Are Mini Retirements, Optionality, and Side Hustles Possible in the Military?

From seven-month sabbaticals to turning a hobby into a thriving side business, Justin Peters from the FI Minded Podcast shares how dialing back work can supercharge your career, creativity, and financial freedom.

Key Points & Topics

• Part-time work and mini sabbaticals
• Recognizing burnout and funding a seven-month break
• Differentiating sabbatical versus mini retirement
• Logistics: nest egg size, remote options, healthcare planning
• Optionality and financial independence mindset
• Dual-track strategy: accumulate wealth and improve life in tandem
• CoastFi and SlowFi as flavors of the 25x rule
• Pulling back on work without derailing long-term goals
• Turning a podcast hobby into a side hustle
• Initial struggles with audio editing and finding a partner
• Leveraging serendipity, referrals, and niche communities
• Advising small business owners: start with five imperfect episodes
• Intentional time off

• Avoiding passive downtime—set routines for hobby and health
• First two-week recovery period, then structured creative blocks
• Sharing your plan: scripts for family and friends
• Networking and community building
• FinCon conference connections
• Toastmasters for public-speaking confidence and lasting bonds
• Online FI communities and Facebook groups for accountability
• Military-friendly breaks
• Career Intermission Program: up to 36 months and healthcare continuity depending on your branch of service
• Guard and Reserve options to maintain benefits and part-time earnings

Links Mentioned

• Justin's FI Minded podcast (search on any podcast player)
  • Episode 171: gifting and donations with Spencer Reese
  • Episode 170: living a FI life without a FI bank account
  • Episode 142: Jillian Johnsrud on mini retirements
• Toastmasters International: https://www.toastmasters.org

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