Book Giveaway: The Purpose Code by Dr. Jordan Grumet

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“I would never retire. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.”

“What if you don’t have a passion? How do you go about finding it after FIRE?”

“I don’t like my job, but I guess I’ll keep working because what else am I going to do?”

These are just some of the concerns readers have mentioned about finding their purpose. When most of our time is filled with our jobs and we’re just treading water trying to keep up with bills and family, there’s very little time to think about what our life purpose is.

When we do reach FI and finally have the time to think about it, it’s daunting. I know because ever since I was little I wanted to be a writer, but stepping off the top of one ladder and on to the bottom of another was still terrifying, even though engineering was clearly a bad fit.

What I discovered is that overthinking about your purpose/passion never helps. You just go into analysis paralyses and the fear and anxiety keeps you from moving forward. I was also raised to believe that only results matter, and the journey to get there isn’t worth anything. If you don’t succeed as a bestselling author, what’s the point of even pursuing writing?

I now know that’s the wrong way to approach your passion, but when I first started writing in 2008, everything was a very black and white, all or nothing game. I either succeeded or failed and the process itself didn’t matter. But when it comes publishing, a lot of things are completely out of your control. So of course, it’s not surprising that I had a panic attack and identity crisis the day I quit my job.

It took me over 10 years to work through that anxiety and learn to be happy and revel in the process of creating, rather than focusing on results. The good news is you don’t have to make the same mistake as me, because there’s a book that will help you sort out all those anxious thoughts.

It’s called “The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy” and written by Jordan Grumet, a great speaker and hospice doctor whom I’ve had the pleasure of hanging out with at the Chautauqua Colombia financial retreat.

Jordan is the perfect person to write about this topic because as a doctor, he’s sat next to the beds of dying patients, helping them through their grief and seeing them coming to terms with their life in their final moments. Death is very clarifying. There’s no bullshit or wasting time anymore. You either die with regrets or not.  

Hopefully by reading this book, you’ll end up being the latter.

And since this is a book giveaway, Jordan has graciously offered 3 free copies of the book to my readers (physical copies for US readers, e-copies for international readers). All you need to do is comment below and answer the question “if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?”

The winners will be selected at the end of this week.

Since I have very little time for reading these days, this is one of the few books I made time for and that have stuck with me. There are many times I found myself nodding a long with the insights and stories that prove “finding/building your purpose” is simpler than you think and shouldn’t be this big all-encompassing thing that spin people into depression or analysis paralysis. Once you read the “Purpose Code”, you’ll see what I mean.

To give you a taste, here are the most surprising truths in the book:

“People are Not Your Purpose”

“You might think your sense of purpose revolves around your loved ones, or that your climb should be family. While this sounds enticing, I think it is completely the wrong way to build a life of purpose…”

Society pushes people hard to have kids (which is one of the reasons I was on the fence for the longest time) and as a result, people tend to say their purpose in life is family. Which is all well and good, but this book proves that that is a bad idea. I found myself wanting to get to Chapter 8 to find out why, and after I read it, I whole heartily agree. I’m curious about whether you agree or not, and hopefully you’ll read the book and let me know what your thoughts are because clearly this is a controversial topic.

“Finding purpose is a privilege.”

Jordan also addresses the haters who say finding your purpose is a privilege and you can’t do it if you don’t earn enough and are just struggling to pay the bills. He gives some strategies on how to build your purpose even if you’re struggling financially.

Here’s the book trailer:

The book comes out on Jan 7, 2025, and you can pre-order it here. I highly recommend it and find it very soothing for those struggling to find their purpose.

What do you think? Have you found/built your purpose?


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262 thoughts on “Book Giveaway: The Purpose Code by Dr. Jordan Grumet”

  1. if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time? – volunteer at a local school / Boys and Girls club. Just so busy working. Yet as I’ve watched my kids grow up, I see how powerful mentoring and listening sets up the next generation to reach their full potential.

    1. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time ? I would do things that I was really passionate but never had the luxury of doing before, and that fulfills human needs for purpose and a sense of achievement, contributions to society and overall happiness and balance in life. I have many hobbies, but since I am still working, I am still in the proverbial hamster cage: working to meet my and my family’s financial responsibilities.
      I have read spiritual books (Purpose Driven life, life after retirement, too young to retire, don’t retire, rewire, and many many such books), but have yet to find a book that addresses the fundamental and deep rooted and practical way to find my own purpose.

  2. “if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?”
    Volunteer at my local mosque, start training for soccer, sleep a lot more, do more road trips with the family

  3. After pursuing FIRE for the past eight years, I’ve had a lot of time to think about what’s next. Since I hit the crossover point earlier this year and now plan to leave my job in the next 18 months, things have gotten very real.

    If I were to FIRE tomorrow, I plan to do pretty much the same things I do today…. just more of them, and more deliberately. I’ve spent a lot of time setting myself up mentally to appreciate the things that truly drive me. I’ll still go to the gym every morning (and maybe add in yoga), volunteer with local charities (I started getting involved with those causes I’m passionate about as I thought about winding down my professional career), and more (slower??) travel.

    I keep reminding myself that I don’t HAVE to pursue one of the many side-gig interests I’ve had through the years… but hopefully I will settle into the right interests with time.

