Q: I am a 56-year-old Japanese woman living in Tokyo. I retired three years ago, and have enjoyed FIRE life. My hobby has been stock investment, but recently faced quite a paper loss. I have also tried being a YouTuber and a blogger, and would like to do more, hopefully something quite interesting. I'm not interested in working anymore. Any suggestions?
A: It's great to hear that you've been enjoying your FIRE lifestyle and exploring new hobbies and interests! Here are a few suggestions that you might find interesting:
Teach Others about Investing: You mentioned that you have experience in stock investing, and this could be a great opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with others. You could create an online course, write an eBook, or start a YouTube channel or blog to educate people about the stock market, investing strategies, and other financial topics.
Travel Blogging: If you enjoy traveling, you could start a travel blog or YouTube channel to share your experiences and tips with others. This could be a great way to connect with people from around the world and inspire them to explore new places.
Artistic Endeavors: If you have a creative streak, you might consider exploring your artistic side. You could take up painting, writing, or music, and share your work with others through online platforms.
Volunteer Work: If you're interested in giving back to your community, you might consider volunteering your time and skills to a local organization or charity. This could be a great way to make a difference and connect with others who share your values.
Learning New Skills: Finally, you might consider taking up a new hobby or skill that you've always been interested in but haven't had the time to pursue. This could be anything from learning a new language to taking up a new sport or hobby. There are plenty of online resources available to help you get started, so don't be afraid to try something new!
Remember, there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to finding your passion and purpose in life. The most important thing is to stay curious, explore new opportunities, and stay true to yourself. Good luck with your journey!
Q: Stay true to myself...sure, that's important, but not everyone can afford to do so, especially when one still has to work. Thank you very much for your great suggestion!
A: You're absolutely right, and I apologize if my previous response came across as insensitive. Financial constraints and other practical considerations can certainly make it more difficult to pursue one's passions and interests.
If you're looking to explore new opportunities without necessarily committing to a full-time job or financial investment, there are plenty of online platforms and communities that can provide a low-risk way to experiment and connect with others. For example, you could try participating in online forums, joining social media groups, or attending virtual events and webinars related to your interests. This could help you connect with others who share your passions and learn new skills without having to make a major financial commitment.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to be true to yourself and prioritize your well-being and happiness. Whether that means pursuing a new hobby, finding ways to give back to your community, or exploring new career opportunities, I wish you all the best in your journey!
Q: Thank you, and no, your response was not insensitive at all. Rather, I should have added now that I no longer have to work, I can stay 100% true to myself. That's what I had always desired while I was still working!
I see, that makes sense. It's great to hear that you're now able to focus on what you truly enjoy and prioritize your own well-being. Pursuing your passions and interests without having to worry about financial constraints can be a liberating and rewarding experience.
In that case, I encourage you to explore new opportunities and try out different activities that align with your interests and values. As I mentioned before, there are plenty of online resources and communities available to help you connect with like-minded individuals and find new avenues for personal growth and fulfillment.
Remember to be patient and open-minded as you embark on this new chapter in your life. There may be setbacks and challenges along the way, but with persistence and a willingness to learn, you can discover new opportunities and experiences that bring joy and meaning to your life.
A: You're right. Speaking of challenges, yes, as I mentioned earlier, I did face one recently, that is, a big paper loss in stock investment. Turns out the current stock prices were much less worse than the worst-case scenario.
I also made phone calls to IR executives of the two companies that published unexpectedly bad financial results which made their stock prices plummet (I'm their shareholder.) In these phone conversations, I could find that the real situation and outlook were not so bas as the statements indicated, and I thought there is a good chance that their stock prices will go up later this year.
Long story short, yes, I did face a big challenge, but I could address the shock. It was also fun to talk to these IR execs; they were very kind, and I could learn more about their companies.
A: It's great to hear that you were able to address the challenge of the stock market loss and learn from the experience. Your phone calls to the IR executives show that you are a proactive and engaged investor, and that you are willing to do the research and ask questions to better understand the companies you invest in.
While investing can come with risks and uncertainty, it can also be a source of learning and growth. By staying informed and engaged with the companies you invest in, you can develop a deeper understanding of the business landscape and become a more savvy and informed investor.
Of course, investing is just one aspect of life, and it's important to also pursue other interests and hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment. But it's great to see that you are able to take on challenges and find ways to address them, both in your investing and in other areas of your life. Keep up the great work!
