92. How FIRE Changed Everything - But Not the Way I Expected

It’s been a decade since I started down the FIRE path, and life looks very different these days - especially since becoming a dad. In this episode, I reflect on how early retirement gave me something more valuable than money: time.

But it also left me unexpectedly restless. I talk about mini-retirement, purpose, starting two businesses, and how becoming a parent reshaped my perspective on work, freedom, and what really matters.

Whether you're deep into your FIRE journey or just getting started, this one’s for you.

Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are:

• The Unexpected Dissatisfaction (00:03:33)
• The Value of Discomfort and Growth (00:05:03)
• Rediscovering Purpose Through Entrepreneurship (00:08:34)
• How FIRE Helped with Parenthood (00:10:35)
• Financial Security as a Buffer (00:11:13)
• Not Loving Early Retirement (00:12:06)

Links

• Blog post

www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast