Early Retirement Before 60: How Smart Financial Planning Helped These Professionals Quit High-Paying Jobs to Follow Their Passion
Leaving behind a plush corporate office, a high six-figure salary, and air-conditioned boardrooms to pick up a camera… walking away from the glitz of the fashion industry to retire early… or quitting a top corporate post to preserve the history of one’s hometown—these sound like movie plots. Yet, these are real-life stories of individuals who escaped the 9-to-5 grind, thanks to strategic financial planning.
By saving aggressively, investing wisely, and controlling lifestyle expenses, they achieved Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) and turned their passions into their professions. Here’s how they did it—and how you can too.
Mayur Channagere (48), Bengaluru – From IT Consulting to Professional Photography
At just 33, Mayur Channagere left a lucrative consulting role at Infosys to pursue photography full-time. Starting with only ₹50,000, he launched his own company, Agna Productions, funding it entirely from his savings. His wife’s steady income, a ₹30 lakh emergency fund, and years of consistent mutual fund SIP investments gave him the confidence to make the leap.
Mayur’s goal was clear—match his previous annual salary of ₹12–15 lakh in the very first year of business. He succeeded. “We had been planning for years and knew exactly how to make the business work,” he says. His story proves that early retirement or career shifts are possible when you combine passion with a solid financial safety net.
Aparupa & Sujoy S. Nandy (45), Panipat – The Power of the FIRE Strategy
This couple, both alumni of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), embraced the FIRE philosophy early on. They invested more than 50% of their joint income in mutual fund SIPs, portfolio management services (PMS), and gold. They consciously avoided lifestyle inflation, ensuring that their spending did not rise with their income.
The result? Today they have built a corpus of ₹13 crore generating an 18% XIRR (annualised return). This financial freedom allowed them to retire at 45. While Sujoy continues to work for now, he plans to leave his job soon. Their disciplined approach shows that early retirement is less about extreme sacrifice and more about consistent investing and smart money habits.
Uday Kumar (57), Bengaluru – Preserving History Over Corporate Leadership
At 52, Uday Kumar resigned from his top position at Schneider Electric Software India. The turning point came in 2017 when he discovered a 14th-century stone inscription in Bengaluru that mentioned his hometown. This sparked his mission to preserve and document the city’s history.
For Uday, this decision wasn’t just about money—it was about giving back to the place that had shaped his life. His financial readiness made it possible: by investing 30% of his portfolio in equities, he created a steady income stream that allowed him to step away from corporate life without financial stress.
Lessons from These Early Retirement Journeys
These stories highlight key principles for anyone aspiring to retire early:
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Start planning early – Years of disciplined saving and investing create the financial foundation for early retirement.
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Build an emergency fund – A safety net protects you during transitions and reduces financial anxiety.
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Avoid lifestyle inflation – Keeping expenses stable while income grows accelerates wealth creation.
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Invest consistently – Equity, mutual funds, PMS, and even gold can play a role in building long-term wealth.
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Have a clear post-retirement plan – Whether it’s starting a business, pursuing a creative passion, or working on community projects, knowing your next step gives purpose to financial independence.
Bottom Line:
Early retirement before 60 is no longer a fantasy—it’s achievable with disciplined financial planning, prudent investments, and a clear vision for your future. Whether your dream is to start a business, travel, or devote yourself to a cause, the right financial strategy can make it a reality.
