So, what does financial independence mean to you?
My husband and I are not financially independent, so I can only speak to our path towards financial independence. I like having FI as a framework for our discussions and decision-making because it challenges us to be painfully honest about the choices we're making and our priorities. If we truly value independence from our employers and our time together over everything else, we would make decisions that would get us to FI ASAP. As it is, we make decisions every day that draw out our timetable towards FI in favor of comfort, status, desire to help family, etc. but we have the vocabulary and the framework to be honest about those choices and acknowledge that we are choosing one priority over another with our limited (though ridiculously high) resources. We ask ourselves questions that check to see if we're leading our lives in an integrated way such that our time, money, and energy are as closely aligned as possible with our values, priorities, and sources of happiness. Without this framework, I think it can be easy to get into a debate about what's "reasonable" or "normal" which is rooted in comparisons with others and doesn't acknowledge that each time we choose X we're not choosing Y.
What are your plans post fire? Does it include other money making endeavors?
We both work in fields we love, but are both working long hours (50+/week) and chose our employers based on salary and opportunities for professional advancement rather than a strong desire to be a part of their team. I suspect we'll both work part-time and be choosy about our clients/employers once we are FI.
Is disliking your job "enough"of a reason?
I've found that when I'm running away from something, I don't make great choices. Also, "disliking" something isn't a very compelling analysis of the situation. I'd look at your job in terms of costs/benefits . My job provides us with financial security (depending on what we do with my income) and keeps my skills and resume strong for future opportunities. It also provides me with a network of like-minded professionals and time Monday - Friday with people I like and respect. It costs me time with my husband and friends/family, energy b/c I often come home tired, my health b/c I'm less active than I was in my previous, less-demanding job, some flexibility in choosing my own work, and it keeps me from giving back to my community as much as I'd like through volunteerism. When I look at this list, I can think of ways to make my current job "cost" less and I can better articulate the life I'd like to have.
What are your contingency plans?
To go back to work, understanding that we'd make that choice only after examining the "cost" of working and deciding those costs were aligned with our current priorities.