I Took a Trial Run at Retirement Before Quitting — Here's What It Taught Me

What if you didn't choose to leave your job — what if it chose to leave you? Before I retired at 61, I ran a test most people never think about. I flew to Bangkok and lived on my projected retirement budget. Then I did it again in Lima, Peru — a completely different continent, language, and culture. Not because I wanted to travel. Because I needed an insurance policy. Here's the stat that changed everything for me: 24% of people over 50 who lose their jobs never find another one. And only 1 in 10 ever regain their previous salary. This is the story of how I built a Plan B — and why you need one whether you plan to retire early or not. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — The question I wasn't ready for: "What if it wasn't my choice?" 1:52 — The ProPublica stat that changed everything 3:17 — Bangkok: the first trial run 4:45 — Why one city isn't enough (the Goldilocks problem) 5:30 — Decluttering my life for Plan B 6:10 — Lima, Peru: the "aha moment" overlooking the Pacific 8:45 — Why this matters for YOU (the real numbers) 10:15 — Have you considered a Plan B trip? 🔗 RESOURCES • ProPublica: How Older Workers Are Pushed Out of the Workforce 📌 Pinned Comment Have you considered taking a "Plan B" trip to test what life could look like if your job disappeared tomorrow? It only costs two or three weeks and a plane ticket. Let me know in the comments — would you consider it more now after hearing the numbers? And as always, be curious, be brave, and suck less each day. See you down the road. 📌 ABOUT SLED RETIREMENT I retired at 61 to stop trading time for money. This channel is about redefining retirement through slow international travel, budget-conscious living, and building a life that doesn't depend on things going exactly to plan. New videos weekly. #RetirementReality #PlanB #SlowTravel CREDIT CARDS I USE: Cards with Transferable Points: Chase Ink Business Preferred https://www.referyourchasecard.com/21... Capital One Venture X https://i.capitalone.com/GPwhl8gw4 Hotel Loyalty Credit Cards: Chase IHG Premier Card https://www.referyourchasecard.com/21... Chase IHG Business Premier Card https://www.referyourchasecard.com/21... Chase Marriott Boundless Card https://www.referyourchasecard.com/25... PRODUCTS I USE: Audible - https://amzn.to/4mvmHLz (Amazon) Cooling Towel/container to clip on backpack- https://amzn.to/4tXbaYv (Amazon) Packing Cubes- https://amzn.to/4bbTvF0 (Amazon) Apple Airtags- https://amzn.to/4s69hXQ (Amazon) Luggage Scale - https://amzn.to/3MT7giK (Amazon) BOSE Noise Canceling Headphones - https://amzn.to/401wxdE (Amazon) JBL Wireless Earbuds - https://amzn.to/4kWQdsC (Amazon) DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Camera- https://amzn.to/4b2nuhI (Amazon) DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Filter Set- https://amzn.to/3OA5yDu (Amazon) GoPro Hero 13 with Accessories - https://amzn.to/3OvWWxJ (Amazon) SanDisk Micro SD Card- https://amzn.to/474zGNx (Amazon) Sun Hat- https://amzn.to/4kVpuwt (Amazon) Carabiners - https://amzn.to/4qVb94B (Amazon) Luggage Tags - https://amzn.to/4rIGdWy (Amazon) Cruise Luggage Tags - https://amzn.to/3N8giZf (Amazon) Osprey Daypack - https://amzn.to/46xxcqJ (Amazon) Nike Vomero Plus Shoes - https://amzn.to/40uA30a (Amazon) Keen Closed Toe Sandals - https://amzn.to/46rwStM (Amazon) Ripcurl Board Shorts - https://amzn.to/3ZW3W9w (Amazon) As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. The cards and links for purchases will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. This video is accurate as of the time the posting date. Not all offers available for all credit cards or all credit card companies are included. The content is accurate as of the date of posting. Some offers presented may no longer be available.