  4. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I’m fortunate that my current job allows me to fulfill my life’s purpose to some extent. When I retire, I want to open a pilates studio. I don’t think it’s my life’s purpose, but it is something I enjoy doing that has helped tremendously with back pain caused by a car accident. I would also like to pick up a lot of hobbies that I’ve put on hold while I work like bowling, gardening, crocheting, pool, and many more. There is so much I’d like to do with my time. I’ve always known that life is too short but at 41 I really feel it.

  5. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, I would start traveling and world-schooling our 4 your children, ages 8, 6, 4, and 1. My husband would be able to quit his 9-5 to write full time.

  6. if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?” I’d cook more, do aquafit during the day with the seniors at the local community centre, and do some of the free programs they have at the library like learning to 3D print!

  7. I am FIRE And I spend my time in creative pursuits including writing, volunteering at a makerspace, playing my piano, you name it if it interests me I try it. Biggest challenge, allowing myself to be a beginner.

  8. I would volunteer with foster youth in my community (I already do, but I would ramp it up), increase my yoga skills, learn to surf, and get my Spanish as close to fluent as possible!

  9. If I were to become FIRE’D tomorrow, I would spend more time with my mother, learn to be a really good gardener, travel more of this beautiful world, hopefully inspire my child and grandchildren to save for their own fire journey and spend some time at an endangered species animal sanctuary as a volunteer.

    1. If i am fire’d today or tomorrow. Thats going to be the happiest day as a personal feeling. Been working for thay from long.

      I would just help anything, anyone which is genuine as a concern

  10. If I reached FI already, I would…
    1) move to SE Asia and begin my passion project using the region’s spiritual resources

    2) begin a foundation to start generating grassroots support for certain projects and communities around education and mindfulness

  11. What would I do with my time…?
    1. Continue physical training.
    2. Continue physical recreation.
    3. Be socially involved, probably through work of some sort.
    4. Continue to prepare healthy, good food.

  12. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, I would try to become an investigative researcher. The topic of corruption, money-laundering etc has peaked my interest. I will also spend more time with my family.

  13. “If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?”

    It’s like you knew…

    I was able to leave work several years ago, but we’ve been slow traveling full-time around the world. We’re back in the US and the continuous effort toward what’s next?/where are we going?/what do we want to do there? has vanished. For the first time, I feel properly retired and I could use Doc G’s insight on purpose.

    Similarly, my husband is quickly headed toward RE and is looking for ways to spend his time in meaningful and interesting ways. We’ve started playing pickleball. We’re finally getting a dog, after wanting one for 10 years. If her natural temperament allows it, I’d love to get her certified as a therapy dog and take her into libraries and schools.

    If we win this book, we’ll both read it and we’ll pass it onto friends in our local Choose FI group.

  14. If I were to FIRE tomorrow, I’d bring my 15mo old baby boy around the world to travel, experience, learn, before Ai robots takeover the world.

  15. Well, we FIRE’d a few years ago and I am still struggling with this. I volunteer, write, read, homeschool my daughter, started new hobbies, take months long trips, cook, DIY…list goes on and on. I enjoy it all but I struggle to find meaning and purpose even with full days.

  16. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow; I’m honestly not sure what I’d do. Sure, spend more time with my mother and partner, and spend more time exercising and “taking care of myself” are easy gets. But I am struggling with how I’d fill my brain and emotional needs for so many other hours and days, for hopefully many years of freedom. I’m honestly a little afraid of what would be next. I’m saying all of this having run all the numbers, and knowing that I’m due to hit all of my FIRE milestones in the next 3-5 years. But I don’t know what I like? I can’t say what comes next for me.

  17. If I were to become FIRE’D tomorrow, I would spend more time with my kids and get my CFP to offer pro bono planning to marginalized and at need people.

  18. This post comes at an interesting time, I have raised my kids and am looking for my “next”. I have lived the traditional life and now wonder what I will do to fill my days. My husband doesn’t like to travel much. We live in Canada but don’t care for winter activities. I am looking forward to reading this book, something to do this winter 🥶

  19. Two years ago, I thought I totally knew exactly what I’d do with my time as my FIRE date approached. “I’d volunteer! Spend more time with family! Travel! HOBBIES!” These were all great ideas in theory, but it ended up being a lot more… complicated. I spent the first part of my early retirement being a lazy bum: sleeping in, netflix & chilling, surfing the net. That got old REAL quick (plus the weight gain was real, ugh). Spent the next part of early retirement questioning whether my husband and I made the right decision, questioning my identity, and basically being in existential turmoil. Fast forward to now: I’m still working on finding a happy balance. I’m exercising (picked up pickleball like a REAL legit retiree!), traveling, seeing family, and hobbies. The book can’t have come at a better time to help me find more clarity! Looking forward to reading it!

  20. “If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?”

    I would volunteer as a math tutor at my local community college. Spend time with my friends and family and travel.

  21. I took the long way. Saved and invested ( through an advisor) to age 63. When covid hit, decided to pack my job in 2 years earlier than planned.
    No regrets.
    Bought myself some toys (backhoe and pickup…) for the cottage and spent enjoyable time just “taking my time to finish outstanding projects and doing them correctly”. The big difference is that there was no rush. So if something sidetracked me, explore / resolve the issue, then get back to what I was originally planning to do.
    Have been trying different experiences along the way such as woodworking, carving, exercise classes, painting…
    The big thing though is remain socially active with friends and making new ones.

