Have you ever stared out your office window, wondering if there’s more to life than the daily grind? That’s exactly where Florence, a 37-year-old former Google senior program manager, found herself. Earning a staggering $390,000 a year in Zurich, she had what many would call a dream job. Yet, in 2024, she walked away—not because she was burned out, but because she realized something profound: time with loved ones is worth more than any paycheck.
Trading a Corner Office for Quality Time
Florence’s story isn’t your typical “quit your job” tale. It’s about clarity, courage, and redefining success. In her own words, she wasn’t chasing burnout or fleeing a toxic workplace. Her team was great, and the work was fine. But meeting her partner, Jan, flipped her perspective. He was 17 years older, and that age gap sparked a realization: waiting for traditional retirement might mean missing out on precious years together.
“I realized how much quality time with the people I love is the most important.”
– Florence, former Google senior program manager
That epiphany led her to the FIRE movement—financial independence, retire early. It’s a philosophy that encourages aggressive saving and investing to gain the freedom to step away from work long before your 60s. For Florence, it wasn’t about escaping work altogether but about having choices. By January 2024, she’d saved $1.5 million. Three months later, she and Jan left their high-flying tech jobs for what she calls a “mini-retirement.”
What Is a Mini-Retirement, Anyway?
A mini-retirement isn’t about sipping cocktails on a beach forever (though, let’s be honest, that sounds nice). It’s a strategic pause—a chunk of time, often a year or two, where you step away from the workforce to focus on what truly matters. For Florence, that meant swimming in Lake Zurich, offering career coaching to women, and traveling with Jan. She describes it as a life she’s crafted deliberately, one that’s surprisingly boredom-free.
I’ve always found the idea of a mini-retirement fascinating. It’s not just about money; it’s about intentional living. Florence didn’t quit because she hated her job—she quit because she’d built a financial cushion that gave her the freedom to prioritize her relationship and personal joy. It’s a bold move, especially when you’re leaving behind a $390,000 salary.
- Financial cushion: Enough savings to cover 18 months of living expenses.
- Flexibility: No rush to return to full-time work.
- Purpose: Time to focus on relationships and personal passions.
The Journey to Financial Freedom
Florence’s path to $1.5 million wasn’t an overnight success. It started with a leap of faith back in 2013. Stuck in a marketing job in Belgium that left her unfulfilled, she had a moment of clarity after a colleague’s advice stuck with her: “He who risks nothing has nothing.” That weekend, she decided to quit. By Monday, she was jobless and planning a move to Dublin, a European tech hub, with no safety net.
That risk paid off. She landed a contract role at a major tech company, earning $60,000 in content safety and moderation. Over the next decade, she climbed the ranks, moving to Zurich in 2017 and eventually hitting that $390,000 salary as a senior leader. But the real game-changer? Her commitment to saving aggressively.
| Milestone | Year | Salary | Location |
| Quit Marketing Job | 2013 | $Unknown | Belgium |
| First Tech Role | 2013 | $60,000 | Dublin |
| Senior Leadership | 2024 | $390,000 | Zurich |
| Mini-Retirement | 2024 | $0 | Switzerland |
Her savings strategy wasn’t flashy. She lived below her means, invested wisely, and followed FIRE principles. By 2024, she had enough to cover 18 months without income. That’s the kind of planning that makes you rethink what “security” really means.
Love as a Catalyst for Change
Let’s talk about the heart of Florence’s story: her relationship with Jan. Meeting someone 17 years older forced her to confront the ticking clock of life. Traditional retirement at 65 wouldn’t cut it—she wanted to share adventures with Jan now, not decades later. It’s a reminder that relationships often spark the biggest life decisions.
“I could not just wait for retirement to enjoy my time with him because he would be much older.”
– Florence on her partner, Jan
In my experience, love has a way of rearranging your priorities. Florence’s story resonates because it’s not just about money—it’s about building a life around what matters most. For her, that meant long walks by Lake Zurich and spontaneous trips abroad with Jan. It’s a beautiful example of how couple life can inspire bold choices.
Overcoming the Fear of Letting Go
Walking away from a high-paying job isn’t easy, especially for someone like Florence, who describes herself as risk-averse with money. The idea of saying no to $390,000 a year? That’s enough to make anyone’s stomach churn. Yet, she did it, and she hasn’t looked back.
Why? Because she’d built a safety net. Her $1.5 million in savings gave her the confidence to leap. But it wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about trusting herself to create a life that felt fulfilling. She’s not itching to return to a 9-to-5, which says a lot about the power of planning and perspective.
- Assess your finances: Calculate how much you need for a year or two without income.
- Define your “why”: What’s driving your desire for a break? Love, passion, or personal growth?
- Plan for re-entry: Decide if and when you’ll return to work, and on what terms.
A Life Without Boredom
One of the biggest surprises for Florence was how little boredom she’s felt. “I thought I would get bored very easily,” she admits, “but it’s been a year and a half, and I still haven’t.” Her days are filled with swimming, coaching, and exploring with Jan. It’s a testament to the idea that a well-planned break can be as fulfilling as any career milestone.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how Florence has redefined success. She’s not chasing titles or paychecks anymore. Instead, she’s measuring her days by joy, connection, and purpose. It’s a shift that challenges the hustle culture we’re all so steeped in.
Lessons for Your Own Journey
Florence’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a roadmap. Whether you’re dreaming of a mini-retirement or simply want more freedom in your life, her journey offers practical takeaways. Here’s what I’ve gleaned from her experience:
- Save with intention: Start small, but be consistent. Even 10% of your income, invested wisely, can grow over time.
- Know your priorities: What matters more—your career or your relationships? There’s no wrong answer, but clarity is key.
- Embrace calculated risks: Quitting a job or moving to a new city sounds scary, but with a plan, it’s manageable.
- Redefine retirement: It doesn’t have to mean stopping work forever. Think of it as a pause to live life on your terms.
Personally, I find Florence’s approach refreshing. In a world obsessed with climbing the corporate ladder, she’s proof that you can step off and still thrive. It’s not about rejecting ambition—it’s about redefining it.
What’s Next for Florence?
Florence isn’t sure if she’ll return to full-time work, and that’s the beauty of her story. She’s open to part-time gigs or passion projects, but only if they align with her values. For now, she’s savoring the freedom to live life on her terms, surrounded by nature and the people she loves.
“Life is too short and beautiful to spend most of it at work when we can be in nature with friends, family, and loved ones.”
– Florence on her new perspective
Her story leaves me wondering: what would you do with 18 months of freedom? For Florence, it’s about building a life that feels true to her heart. And maybe, just maybe, her journey can inspire us to rethink our own.
Florence’s leap into mini-retirement isn’t just a career move—it’s a love story, a financial strategy, and a bold declaration of what matters most. Whether you’re dreaming of your own break or simply want to prioritize your relationships, her story is a reminder that life’s too short to wait for “someday.” Why not start planning your own version of freedom today?
