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General Discussion => Post-FIRE => Topic started by: DeskJockey2028 on April 04, 2017, 09:42:14 AM

Title: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: DeskJockey2028 on April 04, 2017, 09:42:14 AM
Is it the companionship? Sense of belonging? Smart and informed business decisions that always seemed to be made at the top? If you do miss something about the working world, what is it?
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: TheAnonOne on April 04, 2017, 09:49:35 AM
Not fired yet, but the only thing I am going to miss is the PAYCHECK

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: mjdh1957 on April 04, 2017, 10:23:15 AM
Absolutely nothing at all
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: redrocker on April 04, 2017, 12:31:05 PM
Not fired yet, but the only thing I am going to miss is the PAYCHECK


Bingo. There was something very satisfying for me about seeing that bi-monthly savings deposit.

The mental transition from accumulation is taking me a lot longer than I thought.

Sure, I miss a few folks from the office. But I can keep in touch other ways.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: TheAnonOne on April 04, 2017, 01:10:19 PM
Not fired yet, but the only thing I am going to miss is the PAYCHECK


Bingo. There was something very satisfying for me about seeing that bi-monthly savings deposit.

The mental transition from accumulation is taking me a lot longer than I thought.

Sure, I miss a few folks from the office. But I can keep in touch other ways.
Yea, it might be just me but my sole reason for going to work is money. Losing that will be tough, but in 3 to 5 years I'll probably be so ready to get out I think ill be fine!

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Frankies Girl on April 04, 2017, 01:15:10 PM
FIREd for just over 2 years. Only thing I miss is... um... well, nothing?

Okay - access to the programs and my giant 30" monitor that I didn't have to pay for? Yeah, that's about it.

And if I really missed it, I could go buy the stupid setup and pay for the programs myself... but I don't miss it THAT much yet. ;)

I'm an introvert, so I do not miss the interaction or office setting in the least.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Financial.Velociraptor on April 04, 2017, 01:23:17 PM
Four and half years in the only thing I ever miss is some of the people.  I schedule a "lunch bunch" once a quarter to try to keep in touch.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: checkedoutat39 on April 04, 2017, 10:12:14 PM
Visiting big cities on an expense account.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: gerardc on April 04, 2017, 11:45:51 PM
I'm in software and work provides a constant influx of semi-interesting problems for me to tackle with no regards to administrative details (most of the time). I could find that elsewhere but I'd need to carefully evaluate my ventures for impact, whereas now I can just blindly hammer away which is fun for an autist. So basically it provides me with a steady supply of my drug of choice (brain puzzles). Not very healthy.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: misshathaway on April 05, 2017, 09:38:24 AM
Friday afternoons. It was like a mini Christmas Eve every week. Of course Sunday night was the inverse but we're talking about stuff we miss. I'm wracking my brain and that's it.

For me, direct deposit almost completely unlinked the act of going to work with the money coming in to the bank account.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: iris lily on April 05, 2017, 10:07:27 AM
I miss an activity that was 10% ~ 20% of my job. Data analysis. That isn't something I can do as a volunteer, so I won't be volunteering at my old place of work.

I don't miss meetings, people management, fingering out shit (although truth be told, I do like that a little) and day to day stuff.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: PR Mustachian on April 05, 2017, 10:10:06 AM
It's only been 10 months but so far the answer is ZERO.  I would have thought I would be missing the sense of accomplishment or the relationships with employees but I've found I receive a much greater sense of accomplishment in learning and practicing new skills and I've made a ton of new friends that are simply closer friends than any coworker ever was. 
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: bacchi on April 05, 2017, 10:11:11 AM
Is it the companionship? Sense of belonging? Smart and informed business decisions that always seemed to be made at the top? If you do miss something about the working world, what is it?

