Ever since I learned the concept of early retirement, it became my dream. The idea of living life on my own terms—before turning 40—felt like freedom. But what no one told me was how difficult, emotional, and sometimes even painful that journey would be. In this post, I’ll share the real challenges I faced while chasing my early retirement dream, so you know it’s not just about saving money—it's about surviving the ups and downs life throws at you.
Financial Instability and Debt
Like many middle-class Indians, I started with debts—an education loan and later a personal loan. Even though I earn monthly as a government employee, EMI goes toward repaying loans. That alone takes away a big chunk of my savings potential.
> The stress of not being able to save enough every month eats at your motivation. You start questioning your dream—"Is this even possible?"
Pressure from Society and Family
When I told people I want to retire early, they laughed. Some even mocked me.
> “Government job hai, aaram se chalo!”
“Retire hoke kya karega? TV dekhega?”
There's this mindset that if you're not working, you're being lazy. This judgment creates emotional pressure that’s hard to escape.
Even family sometimes doesn’t understand. You feel alone, even when you’re surrounded by people.
Lack of Financial Education
When I started, I didn’t know where to invest. Mutual funds, SIPs, PPF, insurance—it all looked like a maze. I lost money in the wrong policies and wasted years just trying to learn.
> I wish our schools taught us how to manage money. I had to learn through trial and error.
Temptation to Spend
Even if you plan to save ₹10,000 every month, something always comes up—festivals, weddings, shopping temptations, emergencies. I’ve failed many times to stick to a monthly savings plan.
This taught me that discipline is more powerful than dreams. Without it, early retirement remains a fantasy.
Mental Burnout
Working full-time, handling debt, learning investing, planning a side hustle, and maintaining a social life—it’s exhausting.
There were times when I wanted to give up. I cried alone at night thinking maybe this dream was too big for someone like me.
But every breakdown reminded me that if I quit now, I’d regret it forever.
No One Talks About Purpose After Retirement
We often talk about the money part. But what will you do when you retire at 40? Sleep? Travel? Okay… then what?
I realized I needed a reason to wake up each day, not just financial freedom. For me, that reason became this blog—writing my story, and maybe helping others who feel like I do.
Finding Additional Income is Not Easy
I tried side hustles—affiliate marketing, surveys, content writing. Most didn’t work or paid too little.
> It’s hard to find something you enjoy, that also pays consistently, especially when you have limited time.
But I didn’t give up. Even now, I explore ideas that match my passion—like this blog.
Comparing Yourself to Others
Social media shows people investing in crores, retiring at 30, traveling the world. It makes you feel like you’re far behind.
> I learned that everyone’s pace is different. My journey is mine. I don’t need to be perfect, just consistent.
Conclusion: What Keeps Me Going
Yes, the challenges are real. The dream looks far. But every small step matters—every ₹1 saved, every blog post shared, every lesson learned.
Early retirement isn’t just about quitting a job. It’s about building a life you don’t need to escape from. And I know—I will get there.
And if you're reading this, maybe you're on a similar path. Just remember:
> “It’s okay to go slow. Just don’t stop.”
Call to Action
If you’re dreaming of early retirement
too, let’s walk together.
Share your story in the comments, or reach out via the contact page.
You’re not alone.