[maehwasu]

If you’re not able to think creatively enough to find a place in the US or the world to live off a $1-2M starting point, then early retirement probably isn’t for you.

Meant with no disrespect: some people are naturally better suited to be employee types imo. Everyone fantasizes about life on their own, but most aren’t willing to make the tradeoffs to do so.

Source: retired by 33, while making tradeoffs and living places that most of my peers would find unacceptable. To each his own.

[bradlys]

I don't think the "think creatively enough" is the issue. It's more of a lifestyle difference. Some people are happy with living off the $50k/yr they'd get from a 4% slice of $2m for the rest of their life. Some aren't. I'm in the "some aren't" group. The things I enjoy and the places I like being in require a lot more money.

So - it's not just a matter of if early retirement is for someone but also if they can enjoy the lifestyle they want with the savings they have. And, unless I had like $10m+ saved - I doubt I could fully enjoy the life I'd like to lead. And since I don't think $10m is just gonna land in my lap anytime soon - I'll continue to work to get to the lifestyle I enjoy.

[wobbly_bush]

Interesting, I'm curious what kind of tradeoffs do you have to make and what places worked for you but your peers thought unacceptable?