My story is a little different because I'm not FIREd. Not even close. Projections put me FIREd at 62, though I consider myself sort-of semi-retired. I had the opportunity to take a little retirement every year and fully retire at typical retirement age, rather than super-save and retire early.
In 2007, I was making ~$30k/yr as a freelancer, and I was up for two permanent positions. One was somewhere between $75k-$100k/yr, 60-hrs/wk, nonstop travel, VERY prestigious. The other was $40k/yr, 40-hr/wk, no travel, less prestige, HOWEVER it was only 6-7 months of work contiguous (though the healthcare extended year-round!).
So, I took the lower paying position. I now make ~$50k/yr from that job, and the hours per week are fewer because I've had years to improve my efficiency. Sometimes, I take a few weeks of freelance work in my off months (Spring & Summer) to diversify my skills and maintain my contacts. I've also taken a creative writing course, a trapeze class, a 3-wk trip to Europe, started writing a text book, improved my cooking/baking skills, volunteered with my union, my finances are a well-oiled machine... etc. etc. Anything I can think of doing, I have the time to pursue with focus. I LOVE my life!
Compared to my peers, I'm thinner, more energetic, happier. I have one of the happiest marriages, since my overworked husband can outsource errands to me with ease when things get crazy for him, and doesn't have to face any resentment.
Surprises:
*Some people have been so envious or just confused when I don't have anything to complain about that they cannot continue a conversation or sometimes the relationship.
*After the first couple of years, I started to find 8-10 weeks was enough time for me to both feel free and to accomplish my entire "Summer List", and then I have to come up with a whole new set of goals. Clearly, a little more time off for workers in this country would equate to a lot more happiness.
*It's become apparent this year that I'm aging at a slower rate than other women; I'm frequently mistaken for being nearly 10 years younger. It's as though I stopped aging when my lifestyle changed. I guess it makes sense; I'm one of the only people I know with both enough time, money, and sleep!