Podcast Summary

Podcast: Ready For Retirement
Episode: Freedom at 60: Why He Left a Job He Loved (and Doesn’t Regret It) | Retirement Reality
Host: James Conole, CFP®
Guest: Steve (Retired Video Game Programmer)
Date: December 10, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features Steve, who retired at 60 from a job he deeply loved. Despite career satisfaction and financial success, a health scare prompted Steve to rethink his priorities and retire earlier than planned. The conversation explores his journey from structured work life to the "complete and total freedom" of retirement, the practical and emotional steps he took to prepare, and how he's shaped a fulfilling, active lifestyle post-career.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Retirement Means “Freedom”

• Steve repeatedly describes retirement in one word: "Freedom" (00:05, 01:44).
• This isn’t an escape from a bad job, but a move towards having complete control over his time and choices.
  • Quote: "It's been amazing. All my time is mine." (00:09, 01:47 – Steve)

2. Loving Work Isn’t Enough to Keep Going

• Steve was a video game programmer for 23 years at the same company and enjoyed both the work and the people.
• Despite a great environment and high income, the drive for self-determination prevailed.
  • Quote: "It was all about wanting that freedom to do what I want to do when I want to do it." (02:16 – Steve)

3. The Health Wake-Up Call

• A heart attack at age 57 forced Steve to reevaluate his priorities and accelerated his retirement plans (03:11).
• The experience led to major life changes: improved diet, regular exercise, and significant weight loss (over 70 pounds).
• Quote: "That wake up call probably pushed me to retire a little earlier than I might have if that hadn't happened." (03:44 – Steve)

4. Gradual Journey Toward Financial Freedom

• Steve was always interested in early retirement (influenced by "The Richest Man in Babylon", Mr. Money Mustache, etc.), but the health scare acted as a catalyst.
• He started using financial software and consulted his mother's financial advisor to confirm retirement viability (05:02).
• Overcame a major financial setback after a divorce by learning to budget (using YNAB software) and improving his spending habits (05:58).
  • Quote: "Starting with budgeting...was the important first step." (05:58 – Steve)

5. From Intention to Action: Crafting a Retirement Plan

• Transition wasn't immediate; it took deliberate planning post-heart attack (08:20).
• Examples from friends showed it was possible and inspired him to develop a step-by-step plan.
• The heart attack made him "connect the dots between what I'm saying I want and the practical steps to get there" (10:22 – James paraphrasing Steve).

6. Leaving Work Gracefully

• Steve gave his company plenty of notice—nine months—to allow a smooth transition and help hire his replacement (12:13).
  • Quote: "I wanted to be good to my company...So I wanted to give them six months...and I ended up giving them nine." (12:13 – Steve)

7. Emotional and Psychological Preparation for Retirement

• Thought deeply about how he wanted retirement to look, not leaving the experience to chance (15:01).
• Recognizes the importance of preparing both financially and psychologically.

8. Life in Retirement: Highlights and Growth

• Joined jazz bands, took music lessons, and even enrolled in an acting class to challenge himself and grow (15:39).
• More time and energy: can now practice trombone and participate in groups during the day (17:38).
• Quote: "Now I can practice all during the day, all day long, if I want." (17:57 – Steve)

9. Travel, Flexibility, and Family

• International and domestic travel has become more spontaneous and flexible (20:04).
• Freedom to visit his sons on opposite coasts and support his mother in Arizona after her cancer diagnosis (30:05).

10. Health and Fitness Transformation

• Maintains weight loss and health through evolving strategies: weight training, heavy resistance bands, virtual reality workouts (Supernatural app on Meta Quest 3), and dietary changes (24:16–28:26).
• Consistency and willingness to experiment were keys to success.

11. Financial Adjustments and Security

• Retirement spending matches or slightly exceeds his initial expectations, handled with an intuitive approach.
• Healthcare planning included maximizing COBRA and HSA resources.
• Plans for Social Security at age 70 to maximize long-term security (23:09).
• Stresses that medical insurance shouldn't be viewed as a barrier to retiring before Medicare age.

12. Advice for Future Retirees

• Start with solid budgeting—this is the foundation of financial readiness.
• Use financial tools, read quality books and resources (Rob Berger, FIRE community), and don't hesitate to consult a financial advisor if needed.
• Psychological readiness: Know what you’re retiring TO, not just FROM.
  • Quote: "Try to envision what you want your life to look like in retirement and then just go for that. For me, it's been as good or better than I even imagined." (36:37 – Steve)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Freedom...it's been amazing. All my time is mine." – Steve (00:09)
• "I had a great job with great people...it was all about wanting that freedom." – Steve (02:16)
• "That wake up call probably pushed me to retire a little earlier." – Steve (03:44)
• "Starting with budgeting...was the important first step." – Steve (05:58)
• "Now I can practice all during the day, all day long, if I want." – Steve (17:57)
• "For me, it's been as good or better than I even imagined." – Steve (36:37)

Memorable Segment Timestamps

• 00:05, 01:44 – Steve chooses "freedom" to sum up his retirement.
• 03:11 – Heart attack story and the motivator for change.
• 05:58 – The aftermath of divorce and learning to budget.
• 10:22 – The health scare pushes Steve from intention to action.
• 12:13 – Steve's careful, extended notice to his employer.
• 15:39 – Life-enriching activities in retirement—jazz, acting, travel.
• 24:16–28:26 – Steve's health and fitness routine: how he lost 70 lbs and stayed consistent.
• 30:05 – Being present for his mom after her cancer diagnosis.
• 36:37 – Closing advice on preparing for retirement mentally and emotionally.

Recap: What Listeners Can Take Away

• Retirement is more than stopping work—it’s about gaining freedom to live on your terms.
• Deep reflection and planning (financial and psychological) are critical.
• Overcoming adversity (health or financial) can be a catalyst for positive change.
• Consistent, small steps—like budgeting and forming new habits—compound into lasting security.
• The flexibility of retirement enables deeper family connections, renewed hobbies, adventure, and personal growth.
• Don’t let healthcare or fear of sequence of returns risk act as barriers.
• It’s never too late to rethink what you want life to look like—and make it happen.