Ha. Hahaha. Hahahahahahahaha. *wipes tears*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-t6SoAGRE0

Thankfully, there are thousands of open source frameworks to work on that satisfy any need for creativity.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: jim555 on April 05, 2017, 12:07:03 PM
What do I miss most? 
Honestly, not much of anything.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Candace on April 05, 2017, 12:15:54 PM
Free copying.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Frankies Girl on April 05, 2017, 12:28:45 PM
Free copying.

Oh! Yes, this too. And the access to the color laser printer that could do 11x17 prints.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: YK-Phil on April 05, 2017, 12:39:22 PM
Not FIRE yet, but i don't need to be. I have a sweet part-time gig that pays a decent $50K plus health and dental, and allows me to work remotely, and this year with only 2 trips back to the office in the year. We spent the last winter overlanding in the US Southwest and Mexico, going back for more in the fall. For obvious reasons, I never use Skype with my co-workers...I'm 59 this year so hopefully I could easily "work" at this job for many years, at least until Alzheimer's kicks in...Best of both worlds.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: DeskJockey2028 on April 06, 2017, 06:50:24 AM
Yes, having to buy my own printer ink could seriously jeopardize my FIRE plans....

Free copying.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Cpa Cat on April 06, 2017, 07:18:34 AM
I FIREd and started a little side gig that turned into a full time self-employment gig (oops).

What do I miss about my old cubicle job at my firm? Nothing. There was a lot of office-politics dysfunction, as well as a total alienation from my work and clients. I spent a lot of time trying to prove that I was good at what I do, but getting poor/no feedback.

When I became self-employed, I had a complete reversal. Same job, mind you. But now I have a direct, personal relationship with each client. My clients give me a ton of positive feedback. The business community as a whole gives me a lot of positive feedback. My job is now great for my self-esteem and my professional role is becoming important to my identity. It has had a positive impact on my personality.

I would miss that, now.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: rob/d on April 06, 2017, 10:28:27 AM
 Pay .
 That's all folks.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: FIRE me on April 06, 2017, 11:32:01 AM
The free donuts. Which come to think of it, I am better off without.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Spork on April 06, 2017, 12:51:39 PM

It is only slight... but I miss the daily banter with one or two people.  But situations like that change even if you do remain working... people leave, transfer, etc.

Mostly I miss nothing.  I hate cubicles.  I like sorting out what do to with my own time.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: cheapass on April 06, 2017, 02:55:33 PM
Smart and informed business decisions that always seemed to be made at the top?

LOL. Maybe this applies with small owner-operator companies but I've noticed that once a corporation reaches a certain critical mass it becomes bloated and retarded, more concerned with politics and meetings than actually making smart decisions.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: CanuckExpat on April 07, 2017, 12:47:53 AM
Miss the free food, and having an office for quiet seclusion and work
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Spork on April 07, 2017, 08:12:50 AM
Miss the free food, and having an office for quiet seclusion and work

The last time I had an actual office to myself for quiet seclusion was around 1998.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Greystache on April 07, 2017, 08:43:16 AM
I was going to say "nothing" but there is one thing. I had excellent health care coverage at work. It was stupid expensive, but the company paid for most of it and it required very little effort on my part to deal with it. Now I have to deal with buying it on the exchange and that is a PITA. I guess I should be happy for ACA because without it, early retirement may not have been possible, but what a complex, inefficient way to buy insurance.  Is this really the best that we can do?
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: CanuckExpat on April 07, 2017, 08:51:56 AM
The last time I had an actual office to myself for quiet seclusion was around 1998.

Yes: I hate cubicles and open concept can be pretty annoying as well. The last company I worked for apparently believed in offices for technical staff, along the lines described here:
https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2006/07/30/private-offices-redux/
https://stackoverflow.blog/2015/01/16/why-we-still-believe-in-private-offices/

Technically since I was a contractor, I shared an office with another contractor, but he was hardly there so I didn't mind. I think cubicles and open offices make more people want to retire early than anything else :)
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: DeskJockey2028 on April 07, 2017, 09:42:30 AM
I share a fairly small office with 3 perm. employees and one intern. It's an 'open concept' office (putting it nicely here). We have several tables shoved up against walls for desks and our only privacy is stacking monitors together to block each other's line of site.