  22. if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, I would start traveling the world in the name of beekeeping! Today, I do this through Farmer-to-Farmer assignments, and I’m limited by my full-time job 😧

  23. I would focus on my family, my mother who is terminally ill and my children. Honestly, I know I need to find purpose outside of other people, but I haven’t figured it out yet.

  24. I am FIRE’d, and most of my time is spent taking care of my kids or fighting an illness my kids have given to me. FIRE hasn’t really worked out the way I was hoping (started right before covid shut everything down), as I have had little time for myself and feel somewhat lost. This book sounds like it would be very helpful for me, so thank you for the opportunity to win a free copy!

  25. Work on music full time. Learn to produce myself. Follow the path I’ve been pursuing (slowly) and get my music in TV and film in a more efficient manner. Also – travel more with my wife and kids!

  26. If I became FIRE’d tomorrow I would submerge myself in Mother Nature, my true healer. Prairie gal now living on the west coast, I just can’t get enough of the rain forest, ocean, and mountains. Thanks!

  27. I would take my brothers for the CA/ Utah National Parks (including Death Valley) trip as well as Puszcza Bialowieska (Bialowieza Forest) in Poland. Would travel much more frequently to Poland and other European countries first then branch out to other, including exploring US and maybe Canada’s nature.

    Would give myself the try with the business that I have had on my mind for 10 years but this time without financial and time limitations. Just enjoying the process and seeing if I am capable of pulling it off.

    Would indulge into donating significant amount and time to the causes I strongly believe in.

    Having the luxury of time and financial freedom and playfulness and care -free attitude that comes with it, having fun meeting new people and giving myself a chance to find the one in a process that is enjoyable and playful.

  28. I’d shift my paid work as an employment counsellor to part time volunteer work with the same focus, with time freedom for growing and making good food, moving my body at times of day that are better for me, and travel regularly.

  29. If I retired today, I would take cruise trip to whole world. Then, I probably study to be a real state estate licensee and work as rental property management for hobby.

  30. I’m an engineer and have been for over 25 years. If I were to FIRE tmw I’ll study Psychology … or am I too old for that (?)
    I’m fascinated by the intersection between psychology and finance.

  31. If I were to be FIRE’D tomo I would search for more balance in my life.

    I would endeavor to find a healthier me, both mentally and physically.

    Try new things that would banish the anxiety that has grown over the years.

    Lastly, leave the world a better place around my family and friends.

  32. “if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?” Having received the ultimate gift of life (an organ transplant). I would travel more to speak about the importance of organ donation and share my story with more people.

  33. This post comes at a very good time. I am recently FIRE’d. I had a sense of purpose all the way, or at least I thought so. But only when you actually stepped away from the full time job, you have to face what to do with the time.

    The small projects here and there over the years out of personal interest helped. And after 40 days I have got a theme to focus on with a list of lines of actions originated from those projects. The energy and blank space after freed from a job has been scary while in turn inspiring in a unique way, if you are reflective and creative.

    Interestingly, one of my interests is to do hospice work. I would like to dive into end of life care and make it “end of life chapter coaching”.

  34. I would volunteer at my children’s school, make/create more, enjoy the forest I live in with daily walks, exercise more, and rest.

  35. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, I’d…
    – finish writing my book
    – take more time in nature away from the city
    – volunteer more frequently
    – start a game store- I love games!

  36. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?

    I would walk my son to school in the morning, spend more time with my parents, and train to run a marathon.

  37. Care for my elderly parents, help my sis raising her kids (I don’t have mine), read (I enjoy it), enjoy being a housewife (!), enjoy my fav youtube channels, enjoy my brekkies, meals, go for walks – I did all of this last year when I was in between jobs for 4 months – I was busy!

  38. If I became FIRE’D tomorrow, I would deepen practice in what’s already in my heart….learning, growing, serving. creating connection with self, with Source, and with others, I would continually explore and importantly, execute, the opportunities to share passion, talents, and discoveries. At the end of the day, I would love wholeheartedly

  39. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, I’d learn Mandarin full time, explore my family heritage and visit China and Europe after.

  40. I FIREd a year and a half ago and my wife almost 2 years. So far our time has been daily exercise, hobbies, home repairs and remodeling, and travel. These are good and will continue but I know there’s a need both of us are starting to feel to do something a bit more consequential. We worked for 30+ years and both were very good at what we did, but it was never a calling, only a job. We are enjoying the journey but I can feel a bit of escalating need to do more to give back to the universe that has made us so fortunate.

  41. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?

    I’m currently on a mini-FIRE of sorts, with 3 months of unpaid leave, and the time it just magically filling itself so easily. If I were permanently FIREd, I’d give more thought to what I *want* my time to include and fill my time around that. The main thing I want to do with my time, post-FIRE, is move at my own rhythms and not worry about the clock as much, and not to have to squeeze things in, all in a row, before and after a workday. I want better flow. I want to develop meaningful relationships, and creative pursuits and laugh and move. That will likely take up most of my time.

