Ask HN: What to do after $8M (all cash, post tax) exit?

Example: If you want your kids to be college debt/mortgage free when they grow up (dont give them the money now, rather they have that ability when time comes) - you have 2 kids, figure by the time they are adults average starter condo price in a major city will be 1.5 million? So 3 mil goes towards their mortgage. Another million to pay for education costs/support studies. Oooops 1/2 is gone already. You have 4Mil left - You need 2Mil to retire. Now you have 2Mil left. If you want to buy a place somewhere nice and warm to retire - figure 1Mil to buy a property there and another million to service that house (taxes, repairs etc).

So here 8Mil is gone its simply not much money and is nothing to freak out about. Just sit down and divide it all up towards your long term goals.

and Congrats! Its a big deal to be able to have your kids mortgage/college debt free and be able to have a somewhat worry free retirement.

In my case: I'd be learning more things, helping more people in ways that makes me feel good but are still productive. I'd also do more things that I'd find fun. I'd still enforce a relatively strict rhythm because I know what happens when you lose that.

I might become a musician and go all out with that.

If you never had an urge or yearning to do anything else than your life right now, then why change it? Live the life you want to live and try to stay sensible / use common sense.

I suggest continuing to work, but perhaps being pickier about where you work. Perhaps there's a dream job you've always wanted to do that up until now wasn't feasible because it doesn't pay enough, like fireman, park ranger, teacher, musician, etc? The key here is to have an obligation (people depend on you) and social interaction.

Also, see if maybe you can develop some hobbies. It can be as simple as hiking or collecting stamps. Preferably one that has a social aspect so you have human interaction.

You're going to need, at the bare minimum, a passion project to keep you engaged.

Sometimes, retiring early is the worst thing to happen to a person. Make sure you know well in advance how you're going to fill your days. Because having a bunch of empty days in your immediate future can be very detrimental to your mental health.

Good luck!