Ask HN: If not fresh out of college, what did you do to join a FAANG?
<i>&gt; However, the death of a close friend has made me reevaluate whether I want to work until 65. Maybe retiring early or at least having the option to not work full time makes sense. I do know that you can still live a good life before you are retired, and I am guilty of &quot;Groundhog Day&quot; living like some of us are.</i><p>After grinding for years and finally becoming financially independent, my advice to people considering the same is: don&#x27;t.<p>Instead, focus on making small improvements to your daily quality of life. From sleep, to exercise, to diet, to finding a project&#x2F;team&#x2F;company that is aligned with your personal enjoyment. Try things out and stick to whatever works for you at the moment.<p>The reason for this is that becoming financially independent is not going to magically make you a happier person, it just gives you more free time. If you were bitter and joyless from years of keeping your nose to the grindstone, once you retire you will just  be a bitter and joyless person with extra free time to simmer in your own misery.<p>Happiness happens today, not some distant future.