    1. This is so true. I’ve been FIRE’d for six months and the time really does fill itself up… good exercise, fresh air, spending time with family, reading, cooking healthy meals, connecting with old friends, volunteering… when working I had to triage this constantly and neglect half of it in order to squeeze it into the little scraps of time around the edges of The Job. Now, the days fly by and I am never bored for a second! I do want to reintroduce some sort of goal-oriented, collaborative effort or activity (aka “work”) into my life but would never compromise the time freedom I have now… still figuring out how all that is going to fit together 🙂

  42. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, I would fill my time with slow(er) travel, being more active and managing our portfolio of rental properties.

    In terms of passion, I would love to learn how to skipper 50-60ft catamarans and explore islands in Greece, Bahamas, BVI and Italy and then share my experiences with others through a blog or YouTube channel!

    1. I’d buy and restore an old Land Rover to become weekends’ car. Otherwise slow travel in SE Asia with my family and srttle down in Mediterraenean region due to climate that would help my wifes health. Beyond that, not sure, growing own food?!

  43. “[I]f I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?”
    I would be more altruistic, and promote education.
    I already have an LLC, but I would take steps to ensure my identity remains anonymous, and then I would provide monetary grants to students at community colleges and trade schools.
    I am not sure what the criteria would be to determine eligibility, but I think an agreement with either high schools in the county or the community colleges/trade schools to find deserving students might be necessary.
    I would also like to volunteer to provide a financial/FIRE class at these locations – I know I would have benefited from one, and not been so late to the FIRE community (I am 58 with a few years to my goal!).
    Thank you – and keep up the good work!

  44. I would travel more (haven’t been on an airplane since 2019, before covid and kids, the longing is definitely there).
    My goal would be to move to country where home schooling is allowed and start to home school my kids.
    I might even dream of having one more kid… even though it seems like a farfetched dream and I thought that was a closed chapter. Perhaps I should read the book first?
    I would read more! And write more!
    I hope I would excercise more, spend more time in nature and improve my rudimentary pianoskills.
    I probably would do many other things as well, it will be fun to explore.

  45. If I would be able to retire. Ill travel more and also train people at figur skating. Also volunteering at local libraries and hospital. Probably would still work here and there because I do like my job. 🙂

  46. I’d spend more time with family and friends while I attempt to find my next biggest passion, and start working down my family bucket list

  47. “If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?” – I would travel the world, not as a tourist and rush to see everything. But, really try to immerse myself in the country, culture, and food.

  48. if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time? – probably pursue my true passion/dream which is keep learning and play a good guitar and sing “for money” or at least in a chill out bar.. money would not be a requirement.. I just want to play and sing for a small crowd good old rock and roll songs 🙂

    Oh and also enroll in learning as many languages as I can, portuguese, japanese and chinese would be the first tree.

  49. Actually, I find this question harder and harder to answer as I get older. I’m 48, maybe 2 more years left to FIRE. I have a 14 years old autistic son that I absolutely love with all my heart. Taking care of him is my main goal in FIRE but I can’t help wondering if is something more for me at the other side.

  50. I’ll do farming.My passion is growing clean food and live and promote zero wastage lifestyle.What comes from earth goes back into earth.Zero wastage like our ancestors did.

  51. I see that Jordan Grumet wrote another book in 2022 (“Taking stock”) and that book is available at my local library as a e-book (Toronto Public Library, I love you).

    Will read that one first!
    Thanks for the recommendation FireCracker!

    As for my FIRE plans: I will spend more time with my family (overseas), read more, walk more, relax more, study/learn more, take care of my health more etc etc… I won’t be bored! =)

  52. If I were to fire tomorrow, I’d take my kids traveling first through the USA, then through Europe and Asia.

  53. I FIRE’d via an optional severance package from my employer in September. I’m in the midst of figuring this all out now. Although I had lots of ideas of what I would do with my time, I struggle with the motivation to get up and do it bcuz I am very deadline driven and I have no deadline! 😔 Hoping to find that intrinsic motivation day-in and day-out and not just be a couch potato! I still have one high-schooler so I am definitely pouring my time into that one and helping him develop stronger executive functioning skills!

  54. Travel, between the mother land, Mexico and national parks.
    I would Volunteer in a SPCA and nursing home.
    Gardening, growing my own forest garden, etc…etc

  55. Hi Firecracker!
    Thank you for your brave and honest approach to teaching, writing, and Life. Love your site and blog.
    If I were FIRED tomorrow- I would devote my life to joy. I’d make it an Ode to Joy. I’d spend every moment appreciating being alive and teaching others who want to know how to do that. I’m convinced that’s the whole point to everything. Corny, yes- but that’s what I’d do!
    Happy New Year:)

  56. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow I would spend time serving in my church more and volunteering in the free health clinic for the poor.

  57. If I was fire’d I would put all my energy into raising awareness about climate and all the damage we are doing to our beautiful earth

  58. I FIRE’d a while ago and I definitely struggle with purpose. I do a lot of gardening and cooking try to work out enough and engage in lots of community things and lots of other random projects like learning to play the ukulele and learn Russian but it’s a struggle to know where to focus the time and I fear that I “waste” to much time. Life is a struggle no matter what. Would love to read the book though and I would definitely pass it on.

  59. In all honesty, if I were to FIRE tomorrow, I would book a one way ticket with my husband to Asia and see the world. 🙂

  60. if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time? – I would propably focus on creating a photography website and start trying to become a pro photographer, I would also spend more time exercising and stretching, and I would do spend some time learning and researching about sociology and economy.

