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.

Learning Who I Am Without Her

Billy Kaderli

Learning who I am… one café at a time.

I guess some guys and gals would relish my position — financially independent and single — but so far I don’t. The grass isn’t always greener, and I miss my partner dearly.

It just doesn’t feel right for me.

I’m used to sharing experiences with Akaisha. We had so many that we could tell stories about “that time we were in… Saint Somewhere” for hours.

Memories that will never fade.

I’m at the age when all the pretty girls call me “sir.”

Finding a like-minded lady who interests me is probably not going to happen easily. People are often too set in their ways at this stage of life — myself included — and many carry more baggage than I’m willing to deal with. Still, I’m definitely not ruling anything out.

Then there’s the sugar-daddy thing. Nope, not going there… though it could be fun for a short while. Most wouldn’t have anything in common with a 1963 Volkswagen bus or Woodstock. Not that I went to Woodstock, but I did attend the Summer Jam at Watkins Glen in 1973 with the Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead, and The Band. I’ll leave it at that.

I also know I’m not going to find a fellow traveler at the local library or grocery store. I need to get back out on the road and let fate take its course. Sitting in a café in Paris or Thailand feels much more likely if that’s where my future leads me.

Here in Mexico there are plenty of mature ladies who are kind, passionate, and fun, but most are not seasoned travelers. Many probably don’t even have a passport. Maybe when I’m old and gray… wait a minute, I’m already there. Still, I feel like I have more global traveling left to do. Something about going to new places, meeting locals, and eating different cuisines still attracts me. Maybe I’m weird. Maybe I’m growing older but not up. I just don’t know. I guess now is my time to learn who I am without Akaisha.

It’s all a new path for me, and my world is what I make it.

I can’t be the first guy from the pre-FIRE movement who has gone through something similar, so I’m open to any and all suggestions or recommendations.  

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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