Why I want to achieve Financial Freedom without Retiring Early
Not that much FIRE in my Belly
During a stressful phase of my life a few years back, I started my investment journey to achieve FIRE (financially independent, retire early). I have made a decent progress resulting into my Tradevesting methodology. And now, I believe I am better placed to reflect on my journey and have a balanced view based on the progress I have made.
I have come to realize that achieving financial freedom doesn’t necessarily mean retiring early. For me, freedom means having the flexibility to pursue my passions and interests while still enjoying the benefits of a steady job, such as reducing stress from financial worries and providing structure to my day.
Disclaimer: My views are based on my personal experience of having an investment corpus and working a corporate job. This perspective may not apply to everyone, as different people have unique circumstances and preferences. It’s important to consider your own situation when thinking about financial freedom and retirement.
While I agree that financial freedom helps us handle the uncertainties of a corporate job and allows us to make choices without being constrained by financial worries. I also believe that money doesn’t necessarily lead to happiness. True happiness often comes from other sources like relationships, personal fulfillment, and meaningful experiences. It’s important to balance financial goals with what truly brings you joy.
I work in data technology and I love most (not every to be honest) aspects of my job. This field constantly evolves, offering new challenges and opportunities to learn. The work is engaging and satisfying, and it allows me to make a significant impact. Staying in this industry keeps me motivated and excited about my career, even as I achieve financial freedom.
I use Tradevesting methodology for my investments in the stock market, which requires infrequent interventions (just a couple of transactions a week). This approach means I don’t need to leave my job to meddle with investments daily. I also believe that constantly managing investments doesn’t necessarily lead to higher returns. Instead, a well-planned strategy, conviction and patience often yield better results.
In my view, freedom doesn’t necessarily mean retirement. It can mean having the flexibility to pursue my passions and interests in a steady job. Financial freedom gives me the freedom to make choices based on what I love rather than what I need to do for money. This way, I can enjoy my work and personal life without the pressure to retire early.
For me, having a steady income from my job helps reduce common stressors like paying bills and handling emergencies. This financial stability provides peace of mind and allows me to focus on other important aspects of life. Knowing that my job covers my essential expenses makes it easier to pursue financial freedom without the need to retire early.
Staying with my work also allows me to continue building my base corpus. A steady income from my job helps me save and invest more, increasing my financial security. This way, I can strengthen my financial foundation while still being active in my professional life.
Continuing to work allows for my personal and professional growth. Staying engaged in my job helps me learn new skills, take on new challenges, and advance in my career. This ongoing development keeps me motivated and fulfilled, making my work life rewarding.
Work often provides social interaction and a sense of community. Being part of a team and interacting with colleagues gives me a feeling of belonging and support. These social connections are important for my well-being and make my work environment enjoyable.
Having a job provides a sense of purpose and structure to my day. It gives me clear goals and routines, helping me stay focused and productive. This structure helps me maintain a balanced and organized life, contributing to my overall well-being.
Having multiple sources of income can enhance my lifestyle. Besides my job, investments and other passive income streams can give me additional financial resources. This extra income allows me to enjoy more experiences, save more, and feel more secure about my future.
Continuing to work while being financially free allows me to keep growing personally and professionally, build a stronger financial foundation, and enjoy social interactions and a sense of community. Multiple sources of income can enhance my lifestyle and provide extra security. Ultimately, financial freedom gives me the ability to make choices that align with my values and interests without the pressure to retire early. This balance brings both stability and fulfillment to my life.
If you loved this story, please feel free to check my other articles on this topic here: https://ankit-rathi.github.io/tradevesting/
Ankit Rathi is a data techie and weekend tradevestor. His interest lies primarily in building end-to-end data applications/products and making money in stock market using Tradevesting methodology.