But then, I'm in IT and I don't make money, I spend it, so they shove us anywhere they can. Right now we're in a decommissioned server room. Yay us.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: redbird on April 07, 2017, 12:22:27 PM
Nothing. There are a few people that I miss a bit because of their humor and some conversations, but that's it.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Drole on April 07, 2017, 02:59:16 PM
We've traveled a bit since FIRE'ing and it is much easier to meet people and learn language when you have 'set interactions'...school, work, etc. I don't miss it, but realized you have to be a lot more 'aggressive' without the water cooler. 
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: vine on April 08, 2017, 07:45:35 PM
I might miss some of the social interactions sometimes. But anyone from work I actually like I've managed to keep as friends.

For the first month or so of retirement I felt a sense of loss. You lose some self-respect, thoughts like “Maybe I’m retiring because I’m not good enough to cut it at my job” ran through my head. Early retirement felt like the cowards way out.

When you retire your job no longer defines who you are. You will now be defined by who you are as a person, not what you do for work. You’ll have to find your real identity and it’s terrifying being a real person. I miss how easy it is to work and not have to think about those things.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: NinetyFour on April 08, 2017, 08:12:03 PM
For the first month or so of retirement I felt a sense of loss. You lose some self-respect, thoughts like “Maybe I’m retiring because I’m not good enough to cut it at my job” ran through my head. Early retirement felt like the cowards way out.

When you retire your job no longer defines who you are. You will now be defined by who you are as a person, not what you do for work. You’ll have to find your real identity and it’s terrifying being a real person. I miss how easy it is to work and not have to think about those things.

These are really interesting thoughts.  Thanks for sharing them.

I will be retiring soonish, and I worry a bit about the issues you point out.  I'm trying to be proactive and start defining the non-work parts of myself more.

Thanks again.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: EscapeVelocity2020 on April 08, 2017, 08:56:23 PM
I miss the people from my first job (that I hated).  Although there were a few duds, I learned a whole helluva lot from most of the colleagues I worked with being a theory-heavy / reality-lite recent grad engineer.

On my second, current job, I will miss feeling being a part of something bigger,that it is someone other than me making the critical decision.

In general, I'll miss being treated well, with deference and respect.  I'll miss having first class insurance and retirement benefits (in addition to the pay and bonus).  And I'll generally miss waking up in the morning and looking forward to getting to work.  Resenting the idea that work is getting in the way of being more healthy, but I'll have a salad at lunch and run 45 minutes in the afternoon.

I'll miss the easy cadence of life in the big picture.  Although I'll also be OK without it.  It's just nice to be a part of what I see happening in the world (I was just in South Korea talking to folks on the street about their President being arrested, North Korea, and how they feel about Trump), but I do understand how easy it is when you retire and have your own little routine also.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: libertarian4321 on April 08, 2017, 10:18:21 PM
The paycheck and the free coffee.


Full disclosure:  I FIRE'd for 4 years, then "went back" on my terms, working for a small consultancy, working from home, on my schedule.  It really doesn't feel much like work when I'm completely unsupervised, working in my underwear.

I still miss that fancy free coffee, though.

Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: vine on April 09, 2017, 02:40:39 AM
For the first month or so of retirement I felt a sense of loss. You lose some self-respect, thoughts like “Maybe I’m retiring because I’m not good enough to cut it at my job” ran through my head. Early retirement felt like the cowards way out.

When you retire your job no longer defines who you are. You will now be defined by who you are as a person, not what you do for work. You’ll have to find your real identity and it’s terrifying being a real person. I miss how easy it is to work and not have to think about those things.

These are really interesting thoughts.  Thanks for sharing them.

