A quote that captures the essence of Financial Independence (FI).
It basically frames financial freedom, not as something that can be used to run away from work, but as something that allows you to choose the work you want to do.
Some people (like the Finer household) keep working even after reaching FI. But the difference is that we work because we want to, not because we have to. That means we can choose to work on things we like.
It also means we can do our best work. Money is not the motivating factor for our work. We do a good job because we like our work – not because we are afraid of a bad year-end review / not getting a raise / promotion / etc.
So far, FI has been working out great for us. We plan to continue to work; since work is more fun after FI.
Working because you want to, not because you have to, is financial freedom.
Tony Robbins