I thought early retirement would naturally lead to a slower, simpler life. Instead, I spent over a year unlearning productivity, redefining my relationship with leisure, and figuring out who I was without work.

When I quit my highly stressful, soul-sucking job 2 years ago, I had a deep desire to live a simple, slow life. I called it my Victorian Era, with romantic notions of long stretches of leisure time and the ability to do the things I love for no reason other than the fact that I enjoy them. A way of moving through my days that wasn’t entirely shaped by urgency or the constant pressure to perform or produce.

Then I spent a little over a year untangling myself from corporate, capitalistic ideas of productivity, figuring out how to structure my days now that I was no longer living my life based on external routines, and finding out what makes me tick without external deadlines or the need to pander to anyone else’s needs but my own.

Turns out, trying living a Victorian life — or rather, a slow life — can be surprisingly difficult, and I feel like no one really talks about it.

It’s been a little over a year since I took an early retirement from my corporate career, and as is typical around milestones, I’ve been reflecting on this journey — the burnout that started it all, and the emotional transitions and mental shifts that I’ve encountered along the way. And while I do not regret my decision to quit the corporate world in the slightest, there are still some things that, despite my emotional and mental preparation, took me unawares.

But let’s start from the beginning, shall we?

They say that the euphoria after retirement lasts roughly 6 months to 1 year. Then, the boredom and depression set in. Or at least that’s what an acquaintance told me recently.

Well, six months in to early retirement, and I’m still ridiculously happy, not the least bit bored, and definitely nowhere near depressed.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, though.

I’ve spent some time beating myself up for not being “productive enough”, for not working on all my projects and interests; for still feeling like I still didn’t have the time to do the things that I want to do, which is bananas!

Bridging the hustle and bustle of the 21st century with life in the slow lane

I quit.

My job and corporate life, that is.

I have no big plans. No business goals. No ideas for freelance work. At least not yet.

What I have is a small financial nest egg and a deep desire to live a simple, slow life.

I’m calling it my Victorian Era.

Living the Victorian Life

I have romantic notions of long periods of leisure time — the ability to do the things I love for no reason other than the fact that I enjoy them. Of taking the time to cook a delicious meal {even though I’m not particularly fond of cooking}. Creating some art. Reading for hours. Scribbling away in my journal. Writing and sharing my words through this here blog, as well as on Studio Diaries. Maybe even making some YouTube videos, because I enjoy filming and editing my art process.