I will be retiring soonish, and I worry a bit about the issues you point out.  I'm trying to be proactive and start defining the non-work parts of myself more.

Thanks again.

It looks like you you have a year or so to go before retiring - that's a lot of time to figure out some of those non-work parts. You may not have all of the answers before you retire and that's ok - you will figure out the missing pieces post retirement.

It's more of a constantly evolving thing anyway. You will continue to change as a person, whatever answers you come up with will inevitably change somewhat over time. It is good to think about these things, even if you never retire!
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: AussieCat on April 09, 2017, 03:01:43 AM
For the first month or so of retirement I felt a sense of loss. You lose some self-respect, thoughts like “Maybe I’m retiring because I’m not good enough to cut it at my job” ran through my head. Early retirement felt like the cowards way out.

When you retire your job no longer defines who you are. You will now be defined by who you are as a person, not what you do for work. You’ll have to find your real identity and it’s terrifying being a real person. I miss how easy it is to work and not have to think about those things.

Oh my goodness, this! We are probably three or four years from FIRE and I find myself worrying if I'm wanting to cop out, if I'm just lazy. I think it stems from associating hard work with being 'good' and 'responsible' - and that I have NO idea what my interests/passions will be post FIRE. It frightens me a little, the thought that I'll become unproductive and 'waste' my life. My mum thinks that when I have less stress and more time that I'll find the things that excite me.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: vine on April 09, 2017, 06:15:44 AM
For the first month or so of retirement I felt a sense of loss. You lose some self-respect, thoughts like “Maybe I’m retiring because I’m not good enough to cut it at my job” ran through my head. Early retirement felt like the cowards way out.

When you retire your job no longer defines who you are. You will now be defined by who you are as a person, not what you do for work. You’ll have to find your real identity and it’s terrifying being a real person. I miss how easy it is to work and not have to think about those things.

Oh my goodness, this! We are probably three or four years from FIRE and I find myself worrying if I'm wanting to cop out, if I'm just lazy. I think it stems from associating hard work with being 'good' and 'responsible' - and that I have NO idea what my interests/passions will be post FIRE. It frightens me a little, the thought that I'll become unproductive and 'waste' my life. My mum thinks that when I have less stress and more time that I'll find the things that excite me.
You will find the things that are interesting to you with time. Whats the point of all this upfront hard work otherwise? Just curious, what do you do for work? Any chance you can tweak that to something that's more interesting to you now?
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: AussieCat on April 09, 2017, 07:03:10 AM
For the first month or so of retirement I felt a sense of loss. You lose some self-respect, thoughts like “Maybe I’m retiring because I’m not good enough to cut it at my job” ran through my head. Early retirement felt like the cowards way out.

When you retire your job no longer defines who you are. You will now be defined by who you are as a person, not what you do for work. You’ll have to find your real identity and it’s terrifying being a real person. I miss how easy it is to work and not have to think about those things.

Oh my goodness, this! We are probably three or four years from FIRE and I find myself worrying if I'm wanting to cop out, if I'm just lazy. I think it stems from associating hard work with being 'good' and 'responsible' - and that I have NO idea what my interests/passions will be post FIRE. It frightens me a little, the thought that I'll become unproductive and 'waste' my life. My mum thinks that when I have less stress and more time that I'll find the things that excite me.
You will find the things that are interesting to you with time. Whats the point of all this upfront hard work otherwise? Just curious, what do you do for work? Any chance you can tweak that to something that's more interesting to you now?
I've moved into part time work in an area that certainly interests me more, and challenges me too - which I like. Have not long come out of juggling own retail business of ten years with consulting work, doing ridiculous hours and working myself into the ground. It's interesting, been part time since Christmas and am still wound tight as a spring! I guess it just takes time to wind back down from feeling like you are high alert all the time, and I feel constantly as though I've forgotten something or left something undone. We are strange creatures!

