Mile High FI Podcast Finding Identity & Purpose In Semi-Retirement- Justin David Carl | MHFI 297
12 snips
Dec 9, 2025 
Justin David Carl, an entrepreneur and coach from Fit Rich Life, shares his remarkable journey from a high-paying tech sales career to semi-retirement. He discusses the challenges of financial independence, identity struggles after leaving a six-figure job, and his healing process in decoupling self-worth from income. Justin highlights the importance of building community, finding joy in activities like pickleball, and balancing part-time work. He offers practical tips for anyone considering a similar transition and emphasizes the value of defining personal success.
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Golden Goose Sales Job
- Justin described a “golden goose” tech sales job that paid $400k–$700k a year while requiring ~3–4 hours a day most of the year.
- He stayed because he loved the company, mission, and lifestyle until an acquisition led to layoffs in March 2024.
Money Tied To Identity
- Justin found that hitting FI didn't remove an identity tied to high earnings; his ego freaked out after layoffs.
- Unpacking self-worth linked to income took him roughly 8–12 months of emotional work.
Hidden Burnout Despite Short Hours
- Despite working few hours, Justin realized he was burned out from juggling his sales job, a podcast, and coaching with ~40–45 clients.
- After leaving the 9–5 he scaled coaching back and slept 10–12 hours nightly for about a year to recover.
