Shownotes Transcript
我一直对主流的“去大厂、赚大钱”之类职业道路心存疑虑，唯一感到诱惑的是一件事：如果能高薪工作、早早存钱、财务自由、提前退休，这样是不是人生会很棒？ 于是我请到了同一栋楼的邻居Evan，一个前亚马逊/谷歌程序员，28岁实现退休。我们谈到关于如何实现这件事的具体细节，但我更关注的还是，年纪轻轻地退休了，生活会更快乐吗？失去职业头衔后如何定位自己在社会和人世的身份？还能保持个人的成长吗？非常感谢Evan坦诚且走心的分享，在聊完后我也对自己是否会选择这条路有了一个答案。 I've heard so many fellow neuroscience PhD graduates working in those companies saying how this life can become much better in tech companies than in PhD but I always feel a bit resistant to that idea. But one argument I felt hard to resist is: that I will be able to secure a large chunk of money then retire early and then, my life will be free of any concerns. So in this episode, I invited Evan who is a housemate in the same community house (reference: episode 14). He retired at 28 years old after working for Amazon and Google as a programmer. We talked about the technical "how-to"s, but also about happiness, the meaning of life, and personal growth? I'm very grateful that Evan gave a comprehensive and honest share of his experience of early retirement. 2:14 Life before retirement: how to spend all those money that a programmer can earn? 8:03 Why saving money is natural: living, housing, traveling12:17 Don't you need money to buy the newest iphone?15:29 Financial and mental preparation for retirement: how to feel safe?19:53 How to not feel bored after retirement?25:28 tricks in explain to family and friends about retirement29:44 how to define my identity and value if it's not by my career?33:56 the fact that I have so much spare time but not doing sth that changes the world41:05 what's your best possible contribution to society? and problems with effective altruism46:39 Period of feeling meaningless, depression, and loss of goal55:27 How is social life and collaboration possible after retirement?1:01:47 Don't want to become a provider for the sole purpose of having marriage and kids1:07:30 A high-level summary: the real mental preparation is to be yourself1:11:11 Biggest personal growth: the journey with social anxiety1:17:09 How much money is enough for retirement? The calculation and the unexpected Cover photo: Boba Jovanovic on Unsplash Music: Ryini Beats (GuitarAcoustic guitar instrumental beat 2019 15)