Well I up voted because I look into FIRE and retire as early as possible.

One way is to get highly paid job as early as possible and invest most of the income.

What OP describes might be different approach, get easy going job and well not really retire but have a lifestyle that would be like a retiree.

Both have their ups and downs. I would rather go with first solution if I were young and have opportunity. Second option is more viable if someone is in his 40ties I believe.