In my blog writing as well as on my YouTube channel, Two Sides of FI, I frequently opine on the power that comes from time freedom - that is, once you’re no longer working to meet life’s expenses (whether you choose to term this “retired” or not), you largely own how you spend your time.
"To FIRE aspirants: I promise you that these topics are trivial by comparison with the oft-termed “soft side” of FIRE."
Jason - you're SPOT ON with this statement, and your current challenge of protecting your time is a perfect example. I can totally relate to the "problem" of a side hustle becoming an obligation, and the irritating reality of how that can be a negative to something that is "good" from all other aspects. It's exactly the reason I've quit writing on a weekly schedule, and the new "random" schedule has brought the joy back into my writing. I don't have the answer for you, but I applaud you for challenging the obligations in your life. Best of luck wherever the journey leads you.
Thanks, Fritz! As you are one who writes often + very well on the "soft side" topics, I know just how much you get it. My own inspiration to get out of my 'rigid' former writing schedule came in part from what you shared on your own experiences there. As always, best wishes to you and your family as well!
First, so glad you are back writing periodic installments to your blog, Jason! Your perspective is much appreciated, and I don’t think for one second you should feel bad about how you enjoy utilizing your time. Although they are home during the summer, my kids are now off to college for nine months out of the year, and that feels like an appetizer of free time compared to what will be coming down the road. Please keep sharing your thoughts as you are so inclined, as I enjoy every post.
Thanks, Grant! While I no longer feel compelling to keep a regular cadence, writing when it "feels right" is suiting me well. I truly appreciate your support. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I’ve always been allergic to people advising me what to do with my time/money/ garden/ etc when I didn’t specifically ask for it. It seems to have become worse since I quit my payed job.
Know that you’re not alone in procrastinating on stuff you know you should do but don’t want to work on right now....I’m looking at a pile of camping gear I need to clean and put away...I’d much rather potter in the garden right now. But, I know I will thank myself after all is tidied away, in good shape for the next camping trip.
My strategy: every day, do at least 1 thing you’re future self will be grateful for. By imagining my future self being pleased I tidied that camping gear/mowed the lawn/ chopped the wood/ ironed the laundry (nothing better than sleeping under freshly ironed sheets, right?) it makes it easier to actually spent time on it.
It’s refreshing to read about the soft stuff, keep up the good work!
Great post - although only recently retired this year, I can already identify with it! I was so worried about being bored or becoming boring that I made this long list of activities, new hobbies, home projects, etc. to occupy my time. Sure, I've referred to this list but I'm amazed how wonderful it feels to just let the day decide! My inner voice still asks "So what have you accomplished today?" I always have answers but not the ones I expected myself to have! Thanks for sharing your perspectives!
Thanks, Kristina! Much of what you wrote is very familiar ground for me too - the only difference being I didn't worry about being bored. As predicted, I feel like there's still not enough time to do all the things I want! It's a good problem to have of course, and I am not complaining! Best wishes to you
Welcome to the club and your story is also very recognizable! I retired 2 years ago and had this list of big projects I wanted/ needed to do (including a timeline).. most was (and still is) on house and garden. The fact that I didn’t accomplish as much as I planned made me feel like a failure! Can you imagine, driving yourself in a self created burn-out in early retirement? Insane!
It took me significant time to let go of my big projects “to do” list. I still make lists, else I succumb in hours of rabbit holing and won’t even get dinner ready, but it is far better then my first year and I’m okay with that :-).
Nothing consistently. It's more about timing when it occurs i.e. a task needs doing on a given timeline and I'd rather be doing something else. Neither of us want to outsource any of it, primarily from a creative perspective. That said, the show generates very little revenue (from YouTube not the podcast) so the idea of paying for support isn't very appealing at this time.
That's fair! Those dreaded deadlines! I'm new to your blog, but it seems like they are a real burden to you! To me it looks like you quit blogging because of self imposed deadlines, yet here you are blogging without them and it seems to be going great :) No pressures! How does on remove the pressure when the deadlines are even a part of your friendship?? Even harder to pull off.
Definitely feels better to blog without deadlines. Also, the overhead of substack vs. a Wordpress site are much lower as well. Lastly, I'm spending less time revising, linking out to other content (mine and others), and formatting. In concert these factors make the whole thing much more enjoyable. As for the last question? Stay tuned for our next episode! The most important thing is that Eric and I have super open and honest communication. That makes things much easier.
