The Military Money Manual Podcast Mini-Retirements and Sabbaticals for Military Veterans or Retirees with Justin Peters #189
From seven-month sabbaticals to turning a hobby into a thriving side business, Justin Peters from the FI Minded Podcast shares how dialing back work can supercharge your career, creativity, and financial freedom.
Key Points & Topics- Part-time work and mini sabbaticals
- Recognizing burnout and funding a seven-month break
- Differentiating sabbatical versus mini retirement
- Logistics: nest egg size, remote options, healthcare planning
- Optionality and financial independence mindset
- Dual-track strategy: accumulate wealth and improve life in tandem
- CoastFi and SlowFi as flavors of the 25x rule
- Pulling back on work without derailing long-term goals
- Turning a podcast hobby into a side hustle
- Initial struggles with audio editing and finding a partner
- Leveraging serendipity, referrals, and niche communities
- Advising small business owners: start with five imperfect episodes
- Intentional time off
- Avoiding passive downtime—set routines for hobby and health
- First two-week recovery period, then structured creative blocks
- Sharing your plan: scripts for family and friends
- Networking and community building
- FinCon conference connections
- Toastmasters for public-speaking confidence and lasting bonds
- Online FI communities and Facebook groups for accountability
- Military-friendly breaks
- Career Intermission Program: up to 36 months and healthcare continuity depending on your branch of service
- Guard and Reserve options to maintain benefits and part-time earnings
- Justin's FI Minded podcast (search on any podcast player)
- Toastmasters International: https://www.toastmasters.org
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