Will Retiring Early Actually Make You Happy? [rebroadcast] | MHFI 194

Carl and Doug unpack the pursuit of happiness and the winding road to early retirement. From life's unexpected twists to the importance of relationships beyond the balance sheet, they explore what it really means to live a fulfilling life post-FIRE. Listen-in for a blend of finance, philosophy, and insights, all served up with a side of personal stories & anecdotes. Note: This is a rebroadcast of MHFI Episode 006 and 088. Do we contribute to your happiness? If so, come support us over at Buy Me A Coffee . Links 1500 Days to Freedom, “7 Thoughts On Happiness: Part 1” 1500 Days to Freedom, “Happiness Series Part 2: Five Big-Ass Spending Experiments” 1500 Days to Freedom, “Happiness Part 3: Deep Contentment Is The Goal” Mr. Money Mustache JD Roth Tim Ferriss Tim Ferriss, “The 4-Hour Workweek” Tim Ferriss Podcast, “Rolf Potts - The Vagabond’s Way” Naval Ravikant Rolf Potts, “Vagabonding” FI Chautauqua Sonja Lyubomirsky Joe Rogan Experience, “1961-Peter Attia” Mark Manson, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” Wait But Why, “Taming the Mammoth” Living a FI, “The 2021 Early-Retirement Update" ChooseFI Local Groups CampFI Mile High FI Facebook Group Doug’s site Carl’s blog: 1500 Days -- Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won't even make such a claim. You shouldn't take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren't certified financial planners or advisors. We're not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles 1500 Days, Carl's Blog about Early Retirement Email us here: doug@milehighfi.com or carl@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 5:35 Thoughts on happiness 11:03 The science behind happiness 20:52 Pleasure, meaning, and challenges 24:35 Doug & Carl’s happiness histories 34:15 What did not lead to happiness 40:56 Happy times 47:43 Power of community 54:37 FIRE unhappiness 59:44 Easing into retirement 1:07:36 Self-doubt & purpose 1:15:33 Flexibility, sabbaticals, and career shifts 1:23:29 Advice for FIRE & happiness 1:35:44 Rapid-fire personal questions