Freedom. For me, that’s been the ultimate goal of early retirement—and it’s still the best part. When I first decided to take the leap back in 2005, the motivation was clear: I wanted the freedom to be present for my children. At the time, I could already sense that a tech career would soon clash with the demands of raising kids, and I needed to create space for what really mattered.
Fast forward eighteen years, and my prediction was spot-on. Early retirement has turned out to be a life-altering adventure—one I wouldn’t trade for anything. It’s been about more than just lounging around; it’s been about working hard when I need to, playing hard when I can, and slowing down when life calls for it. But with my youngest nearly grown, I’m cashing in some of those hard-earned “freedom chips” to test out a new phase: living in a warm, sunny place for the winter, away from the cold and chaos of Colorado.
That place? Culdesac Tempe.
A Big Change in a Big Experiment
On December 1st, I’ll be packing up essentials—clothes, tools, gadgets, and of course, my mountain bike—and hitting the road for an epic winter escape to Arizona. My son will join me for the journey, and we’ll be settling into a spacious two-bedroom apartment for four months. While I’ll be fully immersed in this new life, my son will split his time between Colorado and Arizona, maintaining connections with both parents.
This move is about more than just escaping winter; it’s a deliberate choice to reinvent myself in a completely different environment. Living in a car-free, walkable community in the heart of a car-obsessed city presents both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. And for me, challenges are exactly what make life meaningful. This change is the perfect way to push myself, stretch my limits, and truly experience the full spectrum of life.
What’s Next in Arizona?
While the specifics are still unfolding, here’s a glimpse of what I have planned for my time in Tempe:
- Making New Connections: I’m excited to meet new people, especially those who’ve chosen to live in this car-free neighborhood. What draws someone to live in a place like this? I can’t wait to find out.
- Reconnecting with Old Friends: Some of my close friends, including Chris Smith (aka the Coverage Critic), already live in Culdesac, so I’m looking forward to hanging out with them and catching up.
- Staying Active: I’m ready to use my newly freed-up time to get into shape. The on-site gym is top-notch, and with all the biking opportunities around Tempe, I’ll be out exploring the local trails and surrounding desert.
- Writing More: I’ve got a backlog of blog posts to write and social media platforms to revitalize. This time will allow me to reconnect with my online presence and share more of my experiences.
- Enjoying the Weather: In Colorado, winter means snowstorms and freezing temperatures. In Tempe, it means mid-70s and sunny days, perfect for outdoor dining, biking, and enjoying the kind of weather I’ve missed.
- Starting a Handyman Business: A quirky side project—helping new residents build IKEA furniture, move heavy items, and hang pictures—sounds like a great way to meet people, stay active, and be useful to the community.
- Sharing Experiences with My Son: Perhaps the most rewarding part of this experiment is helping my son experience life in a completely new place. It’s his first time living in a city other than where he was born, and it’s a chance for him to see how a new community works, how people interact, and how they live.
The Bigger Picture
There’s more to this experiment than just a fun winter getaway. As I share my journey, I hope to send a message about the importance of embracing change and stepping outside your comfort zone. It’s easy to fall into a routine and convince ourselves that everything is “good enough”—especially in a country like ours, where basic needs are often met, and luxuries are just a Netflix subscription away.
But I believe that’s exactly the mindset that holds people back. We get too comfortable, too safe, and too settled in our routines. That’s why I’m challenging myself—and hopefully inspiring others—to experiment with life. Whether it’s moving to a new city, changing careers, or simply getting outside and exercising your body in new ways, the goal is to create some purpose-driven change.
Looking back at my life, I see that the most transformative decisions were the bold ones. The biggest leap I ever made was moving to the U.S. alone at 24, leaving behind family, friends, and my familiar job. It was daunting, but it led me to where I am today—a life I’m thankful for every single day.
The spirit of experimentation applies to all aspects of life. Maybe it’s about challenging your body more by trying new physical activities. Maybe it’s about expanding your social circles by joining new groups or taking on a new hobby. The key is to push yourself to try something different—something that’s a little difficult, a little uncomfortable, but ultimately rewarding.
Taking the Leap
I’m excited about this next chapter and what it will bring. But the real lesson I hope to impart is simple: don’t settle for “good enough.” Life is short, and there’s always room for growth and adventure. Whether it’s moving to a new city, tackling a new project, or simply shifting your perspective, change is the spark that keeps life exciting.
So, I encourage you to make your own experiment. Challenge yourself in some small or big way, and see where it takes you. You’ll be surprised at what you can learn and how much you can grow. Life’s too short to stand still—so let’s all set our feet on a new path and start moving.