Taking the kids on a seven week camping road trip in July, up the east coast of Oz... that should unwind some of these knots! Appreciate your insight, thank you :)
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Rocket on April 09, 2017, 07:24:49 AM
Bagel friday and weds summer treats.  Dont miss the daily 15 minute srum/status meetings that would go an hour.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Al1961 on April 09, 2017, 09:07:11 AM
The paycheque was (very) nice. I kind of miss that.

I still get together fairly regularly with the coworkers that I really liked. Half of them are now FIREd too.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Spork on April 09, 2017, 09:10:55 AM

I still get together fairly regularly with the coworkers that I really liked. Half of them are now FIREd too.

Woah.  That is unexpected.  (Or it was to me.)
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Al1961 on April 09, 2017, 11:26:16 AM

I still get together fairly regularly with the coworkers that I really liked. Half of them are now FIREd too.

Woah.  That is unexpected.  (Or it was to me.)

It's a relative thing. We all retired in our 50's =)
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: risky4me on April 09, 2017, 11:43:26 AM
All my adult life I have been a fairly good 'provider' and not bringing home the bucks took a little adjusting.

The other bother is that after so many years of focusing on piling money into savings it was hard getting used to not making the weekly addition to the stash.

Most of my non-job tasks were much more physical than my desk job-I used to joke with my boss that it was good to get back to my job so I could get some rest!
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: AlanStache on April 09, 2017, 05:39:42 PM
Still a few years out but I think I might miss working on real and interesting problems that no one has yet solved.  That and a pay check :-)  I get I can work on what ever I want post RE but with out being part of a company I dont know that what I could do would have real world industrial applications.  Guess worst case I would have to become a prat time contractor-the horror!
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Mr. Paws on April 10, 2017, 10:15:30 AM
fingering out shit (although truth be told, I do like that a little).


I assume thats a typo and you meant figuring?
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: dude on April 10, 2017, 10:45:52 AM
I don't anticipate missing a goddamn thing about work.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: cheapass on April 10, 2017, 02:08:08 PM
I don't anticipate missing a goddamn thing about work.

I suppose after I tell my boss I'm retiring at the age of 40, I'll miss that moment. But yeah that's about it.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: BTDretire on April 11, 2017, 10:53:42 AM
I'm retired, but filling in for my wife today at our small business.
I'd rather be at home!
What do I miss, conversation with a few of my customers.
What don't I miss, my pita customers. :-)
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: StetsTerhune on April 11, 2017, 11:10:04 AM
"Miss" seems like a strong word, but I do somewhat miss the 'game' element of work. I was always very good at maximizing the gains for the least amount of work possible. It was always a challenge to take advantage of every possible program, seem like the best possible employee, while not working very hard. It was fun in its way.

That's about it, still friends with the only person I genuinely cared about from work. I didn't mind work, and didn't mind many of the people, but I can't say I miss them either.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Gone Fishing on April 11, 2017, 03:09:19 PM
I still "work" quite a bit, I just don't get paid anymore. But from the old paying job, I miss building the stache and the banter a bit.  While I didn't have direct relationships with the local decision makers, I was pretty plugged into what was happening. Not so much anymore.

I probably miss the respect the most.  I used to have people stop by or call for my advice on a regular basis, most of which they took.  I don't get nearly as much of that at my volunteering gig, and when I offer, they don't tend to listen.  Oh well. 

Wouldn't go back for much of anything unless FIRE failure was eminent, though.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: EscapeVelocity2020 on April 11, 2017, 07:12:50 PM
I still "work" quite a bit, I just don't get paid anymore. But from the old paying job, I miss building the stache and the banter a bit.  While I didn't have direct relationships with the local decision makers, I was pretty plugged into what was happening. Not so much anymore.

I probably miss the respect the most.  I used to have people stop by or call for my advice on a regular basis, most of which they took.  I don't get nearly as much of that at my volunteering gig, and when I offer, they don't tend to listen.  Oh well.

