Why I Quit the Fast Track to Early Retirement – (Ep. 24)

By Aaron Buchner | October 29, 2025

In this episode, Aaron shares a deeply personal story about walking away from what seemed like the “smart financial decision.” After landing a high-paying corporate job that promised early financial freedom, he quickly realized the hidden cost, long hours, constant travel, loneliness, and a marriage under strain. Despite the impressive paycheck, the life behind it felt empty. Aaron opens up about the moment he chose emotional well-being, relationships, and happiness over money and how that decision reshaped his philosophy on financial planning.

This episode challenges the idea that success means constant sacrifice and burnout. It’s a reflection on how our pursuit of wealth can blind us to what truly matters and a reminder that financial planning should be about more than numbers.

Key Topics Discussed:

The emotional toll of chasing financial success
Balancing career ambition with mental health and relationships
Why “the smart financial move” isn’t always the right life move
The myth of “paying your dues” to achieve happiness later
Redefining wealth: how money should support your happiness, not replace it
Building a financial plan that prioritizes fulfillment, not just returns