  61. If I fire today I would do the following
    1. Travel to most scene if locations
    2. Help more people retire and achieve FIRE.
    3. Work on my passions like doing Ph.D ,
    4. Donate to needy

  62. If I were to reach FIRE today I would:

    Ride my bike across Europe with my husband and Dad
    Volunteer more at Best Friends Animal Shelter and foster dogs
    Take my daughters to Japan and travel slowly and immersively across the country
    Live my life pretty similarly to how I live it now:)

  63. We would ski during the week and travel extensively. Plus, there would be much more cooking at home with fresh ingredients. I used to brew my own beer but that went by the wayside with the demands of work and raising two kids. That hobby could be restarted.

  64. Funnily I am about to FIRE in February this year and so what I am planning to do is to travel long and slow and volunteer in orphanages while enjoying the travel experiences of being in different countries. My wife and I have already done this in a small doses in our home country of Sri Lanka and would like to do this in other countries. We don’t have kids and we like the feeling of helping people and we love Travelling!

  65. If I were to retire this moment, my first few years would be spent cleaning up the wreckage of decades of living without time to do more than survive. It’s what happens after that that concerns me!

  66. Assist and care for my aging parents, spend more time identifying where I want to retire to (home base), volunteer locally, start gardening, spend more time with friends and family.

  67. If I were to begin FIRE tomorrow, I would spend my time traveling to every Latin American country to improve my Spanish and learn more about Latino culture. While traveling, I would engage with local communities, listen to their stories, and write a book about their lives. My goal would be to provide readers outside these countries with insights into their beauty and the experiences of the people who live there.

  68. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time? Hopefully that happens in the next 12 months, so I’ve been thinking about what’s next:

    1. Take some time to enjoy the little things in life with my husband and dog, slow travelling, cooking together, doing yoga and de-conditioning ourselves from 15 years of the corporate rat race.
    2. Take on volunteer projects via Workaway, focusing on helping animal rescues and environmental organizations.
    3. Learn to DJ and make music.
    4. Become an expert in financial advising and tax efficiencies, and become a mentor to young people.

  69. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, I would love to spend time with my wife and young children. Also spend time in local schools offering free classes on explaining 101 of finance and working up to the 201. Thanks to doc g and other friends of his has changed my life and would like to give my time as they did theirs.

  70. As a childless solo woman, I’ve always tried to figure out my purpose. I’ve always loved travelling & now I’m about to travel long term after selling & giving away all of my belongings (instead of working until official “retirement age”). I figured my purpose was to actually travel, & to do some volunteering. I feel that there is more than that in store for me – but how to actually find it? Maybe my purpose is to just be me?

  71. I would be devoting effort to managing my own company and providing safety management services to my industry more because it’s a passion and less because I would need the income.

  72. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time? I would spend more time with my parents, who are aging, and my grandma, who is in her 90s. I would also volunteer to educate people about personal finance and organ and tissue donation.

  73. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?

    I just got laid off in the beginning of Dec from my corproate job of 7.5 yrs. With the current market condition, I consider myself in a semi-retired mode. With everything carefully planned out, I would be living in SE Asia to stretch my Canadian $$, learn how to scuba dive, live close to the ocean and nature, mediate, stretch, and dance Brazilian Zouk.

  74. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?

    I would split it between spending time with family & friends (extended time like 3 wks or more), slow travel through Africa & South America, and take classes in things that interest me.

  75. if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?

    I would travel as much of the world as I can, use my spare time to focus on self improvement, work on becoming fluent in at least one other language and dive into my hobbies.

    I might go back to school one day, just for the sake of knowledge and self growth that it would inevitably provide me. I would work on further developing my purpose in life beyond financial independence.

    Since I would have more free time, I would also spend more of it with family and taking advantage of the extra time together.

  76. “If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?”–The list might get longer when I’m actually 100% retired, but what I would like to do is to continue teaching part-time–but on my terms–on a freelance basis and possibly at selected institutions (mostly online). To track me down in my free time, you’d need to hop on a rental bike and try to find me at World Gym, the movies, writing at a coffee shop, or at my Qigong class in the park! Or hop on a plane and find me at an undisclosed location in Asia. I’d help others with my money and time when I’m back home in Taiwan.

    Dan V
    Taipei

  77. if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?” I will buy RV and go road trips across Canada and US with my wife.

  78. We FIREd about two years ago and spend about 6 months a year doing what we always wanted to: seeing as many of the 11,000+ bird species in the world as we can. But, we won’t win that race – we are doing it at our pace, visiting family and cycling and hiking while we do it. We’d love the read the book to help direct us for the post-heavy-travel period when we will have more stretches at home to volunteer.

  79. I’d make a schedule, scheduling time on calendar, dedicated to activities I like, such as Playing/practicing Music, physical activities/exercising, spiritual learning, acting on my bucket list items, calling long-lost friends, watching series of shows that are accumulating on my IMDB watch list, DIY home improvement projects to keep my wife happy, visits to water-parks, zoo etc to keep kids happy, and more….

  80. If i fired tomorrow, I would do a year long round the world trip including spending time in a Spanish speaking country to learn spanish.