Echos my wife's experience as a substitute and volunteer at the kid's school vs. full time teacher.  She didn't need the money but returned to work in order to have influence.  Kinda' silly the the world works in these ways - she's still the same concerned individual - but being on the 'inside' and FI was a more powerful agent for change (ultimately contributing to the Principal of the Elementary school 'voluntarily' leaving due to the high turnover / poor treatment of staff).  Victory in hand, my wife is returning to SAHP soon.  I'll have to ask her what she misses after a little time has gone by...
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: gerardc on April 11, 2017, 09:45:14 PM
I probably miss the respect the most.  I used to have people stop by or call for my advice on a regular basis, most of which they took.  I don't get nearly as much of that at my volunteering gig, and when I offer, they don't tend to listen.  Oh well. 

Seeing as everyone here sees work as kissing ass, bullshit, politics, etc., maybe, just maybe, that "respect" you were seeing was actually just cordial relationships? And now you're not in a higher position anymore, you don't get any ass kissing anymore. That was not really respect then.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: markbike528CBX on April 11, 2017, 10:08:06 PM
I probably miss the respect the most.  I used to have people stop by or call for my advice on a regular basis, most of which they took. ............ Oh well. 
Seeing as everyone here sees work as kissing ass, bullshit, politics, etc., maybe, just maybe, that "respect" you were seeing was actually just cordial relationships? And now you're not in a higher position anymore, you don't get any ass kissing anymore. That was not really respect then.

Just a low level (no direct reports) scientist/engineer, but I'll probably miss the random technical questions I get asked, that currently distract from my task focus.  Anybody who is trying to kiss my ass is very deluded as to the potential results.   Never noticed it happening anyway.  Probably why I've never been interested in management.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: jodelino on April 11, 2017, 10:18:12 PM
I was going to say "nothing" but there is one thing. I had excellent health care coverage at work. It was stupid expensive, but the company paid for most of it and it required very little effort on my part to deal with it. Now I have to deal with buying it on the exchange and that is a PITA. I guess I should be happy for ACA because without it, early retirement may not have been possible, but what a complex, inefficient way to buy insurance.  Is this really the best that we can do?

Yes. I miss the health insurance. I had a great BCBS PPO plan through work, and nothing remotely as good is available on the individual market. Still, I'm thankful for the ACA that allows me to buy a very expensive, stingy BCBS HMO--better than nothing at all.

I keep up with my favorite work friends, and they all tell me how happy I look.....
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Tanuki on April 11, 2017, 10:29:11 PM
I'm not fully FI, so I'm not sure that this really counts, but I have enough passive income that I can live frugally without having to work. I quit my job that I was finding very stressful and I dreaded going to and took 9 months off. I then took a project job and worked for 9 months. I then took another 4 months off. I then got another job, which I am in at the moment.

I love having the option not to work, and I love my long vacations between jobs. BUT I do miss the pressure to do something hard and then the feeling of achievement when I accomplish that difficult thing. I'm pretty lazy and if there is nothing pushing me, when I am not working I tend to stagnate a bit because I don't have the willpower to see me through the hard times.

I think if I had more money I would solve this by enrolling in a university course, but I don't have enough to do this at present.

So, I guess I miss the kick up the ass! :)
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: gerardc on April 11, 2017, 10:53:21 PM
I'm not fully FI, so I'm not sure that this really counts, but I have enough passive income that I can live frugally without having to work. I quit my job that I was finding very stressful and I dreaded going to and took 9 months off. I then took a project job and worked for 9 months. I then took another 4 months off. I then got another job, which I am in at the moment.

I love having the option not to work, and I love my long vacations between jobs. BUT I do miss the pressure to do something hard and then the feeling of achievement when I accomplish that difficult thing. I'm pretty lazy and if there is nothing pushing me, when I am not working I tend to stagnate a bit because I don't have the willpower to see me through the hard times.

