Inspirational stories on people leaving traditional jobs?

[fallstoclimb]

I know many people here are aiming for early retirement, but I'm thinking more and more I'm just not going to make it that long.  I make good money and am rapidly paying off debt, but midway through every work day I end up thinking there's a 30% chance I will just give my two weeks notice that day.

I won't actually do that anytime soon -- there is still the debt, and lack of emergency fund, and the mortgage to pay, and this savings thing is a waiting game -- but I desperately need to read stories of other people's escapes from the cubicle world.

Share yours, or a friend's, or a favorite blog!

[Gray Matter]

I wouldn't call mine an inspirational story (yet).  But stay tuned, it just might become one!

We started too late to do any sort of real early retirement (we're 43 and 46).  About five years ago, we decided to get our financial house in order (paid off all debt except mortgage, refinanced that to a 15 year at 2.95%) and have focused on building our 'stache (emergency, retirement, college savings).  Savings is in pretty good shape, but nowhere near enough to retire on.  Instead of keeping my nose to the grindstone, I have decided I'd rather let that retirement savings grow on its own while I work in a job that is more rewarding, even if it means working longer.

So I am currently interviewing at a non-profit, which would entail quite a pay cut, but I'm OK with that.  Not working at all isn't a driving force for me; working in a job I enjoy is.  Even if we don't add another cent to our savings, our three kids' college will be 50% funded by the time they get there (assuming state school tuition, fees, room and board) and we could retire in about 10-12 years.

[limeandpepper]

I know many people here are aiming for early retirement, but I'm thinking more and more I'm just not going to make it that long. 

I won't actually do that anytime soon -- there is still the debt, and lack of emergency fund, and the mortgage to pay, and this savings thing is a waiting game -- but I desperately need to read stories of other people's escapes from the cubicle world.

This is how I feel. I can reach retirement about 10 years from now, but the thought of continuing on with another 10 straight years of working is just... not right for me.

I don't know if my story is inspirational (time will tell, haha!) but, I'll be leaving my cubicle job soon, for an indefinite travel-sabbatical with my freelancer boyfriend. Neither of us have debt. We both have enough savings to make this viable. Yes it will delay retirement, that's fine with us. I don't mind the idea of a semi rather than fully retired lifestyle, e.g. working a couple of days a week to feed daily expenditures while letting my savings/investments continue to grow. Our travel plans at the moment are all based in Asia as it's easiest and most affordable for us. We will also be spending chunks of time with our families in between, whom we haven't seen much of in the past decade, due to distance. So I'm really looking forward to all that. Feel free to pop by my journal too if you want to know more, though I focus less on numbers and more on adventure in there. ;)

[brewer12345]

11 years ago my DW quit her full time job.  She had a long, expensive commute and did not make a ton of money.  We knew we wanted to have kids in the next couple of years and the schedule would not work as it was.  She set up a private practice on a part time basis out of the house, pretty much doing what she had done for an employer.  There were plenty of lean years where she spent way more time chasing small children than working, but having the business kept her skills up and provided a platform for future expansion.  Once the kids went to school she was able to expand the business.  Now she makes part time after tax what people who bow to an employer full time keep.

[Kriegsspiel]

Have you read Work Less, Live More by Clyaat? It's about semi-retiring young.

[Cassie]

We semi-retired at 53 & 58.  We could fully retire if we were willing to live on $40,000/year but with our health insurance costing $10,000/year we do not want to do that. Plus we both were bored when fully retired.  After 2 years we are very happy doing this.  We both have our own p.t. consulting businesses.   I really think for some people this can be the best of both worlds.

[fallstoclimb]

This is exactly what I needed.

[Cassie]

The last 5 years I had a hard time staying but needed to for my pension. so I made a freedom calendar and crossed off every month until freedom.  It helped me to feel better.

[G-dog]

This may be less inspiration and mor comisseration...
I just turned 54yo and am trying to hold out at the current job until 55yo to be able to access all the retirement options currently in play.
Interestingly, the company is changing our benefits options and rules at a fast and furious pace starting about a year ago, so what I am holding on for may go away before I grab the brass ring.
I think I have enough to leave now, but can see the other money on the table. If I were younger, I would leave - i can barely imagine sticking it out for another 11 months at this point!
My parallel stream is applying for other jobs with my current employer, if any of those pan out, I hang a bit longer and feather my nest more.  I also got a later start on serious stashing and serious income.
FYI -I just made a countdown file last week, and a promise that I will leave this dreaded job by 55yo or before!