I don't know much about the early retirement crowd, but this turned me away from the idea. Financial independence, or at least some freedom, sounds great. But

I don't know much about the early retirement crowd, but this turned me away from the idea. Financial independence, or at least some freedom, sounds great. But money is just a tool to some end. What end? Ultimately, having some output and being helpful to others is pretty basic to happiness. A job is a good vehicle for that, though not the only one. It sounds like he and his wife had a shared goal and developed a great relationship. Then they never really had another goal after they accomplished that one. No kids, no charity, no research, not helping the community. Wouldn't it be a lot better to get close to independence, then just take off a couple months at a time? Or at least build up some real goals you care about? Or make/adopt some kids/pets that can use all that attention?