I think if I had more money I would solve this by enrolling in a university course, but I don't have enough to do this at present.

So, I guess I miss the kick up the ass! :)

Can you just set a different goal not related to work or anything intellectual? Or if it has to be an intellectual pursuit, there are plenty of free options.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Tanuki on April 12, 2017, 12:24:07 AM
I think its more about the pressure than the goals. I could set myself a million goals - (learn a language! learn piano!), but if I only have myself to answer to then I flake out, if I have other people expecting things of me, then I suck it up and do the hard thing. I hate it at the time but then when I get through it, it is very rewarding. For instance I work at a non profit and I have to fundraise to keep the organisation going. I had a horrible two months when I thought it couldn't be done, but now I see the light at the end of the tunnel I'm feeling proud of myself and a strong affiliation with my non profit.

I suppose there may be volunteer things that would make me feel like I was letting down a lot of people if I failed, but I think I might shy away from that - all the torture of work and no paycheck? I know I would have flaked out on this job during the bad two months if I weren't getting paid.

It's quite an interesting psychological puzzle!
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: gerardc on April 12, 2017, 12:34:01 AM
"Learning piano" isn't a good goal because it's too vague. Try something like recording a piano performance and putting on facebook by X date, or playing at an event. This creates pressure on yourself... but then you can always quit so you also need some self drive :) If it's just a hobby it's not a goal, really, until you make it so.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: CanuckExpat on April 12, 2017, 06:59:59 PM
I think its more about the pressure than the goals. I could set myself a million goals - (learn a language! learn piano!), but if I only have myself to answer to then I flake out, if I have other people expecting things of me, then I suck it up and do the hard thing. I hate it at the time but then when I get through it, it is very rewarding.

This is also my experience. I'm pretty lazy and don't do much things unless I have to.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Gone Fishing on April 12, 2017, 07:55:43 PM
I probably miss the respect the most.  I used to have people stop by or call for my advice on a regular basis, most of which they took.  I don't get nearly as much of that at my volunteering gig, and when I offer, they don't tend to listen.  Oh well. 

Seeing as everyone here sees work as kissing ass, bullshit, politics, etc., maybe, just maybe, that "respect" you were seeing was actually just cordial relationships? And now you're not in a higher position anymore, you don't get any ass kissing anymore. That was not really respect then.

Nah, most of them were senior or equal to me.  I had no direct reports.  Just a knack for creative solutions.  It was part of my value to the group, and the part I enjoyed the most.  Probably help me get promoted past many of my peers. There was probably only once when I felt like I was "cheated" of of credit when I successfully structured a large deal that was floundering prior.  But, the fellow I helped was a known cheat, so no surprise there...
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: tonydomon on April 14, 2017, 10:47:36 PM
As an Electrical Engineer I missed the satisfaction from solving technical problems, basketball games after work, lunches w/ engineer friends.  To satisfy my needs for solving technical problems I try to fix things around the houses, so far I have fixed my microwave and dryer.  I have almost 20 years experience in circuit design; Sometimes I feel kinda bad wasting those away. I was thinking I could do some teachings. Maybe when my youngest kid goes to college, I will go for Phd in EE or MS in Software engineer.   For basketball games I enrolled at the local community college, but the young kids are too good for me :-( . For lunches, I found new friends who are also retired early or not working and sometimes go to lunch with them. But these friends are not engineers, so sometimes it's hard to connect. 
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Rollin on April 16, 2017, 07:42:04 PM
Absolutely nothing at all

