I Quit My Job! A Look At What's Next

In 2018, I took a leap that terrified me — I quit my full-time job after almost 13 years. My last day was September 14th, a date I’ll never forget. When I handed in my two-week notice, my boss and coworkers were shocked. Nobody saw it coming.

Why? On paper, I had a stable career. But in reality, I was constantly stressed and craving something more: freedom. I wanted time to travel while I was still young and healthy. I had family abroad I rarely saw and a bucket list of destinations I couldn’t stop dreaming about.

Not Yet Financially Independent — But Ready for Change

My husband and I aren’t fully FI (Financially Independent) yet. He’s still working and plans to for a few more years. But when I discovered the FI community, my entire outlook on life and money shifted.

Before, I thought I’d be chained to a desk until at least 65. That vision was depressing, especially in a job that drained me daily. But after running the numbers, I realized we had a solid financial cushion. By cutting spending with intention, we could comfortably live on less — even with me stepping away from a steady paycheck.

I’m incredibly grateful for my husband’s support. As the more frugal one, he didn’t just understand; he encouraged me to make the change. He saw how unhappy I was and agreed that reducing expenses was worth the trade-off for my mental health.

My Plan: Freedom Doesn’t Mean Doing Nothing

I didn’t leave my job to binge-watch Netflix all day. I wanted to keep contributing, stay productive, and earn money — but on my terms.

Before quitting, I started networking and lining up freelance writing opportunities, especially in my favorite niche: travel and travel rewards. I’d already taken on a few projects, and I wanted to build that into a real business.

My goal was to replace at least 50% of my take-home pay within a few months through freelancing and side hustles. I didn’t know exactly what my new “career” would look like, but I trusted that if I stayed open, opportunities would appear.

Transitioning from Employee to Self-Employed

The first couple of weeks after leaving felt like a vacation — family came to visit, and it didn’t sink in that I wasn’t going back to the office.

By month one, reality set in: I had to create structure and learn how to be my own boss.

What I’ve Learned So Far

I sleep better. Without daily work stress, I wake up naturally — no alarm, no middle-of-the-night tossing and turning.
Separate work and life. Working from the kitchen table wasn’t cutting it. I moved into a spare room, set up my desk, and created a dedicated home office.
People assume I’m “retired.” I’m not. I’m self-employed. In some ways, answering to myself is harder than reporting to a boss — self-discipline is key.

What I’m Still Figuring Out

Taxes as a freelancer. Estimated quarterly taxes, self-employment tax… all new territory. ChooseFI Episode 94R has been my go-to resource.
Finding the right schedule. Too much freedom can be unproductive. I’m experimenting with how to mix work, errands, and exercise without losing momentum.
Growing my business. I’m still identifying the best ways to apply my skills, fill knowledge gaps, and increase income while continuing to save for “traditional” retirement.

Looking Ahead

I thought the adjustment would be harder. But honestly? I love having full control over my time. We’ve already planned multiple trips, and my goal is to work while traveling — something I’m still learning to balance.

I don’t know if this is a sabbatical, a fully funded lifestyle change, or the start of my next big chapter. What I do know is that I’m happier, healthier, and excited to see where this path leads.

I Quit My Job A Look At What's Next

FAQ: Quitting Your Job Before FI

1. Can you quit your job before reaching Financial Independence?

Yes — but it requires careful planning. If you have a financial cushion, a supportive partner (if applicable), and a plan to reduce expenses or replace part of your income, you can step away from a full-time job before hitting full FI. Many people call this a fully funded lifestyle change rather than early retirement.

2. What’s the difference between a gap year, mini-retirement, and quitting for good?

Gap Year: Typically one year away from work to travel, study, volunteer, or focus on personal projects, with the intention of returning to the workforce.
Mini-Retirement: A longer career break (6 months to several years) that allows you to experience “retirement life” before reaching FI.
Full Quit: Leaving your job permanently to transition into self-employment, passion work, or traditional retirement.

Gap years and mini-retirements can be a powerful middle ground — they give you time to recharge, explore, and even discover new career paths while keeping the option to return to work.

3. Can you “un-quit” your job?

Absolutely. Many people take a break from work and then return — often with:

Higher pay (especially if they’ve upskilled or gained unique experiences during the break)
A better work environment (choosing a company and role that align with their values)
Renewed motivation and better work-life balance

The key is to maintain your network while away, keep your skills sharp, and be open about your reasons for the break when interviewing again.

4. How do you prepare financially to quit your job?

Build an emergency fund covering 6–12 months of living expenses.
Pay off or minimize high-interest debt.
Test your reduced budget before leaving to ensure it’s sustainable.
Plan a way to earn supplemental income through freelancing, consulting, or side hustles.

5. How do you handle health insurance after leaving a job?

Options include:

Joining a spouse’s or partner’s plan.
Purchasing insurance through the ACA marketplace.
Exploring short-term health insurance or healthcare sharing ministries (with research).

6. What are the biggest challenges when transitioning from employee to self-employed?

Self-discipline — creating and sticking to a structured schedule.
Taxes — learning about quarterly estimated taxes and self-employment tax.
Income stability — building multiple income streams to manage unpredictability.

7. How can you work while traveling?

Choose location-independent work (writing, design, consulting, teaching online).
Use portable tech — reliable laptop, noise-canceling headphones, backup internet options.
Set consistent work hours even on the road.

8. Is quitting before FI worth it?

For many, yes. While there are risks, the mental health benefits, reduced stress, and ability to pursue passion projects often outweigh the downsides — especially if you have a financial plan and income strategy in place.

And remember — quitting doesn’t have to be forever. You can take a gap year or mini-retirement, recharge, and come back stronger, often in a better role with better pay.

I Quit My Job for More Freedom: Here’s What Life Looks Like Now