Have you looked at living overseas? It looks possible to work for 5 years then not need to work indefinitely. Though, depending on your friends and family, this might not be what you want. Anyways, here's a little research I've done. If I don't get married in the next couple years, I plan on following my own advice.

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=122341

I have a friend who is very well travelled, and he agrees with the viability of my take on financial independence. There is a lot more research I need to do, but the general concept seems alright.