"To FIRE aspirants: I promise you that these topics are trivial by comparison with the oft-termed “soft side” of FIRE."
Jason - you're SPOT ON with this statement, and your current challenge of protecting your time is a perfect example. I can totally relate to the "problem" of a side hustle becoming an obligation, and the irritating reality of how that can be a negative to something that is "good" from all other aspects. It's exactly the reason I've quit writing on a weekly schedule, and the new "random" schedule has brought the joy back into my writing. I don't have the answer for you, but I applaud you for challenging the obligations in your life. Best of luck wherever the journey leads you.
Thanks, Fritz! As you are one who writes often + very well on the "soft side" topics, I know just how much you get it. My own inspiration to get out of my 'rigid' former writing schedule came in part from what you shared on your own experiences there. As always, best wishes to you and your family as well!
First, so glad you are back writing periodic installments to your blog, Jason! Your perspective is much appreciated, and I don’t think for one second you should feel bad about how you enjoy utilizing your time. Although they are home during the summer, my kids are now off to college for nine months out of the year, and that feels like an appetizer of free time compared to what will be coming down the road. Please keep sharing your thoughts as you are so inclined, as I enjoy every post.
Thanks, Grant! While I no longer feel compelling to keep a regular cadence, writing when it "feels right" is suiting me well. I truly appreciate your support. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Wow, this is so recognizable!!
I’ve always been allergic to people advising me what to do with my time/money/ garden/ etc when I didn’t specifically ask for it. It seems to have become worse since I quit my payed job.
Know that you’re not alone in procrastinating on stuff you know you should do but don’t want to work on right now....I’m looking at a pile of camping gear I need to clean and put away...I’d much rather potter in the garden right now. But, I know I will thank myself after all is tidied away, in good shape for the next camping trip.
My strategy: every day, do at least 1 thing you’re future self will be grateful for. By imagining my future self being pleased I tidied that camping gear/mowed the lawn/ chopped the wood/ ironed the laundry (nothing better than sleeping under freshly ironed sheets, right?) it makes it easier to actually spent time on it.
It’s refreshing to read about the soft stuff, keep up the good work!
Thanks for sharing, Nanda! It seems I'm not along in these feelings :) I like your idea and will give it a shot.
Great post - although only recently retired this year, I can already identify with it! I was so worried about being bored or becoming boring that I made this long list of activities, new hobbies, home projects, etc. to occupy my time. Sure, I've referred to this list but I'm amazed how wonderful it feels to just let the day decide! My inner voice still asks "So what have you accomplished today?" I always have answers but not the ones I expected myself to have! Thanks for sharing your perspectives!
Thanks, Kristina! Much of what you wrote is very familiar ground for me too - the only difference being I didn't worry about being bored. As predicted, I feel like there's still not enough time to do all the things I want! It's a good problem to have of course, and I am not complaining! Best wishes to you
Hi Kristina,
Welcome to the club and your story is also very recognizable! I retired 2 years ago and had this list of big projects I wanted/ needed to do (including a timeline).. most was (and still is) on house and garden. The fact that I didn’t accomplish as much as I planned made me feel like a failure! Can you imagine, driving yourself in a self created burn-out in early retirement? Insane!
It took me significant time to let go of my big projects “to do” list. I still make lists, else I succumb in hours of rabbit holing and won’t even get dinner ready, but it is far better then my first year and I’m okay with that :-).
Can I ask which part of the podcast you don't enjoy working on? Maybe someone else would like to pick it up.
Nothing consistently. It's more about timing when it occurs i.e. a task needs doing on a given timeline and I'd rather be doing something else. Neither of us want to outsource any of it, primarily from a creative perspective. That said, the show generates very little revenue (from YouTube not the podcast) so the idea of paying for support isn't very appealing at this time.
That's fair! Those dreaded deadlines! I'm new to your blog, but it seems like they are a real burden to you! To me it looks like you quit blogging because of self imposed deadlines, yet here you are blogging without them and it seems to be going great :) No pressures! How does on remove the pressure when the deadlines are even a part of your friendship?? Even harder to pull off.
Definitely feels better to blog without deadlines. Also, the overhead of substack vs. a Wordpress site are much lower as well. Lastly, I'm spending less time revising, linking out to other content (mine and others), and formatting. In concert these factors make the whole thing much more enjoyable. As for the last question? Stay tuned for our next episode! The most important thing is that Eric and I have super open and honest communication. That makes things much easier.