

8) not constantly having to submit to a boss is huge. One can really grow this way, as constant repression to other people’s whims is soul crushing and shows just how close employment is to slavery (especially in finance with golden handcuffs)

[levocardia]

Work also gives people a status and an identity. Hard for many people to lose that, and can result in a surprising loss of social cache / status.

[paulryanrogers]

Wow, retired in London. I don't think I'll ever afford to retire just living in the exurbs of the Midwest US. Kids and a spouse can push out the retirement goal considerably. Then there are medical issues and the extended family you'd hate to see on the street ...

[m101]

If you exclude mortgage payments or rent then living in London is probably cheaper than living in most places in the US. We don’t have significant real estate taxes, my annual expenses on housing exc rent or mortgage payments (energy, service charge, internet, water, council taxes) is around 7-8k$. If you want health insurance it’s another 200-300$ a month but we have the nhs (albeit it is terrible for anything non-life threatening).