I've made simple changes in my life so that I can retire at 40 and move to the Philippines. There are 3 years left, and I'm on track.

• After his mom's sudden death, Brandon Turrell decided he wanted to make the most out of life.
• The idea of working in a 9-to-5 job for the rest of his life no longer interested him.
• He made a plan to be financially independent by 40 and hopes to be able to move to the Philippines with his fianceé.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Brandon Turrell, a 37-year-old aerospace technician based in Washington. He runs a YouTube channel about being in a long-distance relationship and moving to the Philippines. This essay has been edited for length and clarity.