“Tanja Hester and her partner… achieved early financial independence, and in these pages she takes you on her journey. Learn why so many are firing their bosses and searching for meaning and purpose beyond cubicles and 24/7 jobs.”―Vicki Robin, New York Times bestselling coauthor of Your Money or Your Life

“This isn’t just a book about how to retire early. It’s a book that proves it’s possible to be mindful with your spending, and create a life that aligns with your values and passions-and work can play whatever role you want it to.”
―Cait Flanders, bestselling author of The Year of Less

“Hester’s story is relatable, refreshing, and a pleasure to read. All too often we chase external measures of success without thinking about what we truly want from life. In Work Optional, Hester gives us a roadmap for a less traveled path: living a more purpose-driven life through financial independence.”―Kristin Wong, author of Get Money: Live the Life You Want, Not Just the Life You Can Afford

“Inspirational, grounded, and thought-provoking, Work Optional cracks open preconceived ideas of what it means to work and what it means to live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life. Go on this adventure to learn not only the practical steps of early retirement, but more importantly, to discern what you truly want out of life. With Hester as your guide… you just might find yourself living a life you never imagined possible.”―Elizabeth Willard Thames, author of Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living

“Ms. Hester get[s] you to think about how you might retire early, forc[ing] you to ponder how you could cut current spending and increase your income, savings and the rates they earn.”―The New York Times

“Hester is equal parts analytical and encouraging in Work Optional, which helps the reader tear down any misconceptions about what it means to create a life on your terms. This will undoubtedly be a defining handbook for those looking to diverge from society’s expectations of a traditional career path.”―Erin Lowry, author of Broke Millennial Takes on Investing

“Tanja Hester turns [the dream of early retirement] into a reality, by guiding you to map out your own plan for living the good life earlier than you might have originally expected.”―Bustle

“Work Optional outlines a realistic yet awe-inspiring path to a life where work is optional. There are plenty of books out there about how to save money and build wealth but if you want to weave financial excellence into a life full of adventure, contribution, and meaning – this is the book for you.”―Chad Carson, author of Retire Early with Real Estate

“Financial independence and early retirement are truly the ultimate life hacks, and in the page-turning book Work Optional, Tanja Hester lays out a concrete path to both define your future and help you get there. This newfound freedom gives you the space to focus on what you want out of life: your projects, passions, community and ultimately your happiness.”―Brad Barrett, co-host of the ChooseFI podcast

Tanja Hester worked as a consultant before retiring at age 38 to live a life of adventure and creativity with her husband, Mark Bunge. She is the writer of the award-winning blog Our Next Life, an influencer within the FIRE (financial independence/retire early) movement, a columnist for MarketWatch, and co-host of The Fairer Cents podcast about women and financial equality. After spending most of her career in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, she now lives in Lake Tahoe with Mark and two dogs.

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