Living The FIgh Life: Shedding Status, Gaining Substance
From work to wandering, early retirement invites a redefinition of enough.
Justin, a former government employee and his wife, a former school teacher, quietly exited the world of full-time work in their early fifties. Rather than spending retirement stockpiling possessions, they are pursuing a traveling life filled with experiences—learning about themselves and the world. They embraced minimalism and since 2023, they have travelled full-time with only carry-ons and backpacks. His blog, Living The FIgh Life, chronicles the philosophy, logic, and lessons learned of this new path: financially independent, minimalist, and nomadic.
At-a-Glance:
Web Name: Living the FIgh Life
Name: Justin
Generation: Gen X
FI status: Retired early at 52 through financial independence
Travel type: Full-time, slow travel with minimalist carry-on lifestyle
Travel Regions: North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, Oceania
Media Platforms: Website
Backstory:
Before retiring, Justin worked in the US government. He and his wife lived a financially conservative, low-consumption lifestyle, gradually aligning habits with values. They made intentional housing choices, rarely upgraded gadgets, and placed higher value on quality time than on consumer comforts. Their approach was deliberate: not an overnight shift, but a lifestyle honed over decades. Justin explained that he quit his “dream job” because it prevented him from fully doing what he valued most–extensive traveling, more quality time with family and friends, focusing on his health, and following his curiosity.
The Shift:
In July 2023, Justin and Launa sold or donated 98% of their possessions, rented out their home, and left for full-time nomadic travel. The decision wasn’t about escape or collecting destinations. It reflected a broader shift: from accumulation to presence, from routine to learning. On his blog, Justin writes frequently about the mindset required to live with intentionality; not just with fewer things, but with greater awareness. The leap into this lifestyle was rooted in a desire to live aligned with deeply held values.
How They Made It Work:
Their retirement plan was rooted in sound financial independence strategy. Though exact figures are never stated, Justin references having reached the ability to sustain life without employment income; a classic FIRE definition. Their travel is typically frugal with a few splurges, deliberate, and often slower than tourist norms. Cost-consciousness is paired with contentment: choosing smaller spaces, staying longer in fewer places, cooking meals, and walking rather than taking taxis allows them to explore a location well and brings them joy. He blogs as a hobby. To avoid external influences (real or perceived) he has stated he will never monetize his blog or newsletter in any way to include affiliate links, advertising, influencer income or sponsorships.
Where They Travel & Why:
Their travels reflect a curiosity-led route, rather than a checklist itinerary. Over their first two years they have visited 13 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. They favour walkable towns and nature access over famous cities. Regions like Morocco, Bulgaria, and Turkey appear frequently. In one of his most-read essays, Justin tallied 8 million steps and over 500 miles hiked in two years. Travel, for them, is exploration on foot and observation through living, not sightseeing.
Challenges & Real Talk:
Justin is frank about his financial independence and minimalism journey. Pursuing contentment instead of happiness. The need to stress-test early retirement, to include potential setbacks such as divorce, health concerns, or the death of a partner. The emotional challenges of letting go of identity-shaping possessions was sometimes difficult. Yet, he argues that doing so clarified what mattered most. He acknowledges challenges but credits minimalism for changing who he is for the better.
What Keeps Them Going:
The lifestyle is fuelled by curiosity and time wealth. Justin often returns to the theme of “quality days”: time spent hiking, reflecting, reading, or connecting with others. Travel is simply the structure that allows those values to flourish. It is not exoticism that compels him, but the quiet satisfaction of living unhurriedly. Minimalism allows for a light physical footprint, but also, he suggests, more presence in daily life.
Advice to Readers:
In his post “Guarding the Gate: How I Stay a Minimalist” Justin shares strategies for resisting lifestyle inflation: say ‘no’ more often, delay new purchases, and question every item entering the home. Elsewhere, he writes that frugality is not sacrifice, but sovereignty. He urges readers not to mimic his path, but to find their own path that aligns money, values, and time with clarity. His blog avoids self-help tones and instead invites reflection through lived example.
Links to More:
Website Living the FIgh Life
His wife Launa writes short “postcards” from wherever they are traveling about moments, connections, and what’s beneath the surface. Subscribe (on SubStack) at Launa At Large. Launa also writes about hikes and great destinations with a no-tour, DIY, and public transportation focus at Field Trip Notebook.
Disclaimer: Income, income streams and financial independence details & status are drawn exclusively from publicly available sources. No inference, harm, or misrepresentation is intended toward any individual or entity.
Editors note : a big thank you to Justin for emailing Fina Road (contact us) and providing some clarification, edits, the links and the photograph. Much appreciated.
