I sure don't meet a lot of early retired people either, here in the Netherlands. However, that could also be because I'm moving in the wrong circles: I'm meeting people at my work, so they most often are working, too. Thinking over the last five years or so, I think I know some people who are financially independent but who then have decided to put their time in things like charities, creating a business, pursuing a hobby with all their heart, etc. So they don't present themselves as "hello, I'm X and I'm retired", but as "hello, I'm X, and I'm working on Y project, could you help me with Z... ".steveo73 wrote: What is funny is that I'm looking to retire at about 50 and I feel I'm unique. So few people appear to be into this lifestyle.
You're making great progress, well done! So the mortgage could be done by next year? That will sure free up some income for other goals and end some of your worries...