Meet Stephanie Estep | Early Retiree & Slow Travel Vlogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Estep and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
The work life balance in my life has changed over time. When I started working in a management role in my early 20s, cell phones and laptops weren’t a thing so I had great work life balance. After I was promoted and laptops and cell phones were common place, my work life balance was not good. I am sure that being a workaholic didn’t help either!!! Now that I am retired, I only have to balance life which is great. Sometimes I do miss having a traditional job, but that is becoming less and less.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started with a company at the age of 16 and stayed with that organization for 34 years. I know that staying with a company that long isn’t common anymore, but it worked for me. I made it a point to learn the business, and to seek out promotions along the way. In order to become successful, I had to move and I worked some crazy hours! It was both easy and hard depending on what was going on. Work is definitely easier when you work with people you like and work well together. I think the hardest thing was traveling for business and being away from my daughter for extended periods of time. I am so thankful that my husband supported me along the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Memphis and there is so much to do here!! First we would head downtown and visit the Peabody and see the ducks and enjoy a drink in the lobby bar. Next we would make our way over to Beale Street. Personally, I like to people watch so we could visit several bars and listen to some great music! When in Memphis you have to have barbeque, my favorite barbeque can be found at The Commissary in Germantown. I suggest starting with their tamales for an appetizer! Delish! Other must sees in Memphis include-The National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, Sun Studio, Bass Pro Shops in the Pyramid, Stax Museum, Memphis Botanic Garden and Elmwood Cemetery.

I am not a huge foodie, but I really love Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana for amazing shrimp tacos, Huey’s for a great burger, Brother Juniper’s for brunch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I could name! I think my husband Garrett deserves a mention! I didn’t have strong financial role models growing up. Garrett helped me become the saver that I am today. In fact, when we married we decided we wanted to retire early. We have worked together towards that common goal. We achieved early retirement at age 50 (almost 51) and now travel the world together, So far it has been an amazing journey.

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Image Credits
Garrett Estep