How to Retire Before 40: Steps to Manifest Your Dream Life
How I Manifested My Dream Life (and How You Can Too)
The second episode of the series on money proves that when there is a will, there is a way. Jen Schulz shared her story of retiring from corporate at 34 and becoming a multi-six-figure investor (almost seven figures at the time of this interview). Jen’s is an inspirational story about determination, belief, and action. Here it is in her own words:
I’ve always believed there’s something powerful about reaching a breaking point—the moment when you just know, deep in your bones, that you’re meant for more. For me, that moment came when I realized I was stuck in a nine-to-five grind that wasn’t serving me. I was surrounded by negativity and complaints, and worse, my future—my paycheck, my schedule, my LIFE—was entirely in someone else’s hands. Sound familiar?
Growing up, I did everything “right.” I got good grades, followed the rules, landed a stable job with a pension, and, like so many of us, thought I’d simply tough it out until retirement. But the truth? I hated every day of it. Eventually, I hit a wall and realized: If I want my life to change, I need to take charge.
The Success Principle That Changed Everything
My turning point came when a friend handed me a copy of Jack Canfield’s The Success Principles. The very first chapter hit me right over the head: Event + Response = Outcome. My job was the “event.” My response had been to show up and simply endure, then wonder why nothing changed. That book, along with Rich Dad, Poor Dad (another gift from the universe via a friend), woke me up to a radical idea: What if I didn’t have to trade my time for money? What if I could design the lifestyle I actually wanted, and THEN find income streams to support it—instead of the other way around?
Clarity Comes Before Action (But Action Is Everything)
I started small. I got honest about what I wanted, not what was expected of me, not what society said, but my dreams. I asked myself what my “be, do, have” list looked like. I visualized, journaled, and mapped out what my life could be.
And the wildest thing? I found that note a year later, tucked in my book. Every single thing I’d written down had happened.
That’s when I became a true believer in manifestation—but with a twist. Vision boards and affirmations are great, but they’re not magic potions. You have to take inspired action. I dove into house flipping. I worked my regular job, then spent evenings renovating properties with my husband, building something for ourselves, one bite-sized step at a time.
Micro Steps, Massive Results
It wasn’t about making a dramatic “leap” or quitting my job overnight. I broke my big goals into micro steps—renovate this room, paint that wall, rent out this unit. Little by little, our energy and confidence grew. We were taking action, not just talking or wishing things were different.
Eventually, I was able to throw myself a “retirement” party at age 34. No, I wasn’t a millionaire with a yacht. But I was finally living on my terms, spending my time the way I wanted, and building abundance for my family.
Your Dream Life Deserves Your Action
Maybe your dream isn’t real estate or retiring early. Maybe it’s a certain lifestyle, more time with your family, or starting your own business. Whatever it is, start by asking yourself: What do I truly want—not what someone else wants for me? Get intentional. Allow yourself to dream. And when you find yourself resisting those uncomfortable workbook questions or new opportunities, that’s the clue you’re bumping up against an old belief that’s ready to be transformed.
Surround yourself with people who are already where you want to be. Listen to their stories, get inspired, and keep your goals to yourself at first if you need to—protect your dreams until you’re strong enough to speak them with confidence.
Remember, every single step—no matter how tiny—builds your momentum, boosts your belief, and brings you closer to the life you’ve been secretly longing for.
If it’s possible for me, it’s possible for you.
Your dreams are whispers from your soul begging you to see your possibilities. They are meant to be lived. You have everything you need to make your dreams your reality when you believe in your abilities and take action.