TL;DR - 47, stash is only half way to FI, thinking about part time or contract IT work. Specifically, networks and security
While searching for a replacement car recently, I figured out that it's not the car that I don't like, it's that I don't like driving. I think I am coming to the same conclusion about full time working. 7 years ago I started thinking about what am I working for. I figured that my mortgage was my biggest expense, so wouldn't it be nice if that was gone. I made a plan to pay it off in 10 years. I went pretty aggressive and two years ago I refinanced the remaining $88k at a lower rate. I also stopped paying extra because at 3.2%, my money is better in the market. Earlier this year, my brokerage account balance passed the mortgage balance. So essentially, the house is paid for. My current financial situation is NW is right at half FI. I max my 401k/HSA/IRA every year. I also put half of my net pay into my brokerage account. I figure that I am 3-4 years from FI.
So what is the problem? I really don't like my life. I don't make friends easily, and therefore don't have many. I live smack in the middle of suburbia hell. All I really want to do is grab a backpack and a bicycle and go see stuff. Maybe jump on a boat when I run out of land. Since I cannot afford to quit my job and go do these things, I am wondering about contract work. That could allow me a few months per year to go do things, and still have money coming in.
My resume is basically Network engineer from 1997 to 2013, Cyber Security Engineer since 2013. Before you get out your calculator and try to figure out how I can do those jobs for so many years and not be FI, I have not always been wise with my money.
Have any of you out there switched from full time into part time or contract IT? How was the transition? Are you looking for a full time position again, or do you kick yourself for not making the move sooner?