  81. I would spend more time in the workshop designing, wood working, 3D printing and coding! I would also do some volunteering: coaching youth sports and providing free bicycle maintenance

  82. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, I would spend my time and energy working with animal rescue groups, hoping to educate people in a gentle way to be better stewards of these lives we have so much influence over. I’d rally like-minded people to help raise funds for public education campaigns, and rolling medical clinics to help stem the tide of unwanted litters of cats and dogs. As they say, perhaps my work won’t change the world, but to the animals I help, their world will be changed forever.

  83. “if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?”
    -I would climb more mountains! I live in an area where high alpine trails are reasonably accessible. While I get in as many miles as possible on weekends, I would enjoy so many more days outside. I’m lucky to enjoy solo mountain climbing, so I would not be deterred by friends needing to work during the week. Bonus – they could take some time off to join me any time!

  84. So, most of the people in my family are amazing cooks, like I mean chef quality gourmet meals. I suck in the kitchen. Like I hate planning meals and I break into a cold sweat thinking about what to make for dinner. Recently I hosted Christmas and most of the stuff turned out okay but what really made me happy was getting the house ready, setting the mood with candles, setting the table, picking dinner music, that sort of thing. I realized that I love doing that so if I FIREd tomorrow I would move to Portugal and open up a bed and breakfast except without the breakfast part 😁

  85. If I was FIRE’d tomorrow, I would start planting a really big garden, finish all of my sewing projects and start some new ones. Can all of the veggies and fruit from my garden, become part of the bartering society and try my best to be completely outside the supply chain!

  86. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time? I would focus on making new friends and developing community. I already run a ladies writing group where we write and share what we have written (often about ourselves). I would be able to run more of them in the nearby towns and make it by donation. And I would try other ways to build community – ideally with a variety of ages. I would also then have more time to go to yoga and other classes and go on bushwalks with people from Facebook in the walking group (that’s what we call hikes in Australia). I would also like to set up a co-housing group to buy a property together (real estate is astronomically expensive in Australia).

  87. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, I would ride my horse way more often (poor guy seems like he’s getting bored)

  88. My husband and I will hit our FIRE mark this August when we move into our renovated retirement cottage. So this book is timely… because I’m on the journey of figuring out exactly what I want to do now that it’s so close. I’m hoping the book will help!

  89. I FIRE’d last year and we started travelling and homeschooling our kid around the world— this keeps us pretty busy but I have to say that this year, I’ve been asking myself more about my greater purpose outside of my family. So this book is perfect timing!! Can’t wait to read it for inspiration!

  90. I’m really looking forward to reading this book.

    I hit my FI number this year. I’m still working for 6 more months. That’s when my kid will be born. Then I’m going to take my parental leave then quit. As soon as they are old enough my wife and I are going to spend a year traveling the world with the little one along for the ride.

  91. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time? I have no clue! Currently my time is spent working our finances and helping my mother…

  92. If I Were to become FIRED tomorrow, I would travel with my wife for a year or so and also work on finding what gives me fulfillment. That’s that we have been struggling with over the last year or so as we prepare for FIRE. Progress has been slow but I am ok with that. Hopefully the book will help point me in the right direction.

  93. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time? 
    Teach webinars
    Write
    Attend everything my daughter does
    Cook
    Garden
    Develop my fitness
    Focus on healing and feeling safe
    Cant wait to read this book!!

  94. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow I would revel in exploring my creative interests – all the things I gave up after school because art didn’t seem like a ‘sensible’ career path.

  95. If I were FIREd tomorrow, I’d move to the GTA, buy a house, travel more, volunteer to help homeless/needy and fix things.

  96. I’d take my 94 year old mother on the vacation she never got…fulfill some of her dreams. I’d also support my volunteer fire department and purchase a new engine. For myself: more gardening, donate fresh veggies to the community, more painting and enjoying more of the hobbies I dont currently have time to pursue. For my husband: more outdoors adventures for us. Thank you lord for the fun times we have together. I hope one day to be FI, and we can both grow together!!!!

  97. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time? I would start a cat rescue and sanctuary. I’d also love to have time to train some of the cats be therapy cats to visit people in hospital, or seniors homes because a lot of people (adults and children) are frightened of dogs which are often the therapy animals used during visits.

  98. What would I do? Swimming, hiking, playing golf, reading, spending time with my dog and wife. And of course optimize my finances.

  99. I would exercise regularly, do yoga and boot camp. I would cook from scratch, making healthy whole foods. Start planting a vegetable garden in my backyard. Travel abroad every 3 months. Read books every day. Declutter my entire house, especially my garage so that I can park my car in there.

  100. When I FIRE’d 18 years ago, I became a full-time volunteer, helping children from distressed families. Now that the kids are grown, I read, learn languages, play music, go for a walk or a swim.
    I’m also curious about chapter 8. People did become my purpose — during my career as an engineer, people were an afterthought at best. The outcome was not the one I hoped for, but I sure enjoyed the process!

  101. If I became FIRE’d tomorrow… I would take time to do nothing. My personal tendency is to maximize productivity, be it hobbies or activities with family. It would be the same craziness as when I was working for the man.
    Being FIRE’d is about freedom and freedom to do nothing is a luxury that is afforded from being FIRE’d. It’s the golden opportunity to press the Reset button on life and live in the present moment.

