What’s Next After Achieving Financial Freedom?

These 2 blog post from my friend about life after achieving FF prompted me to “ kaypoh” and write something about my life after FI since 3 years ago… this is the question where many “F.I.R.E to be” should ponder along the journey of achieving FI. Financial independence is not about being rich but is the experience of having enough….and the most important question people often overlook is “What's Next when you have achieved Financial Independence?”.

Can you be financially independent and be a loser at the time? ( Christopher from Growing your tree of prosperity ) – (here)

And

Planning your end game after FF ( LP from BULLy The BEAR ) – (here )

When I achieved financial freedom and quit working 3 years ago, the biggest realization I had was that I was the same guy. I had the same hang-ups and personal issues facing the same life I had before. The only difference was now I had a lot more time for my family and things I like.  I have time to attend school activities of my two daughters, go swimming, rock climbing and cycling at the parks together. 

Also, no need to worry about “annual leave not enough “ or taking leave during peak period e.g during kids school holidays when going to overseas holidays or short term staycation at neighbouring country, we can simply choose the date which suits them.  Going back to my hometown regularly during the non-peak period to avoid the hassle traffic jam and of course, the most important thing is to have more time with my mother who has been “bed-ridden “ since 3 years ago and are getting old. More times for exercise and morning walk while catching “Pokemon “ together with Mrs STE. J

The stress is gone

Achieving the perfect work-life balance is not easy and even if you are fortunate enough to leave the office on the dot of 5pm this does not guarantee an automatic switch-off from the stresses of work. Of course, we all have times of heightened pressure in our careers – times when we need to be working harder and perhaps for longer – but the point at which it is starting to affect your health, either mentally or physically, is when you know it has gone too far. Health is, quite simply, just too important to risk. 

I often have a problem of headache, gastric and back-pain during my working life and these are common sickness due to “ stress “ to some extent. All these have gone after I quit my job 3 years ago and this makes me realized that the work-stress related sick is much more severe than what we thought. I will be a “ good employee “ for not taking any MC for the past 3 years except going for a regular blood test of my “三高” at a polyclinic.

3 Reasons Why Work-Life Balance Is a Myth

There’s No Such Thing As ‘Work-Life Balance’

Humans Are By Nature Social Animals

According to Aristotle, human beings are “social animals” and therefore naturally seek the companionship of others as part of their well being. For example, if you are a single without kids and not having  many friends or strong social connection, you will need much more hobbies to occupied your time, else you might be killed by loneliness even with enough money to spend for the rest of your life. That may be the reasons for someone to choose to continue working even after achieving FI.

Financial Independence = Freedom To Choose?

This is the best article on “ Life after Retirement” which  I have ever read, writer vividly highlighted how he gained “ a whole new appreciation for what life has to offer after retirement “. ( here )

Financial freedom does not require that you retire early to a life of leisure or on vacation every day, sitting on the beachside (unless that is your desire). It’s about having autonomy and independence in your daily routine, allowing you to design a better life while spending your time, money, and energy in a more meaningful way. If that includes starting a new business (you wanted to for a long time ), further study (on passion ),  family bonding etc…

So, what do you think? What do you want to do or how to spend your time after achieving Financial Independence?

-Work More

-Do the same thing as before ( just a little bit less )

-Get into a hobby ( Blogging, Photography, Gardening etc..)

- Doing part-time

-Travel

- Further study ( your dream courses )…not for $$ or Career Advancement.

Life after achieving  ” Financial Freedom “ is different for everyone and same as the road to achieving Financial Independence …the ultimate goal is stay healthy and happy …be connected to Family & Society.

Cheers !!

Quote of The Day:

“With anything in life, I think that's when you start stressing yourself out - when you start worrying about the things that are out of your control. What I can control is being at my best every day and having no regrets at the end of each day. That's what I plan on doing.” Scott Tolzien

Sharing some photos during our morning or evening walk ## " Jalan-Jalan "...