How Jessica and Dan Retired Early and Traveled the World on a Budget

Jessica, 60, and her husband Dan, 61, reside in Sydney and share a passion for travel. Upon retiring, they were determined not to abandon their dream of discovering new places, but soon realised they would need extra income to sustain their adventurous lifestyle.

Rather than completely stepping away from full-time work, Jessica, a former teacher, began tutoring students part-time, while Dan, a studio graphic designer, started freelancing using

job sites like FIVERR to source short- term contracts. Both Jessica and Dan find this works well allowing the flexibility of a retirement lifestyle with an income to support their travels.

By being smart about developing a retirement income ( before pension age) this has enabled them to spend significant time abroad, exploring Europe, Southeast Asia, and uncovering Australia's hidden treasures. By combining part-time work with their love for travel, Jessica and Dan have maintained an active, financially stable, and fulfilling retirement.

Jessica shares, “Our part-time work not only finances our adventures but also keeps us engaged and feeling that we’re also contributing to our financial and emotional well-being — it’s the ideal balance for our retirement aspirations.