  102. If I were fire tomorrow I would travel the world with my husband and kids! I’m talking remote, adventure travel; the kind we don’t have time for because the time it takes to get to these parts of the world are literally all our vacation time. One day!

  103. “if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?”

    Wake up early (I find it so easy to wake up early when it’s not for work). Move abroad again to warmer climates and keep my 3 hr /month super interesting side gig. Focus on daily exercise, rush less, be more present.

  104. “if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?”
    I would stop pretending that I love my job, my boss, my colleagues, and just do whatever I want.

  105. If I reach FIRE tomorrow I’d carry on in my creative business path I have been on for the best part of the last decade. I have already found my purpose but now having to give it up after couple of financially and emotionally difficult years. What I have in my mind as the comforting thought is the tittle of one of your book’s chapters “don’t follow your dreams, yet”.

  106. Delighted to read all posts as wishlists.

    My focus is to feel joy with living life to the fullest. My intention is to slow travel. Minimize the material possessions. Look for opportunities that are out in the world that would bring joy to all.

    Fun.

  107. I’m pregnant with my second kiddo, and my first is almost 5. I have the privilege of having a career that I LOVE, but having kids has changed everything. I busted my ass my whole adult life to set myself up with a job that doesn’t feel like work, and I was lucky enough to score a decent gig when these jobs are hard to come by and super competitive. They also usually pay horribly because it’s a great gig and institutions don’t have to pay people a ton to do it and mine allows me a comfortable living in a LCOL city. However I’m finding the institutional politics and what’s being asked of me makes me feel insanely burned out. That combined with the new passion of wishing I could raise my own children and not send them off to daycare has been pulling at my heart strings for the past five years. It hasn’t gone away and I fear will only grow when my second is born. But how do I give up the cushy job and life I built so hard for myself? Will I regret giving up my highly engaging career when the kids no longer need me? My career isn’t one you take a break from as you have to stay up on the latest research, hand skills, and resume building. If I were to retire, I’d lean full into taking care of myself and my family, ramp up blogging and pursuing hobbies as I neglected myself for years making it for a career. But now I’m curious with this post that family and people should not be your purpose. I wish I were brave enough to quit!

  108. I would spend it supporting friends, family. Reading. Writing. Doing theatre things for fun. A bit of travel. Breathing a bit more easily.

  109. I have been grappling with this question for some time. I too am an engineer (Mining in Northern Ontario) and have never really loved the profession. There were times when I enjoyed it but for the most part as I climbed higher the less, I enjoyed what I did (managing people and meetings are the worst). I have stayed with it due to the salary but now that I find myself in a position of coast FI and ~2 years away from full FI, I struggle to envision what I should do next. At this point, if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, I would go back to school to get my teaching credentials, so I could teach personal finance and mining to high schoolers. The time off would align with my wifes and kids allowing for plenty of time together.

  110. If I were to FIRE tomorrow, I would definitely travel much more and more slowly. I would also try to get in a better shape, both exercising more and eating better (I would need a personal trainer to keep me on track with exercise, and a personal chef since I love eating but not cooking LOL)

  111. if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow I would not return to work from mat leave and I would stay home with my 4 months old daughter to see her grow.
    Once the little one starts school I’d occupy my time with volunteering, pottery, learning how to sew, and climbing more mountains!

  112. Volunteer more in depth with some organizations. Take dance class during the day. Stay for extended periods out of the country.

  113. I would write as well! My childhood dream was always to be a writer and over the years I’ve stopped writing entirely. I would pick it back up again and spend my mornings drinking coffee and writing. My afternoons biking. And my evenings with my cats at home on the couch!

  114. “if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?” – I would probably start writing and focusing on my health by cooking better meals and adding more steps to my day. I admire people who have left their careers in the profession that I’m currently in and have become authors. I want to do what they’ve done. These are the two areas of my life where I would focus my time and attention were I to FIRE tomorrow.

  115. If I fired tomorrow, and we can, but are too risk averse, therefore the need for this book, I would be more intentional about the legacy I want to leave in my next phase of life. Using my engineering background I will want to help companies in distress with turnaround, focus on projects that have social impact (get some of this from current work) and explore travel and adventures that create family experiences and cherished memories. I will use my time for health and fitness improvements and will show up consistently.

  116. Focus on the tasks I enjoy, improve my physical health and lower stress, eat well and create memories with my family

  117. If I was FIR’s today…. I’d backpack more, get back into rock climbing, more time gardening, travel…basically do the hobbies I can barely squeeze into my life now.

  118. I am due for 2 more surgeries this year so if I FIRE’d tomorrow, I would work on my recovery and health. Spend more time with my niece and nephew and read more books.

  119. If I got FIREd today I’d spend my days restoring classic motorbikes. There’s several models that simply deserve to be rescued. The whole process of finding a neglected bike, restoring it and looking for original parts is one of the most satisfying activities.

  120. I would immediately go back to making art, as I used to do before I had a kid. Nowadays it looks like everything revolves around the little one (well it doesn’t only look like it, but it actually does), which is good and fine and is the way it should be. But it would be so exciting and fulfilling to go back (even if it was for a short moment) to the sense of freedom and the laserfocus I had when concentrating on my art.

