It’s been a while since I’ve posted, so I thought I would give an update of what’s been happening in the last month or so.
The renovations on the house are complete. It’s been on the market now for about 2 weeks. I’ve had quite a few people looking at it, and even a few offers so far. One guy came in with a low-ball offer that made me laugh. I guess it takes all kinds. I hope that it sells before the real winter sets in.
I’ve lost about 20 pounds on my self-imposed diet. It really feels great to move around 20 pounds lighter. I still have a way to go, but I’m very encouraged by the results thus far. I started power walking last week. It takes a lot out of me, but I have noticed the difference in weight loss. I doubt that I will ever take up running, as the power walking is almost too much to handle as it is.
I have sold most of my toys. It’s funny how I don’t really miss any of that junk. My only regret is that I may have sold a few items below market value. Oh well, at least I won’t have to take any of it with me.
I’m still very committed to my original plan. I can see things falling into place. As mentioned, I hope to have the house sold soon. Once that is taken care of I will be looking for a very inexpensive place in the city – preferably within walking distance of my work.
Once I’m settled there, it’s one year of frugality and saving. I think I can still make my financial target and “retire” right on schedule.
Wow. I just finished reading over your entire site, and am blown away by the fact that, had I had the gumption at the time, almost all of it could have been written by me. Except that I am 30, female, and my few remaining relatives were supportive
I applaud your decision to give the rat race the boot forever. I did it myself in February of this year, and haven’t regretted it one bit. For me, the freedom it affords is more than worth the few hardships I endure. I, too, had a sudden series of life events that set me to questioning what I wanted out of life. I had one major advantage, though; I was already out of debt. Soon after my world-view changed, I got a divorce (not so directly related to the anticipated lifestyle change, but very directly related to the events which triggered it), sold my house and most of my belongings, and worked as long as I could stand it (I didn’t need the income any more; it is VERY difficult working at a job you hate strictly for the money, when you don’t even need the money) before quitting. Now I can do those things which please me; scrapbooking, travel, photography, camping, kayaking…the list goes on. My choices are limited only by my imagination (although, admittedly, I cannot do everything “right now,” I must naturally earn the money to do the bigger things first), and my stress level is barely noticeable. Although I don’t know you personally, I am very proud of you and wish you all the luck in the world with your life adventure!
Comment by Michelle — December 6, 2005 @ 7:45 pm
It’s nice to get feedback from people who think similarly. I truly believe freedom is achievable, you simply have to prioritize things and tweak your lifestyle a bit. Cheers!
Comment by Phil — December 10, 2005 @ 2:53 pm
Hi!
Please keep posting! You and I are on similar paths right now and I’d love to hear what you are up to and succeeding with as you go along. Congrats to have the courage to make the break even without all the answers up front. Really, truly congrats. I’m also working on my exit now as well.
Send me an email and we can stay in touch. I’ll also be posting online starting in January, so stay tuned.
Dave Marcotte
Comment by Dave Marcotte — December 21, 2005 @ 5:41 am