Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

An Open Book, Still a Private Man

Billy Kaderli

The other chair

I never wanted to be a man of history. I am, at heart, a private person. The early-retirement FIRE movement grew organically from people like us who simply ventured out with a dream—no phones, no computers, no grand plan. Just backbone and curiosity.

Now my life feels like an open book. I write from the heart and pour my soul onto the keyboard. Thank you all for making that possible, and for your support across these decades.

I am still learning to ride the unicycle of life, and the balance is harder than it looks. Every day brings things that need attention. I also want some kind of social life along the way. I have a maid once a week, so I am spared the heavy cleaning. I could hire more help, but extra people become more distraction than benefit.

I like quiet time, if such a thing exists in Mexico. It is a loud culture. I still love it.

I have always had decent relationships, at least by my own measure. Growing up with an older sister, I grew used to having women around. Now I am an empty nester, and I do not much like it. I like sharing a long lunch with a friend—wine, cheese, dessert—for a couple of hours. Preferably with a woman. I miss that. I also miss exploring new towns and places and building memories together. That is who I am, and I am comfortable in that kind of company.

I have male friends who stay solo, and I honestly do not understand why they never connect with someone to share life with. That is not me. There are plenty of women out there, and they are not all after money. Good ones exist too.

I am a simple man.

I have said before that I am putting myself out there and letting people know I am looking for friends. People are responding. My Spanish is, in my own estimate, still low-level, though others say I am better than that. It helps. So many locals speak English that language is not much of a barrier.

Thailand is different. The language is hard, and so is the culture. Men and women work through those differences anyway if they want a real relationship. I do. That is what I am trying to build with my new Thai friend.

I am looking for someone to spend the rest of my life with. The speed at which Akaisha turned shocked us both. It was a lesson: it can happen to anyone. None of us know what is going on inside our bodies. So I am preparing for a companion through to a beautiful end—a friend, partner, lover, traveler, and a beautiful heart.

That is also why my new Thai friend matters. It is a process in motion, not close to finished. I care about where it might go, and I am working at it. I cannot pretend the story is already written.

It feels strange to write this. None of us knows the timing. I only know I still want company at the table, someone to share the next town with, and a hand to hold if the unicycle wobbles.

I am about to complete another lap around the sun. I am walking toward it with my eyes open.

Billy

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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