  121. If I was able to FIRE today/tomorrow… I’d take a few weeks/months to reset and physically/mentally recover from years of working the “rat race” and being driven by the clock. Where the only way to “get more done” was to compromise sleep. After that…. Learning learning and more learning. About investing, better health, helping others, maybe gym instructor, slow travel and adventure, visit family around the world, all whilst carrying my camera around to capture special moments and scenes.

  122. If I were to FIRE tomorrow I would re-start my podcast in Spanish called De Peso a Peso, were I talk about personal finances in Spanish- I truly believe that the road toward being FIREd helps you improve all aspects of your life.

  123. “if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?”
    I would continue my day job for the next 6 months while adjusting and making a better plan! I would immediately make appointments for counseling and massages. I want to plan for extended slow travel.

  124. I would get a 1 year lease in Italy to learn and practice the language. I would also practice my violin that I just bought and I would use the time to continue to learn. Maybe I would take an AI course. I would also practice Pilates daily. I have a long list but these would be my top priorities.

  125. if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?

    – Probably not a whole lot different! I could scale back a little at work, say 30 hrs of work spread over a week or if I could do less, even better. With that added time, I prioritise my own health/exercise/nutrition more than I currently do. Finally, I’d help my wife start a creative after school club from our home, it isn’t about money but our kid loves it so it’s a good excuse to create a new friend group for her doing something she enjoys

  126. If I’d reach FI tomorrow I’d start being involved in helping the elderly get better assistance and happier moments. I want to create a community that connects with older people and provides care and playfulness at the last stage of life. It’s something really dear to me, that I’ll devote to once reaching FI. I find it really sad that people live full lives to then end up “forgotten” in awful places and sometimes terrible conditions. So, that’s where I’ll put my energy moving forward once FIed

  127. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, I would stop working, volunteer more, travel more, and engage with my hobbies.

  128. If I were to FIRE, what would I do?? Wow – what an awesome question…this time freedom seems like the ultimate dream and not one to be squandered. I’d love to find a balance that allows for volunteering (starting with getting our adorable GoldenDoodle ready to do some pet therapy), more time for movement and exercise, and the exploring of opportunities related to doing some work that I love where the size of paycheck doesn’t matter but what I do there when I show up does (likely something that helps others). Of course we’d fit in more travel when our kiddo can join us too.

  129. If I FIREd tomorrow, I would read this book immediately. I really want to know why people aren’t our purpose, and if it’s not people and community, what’s the answer?
    As a childfree person swimming against the society stream, it’s a burning Q for me lol.

    I’d also peace out of the Hunger Games of job instability looming at work, find a travel buddy (hopefully!) and slow travel the world. Eat all the food. Maybe learn to scuba while working on my own anxieties and purpose.

  130. If I were to be FIRE’d tomorrow, I would clean out all the junk in my house (donating as much as possible) and put it up for sale. I would make space for what matters most. Family and friends. I would visit my 88 year old father more often who lives in another province and make sure I was there for all the “special occassions”. I would start TFSAs and FHSAs for my nieces and nephews. I would be generous with my time and money, maintaining a frugal lifestyle, but setting the next generation up the best I can for financial freedom. I would make sure that money is not TABOO to discuss between friends and family. I would be content and happy to share.

  131. “If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?” I would sell everything, slow travel the world for several years, read a lot, learn a lot, and write a lot!

    My husband and I are almost there, targeting June of 2026. We’re both trying to get clear on our “purpose” going forward, so this book would be a perfect fit.

  132. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow (and I will be in the next year, assuming I can avoid 1 more year syndrome) I’d take up full time slow travel, but other than that I wouldn’t do much of anything! I’m one of the few people, I think, who is happy to just be, I’ve never felt an urge to do something impactful. I’m genuinely curious if that would change after a few years of being FIRE’d

  133. If I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time ? Focus on my future health, take more walks, exercise with more purpose, slow travel, live with less fear.

  134. Fire tomorrow? I would take my partner to Jeju Island where I taught English and reminisce with my sweet students. <3

    It was my most independent move of my life and I credit that one step of courage to being self-sufficient and on my way to FIRE now. My partner and I would write our memoirs about overcoming addiction and cults and eat all the Korean BBQ we could find.

  135. if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?

    I would love to be a therapeutic clown. I love this idea of developing creativity and helping people.

  136. “if I were to become FIRE’d tomorrow, what would I do with my time?”
    We reached FI at the start of this year. We are planning to work for one more year to increase our savings before retiring before Christmas this year. We plan to sell our house, take a repositioning cruise to Australia and spend time exploring and scuba diving our way around a country we have always wanted to visit but never had the time. During this time I’m hoping to figure out what to do next. I’ll be reading this book for sure. I need all the help I can get. I have a very stressful and busy job that has damaged my health and need some time to heal and sort out what my new purpose will be. Whatever it is will involve continuing to volunteer with animals and hopefully ocean conservation.

  137. I would walk 2-4 hrs per day in the wonderful hiking trails near my house, focus on CC churning, make delicious dinners for my family. (Then lots of travel in between!)

  138. My purpose if I fire’d tomorrow? I don’t know that I’ve found my purpose yet. I still have kids at home, so that would take time. I love reading and learning. I’m going back to school for my BS and am also relearning Spanish. I like the idea of teaching in a Spanish speaking country. I can’t wait to read the book and narrow it down a bit!

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