Same here. Seriously nothing (and I had a good job, not issues, hard feelings, or resentments). I love being retired. Hardly even think of the people that still work there and when I rode my bicycle by on my way to the beach the building looks so strange, but I have no sentiment towards it or those in it. I keep in touch and remain good friends with many, but I am retired and they are working so it is not often that we connect.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Chas on April 17, 2017, 07:43:56 AM
As an Electrical Engineer I missed the satisfaction from solving technical problems, basketball games after work, lunches w/ engineer friends.  To satisfy my needs for solving technical problems I try to fix things around the houses, so far I have fixed my microwave and dryer.  I have almost 20 years experience in circuit design; Sometimes I feel kinda bad wasting those away. I was thinking I could do some teachings. Maybe when my youngest kid goes to college, I will go for Phd in EE or MS in Software engineer.   For basketball games I enrolled at the local community college, but the young kids are too good for me :-( . For lunches, I found new friends who are also retired early or not working and sometimes go to lunch with them. But these friends are not engineers, so sometimes it's hard to connect.

If you like music, DIY Audio is a great way to keep those synapses snapping!
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: tonydomon on April 18, 2017, 10:58:28 PM
As an Electrical Engineer I missed the satisfaction from solving technical problems, basketball games after work, lunches w/ engineer friends.  To satisfy my needs for solving technical problems I try to fix things around the houses, so far I have fixed my microwave and dryer.  I have almost 20 years experience in circuit design; Sometimes I feel kinda bad wasting those away. I was thinking I could do some teachings. Maybe when my youngest kid goes to college, I will go for Phd in EE or MS in Software engineer.   For basketball games I enrolled at the local community college, but the young kids are too good for me :-( . For lunches, I found new friends who are also retired early or not working and sometimes go to lunch with them. But these friends are not engineers, so sometimes it's hard to connect.

If you like music, DIY Audio is a great way to keep those synapses snapping!

Good suggestion !!! I like listening to music
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Dicey on April 20, 2017, 10:19:55 AM
I thought I'd posted on this thread. One more for the "nothing" vote.

I am plenty involved in my community and loving it.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Padonak on April 28, 2017, 01:58:57 PM
I'm still working, but when I retire, I'm sure I'll miss being part of a team, working to deadlines, the noisy open space office, the political games, regular meetings with many levels of bosses, the morning commute shoulder to shoulder with all the nice people on the train, the alarm clock... NOT!

...

A few years back, a grumpy colleague returned to the office from his vacation. In the office, he asked us:
-Do you know what I missed about this job while I was away?
...?
-Nothing at all!
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: bunchbikes on April 28, 2017, 08:24:04 PM
Is it the companionship? Sense of belonging? Smart and informed business decisions that always seemed to be made at the top? If you do miss something about the working world, what is it?

I'll miss the random staff meetings where we talk about our feelings and make feel-good poster and statements and pour over last years data for an hour.

I'll miss having to wake up to an alarm clock at the ass crack of dawn every day.

I'll miss the feeling of what it's like to never feel the sun on your skin for weeks at a time.

I'll miss the dumb rules that were created for seemingly no reason, and don't make any sense.

I'll miss having to beg to the slavedriver every time I wanted to leave work to take care of my sick kid, take a vacation, or take a shit.

jk jk


The only thing I'll actually miss is access to an industrial color photo-copier whenever I wanted it.


Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Salim on April 30, 2017, 04:39:19 AM
I don't miss anything. I hope you love retired life, too.

There's one thing I recommend, retiring with budget wiggle room so you have some play money. But you're probably already planning for that. Right?
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Villanelle on April 30, 2017, 08:39:07 AM
Not FIRE, but for the last 7 years I've been either not working at all, or working very part time, due to moving overseas.

I miss the schedule.  I also hated the schedule, but I've learned I'm the type who finds it much easier to get things done when I'm already busy.  It's a bit strange.  I can sleep until 11am and then stay up reading or writing until 3am.  Because I can.  But I don't think it's especially healthy. And I procrastinate a lot more, perhaps because I feel like I have all the time in the world. When I had very limited time, I had to take an open evening or Saturday morning, or whatever time there was, and Get Shit Done.  So I did.  Now, that sense of urgency is gone.   

It's strange because I love having so much free time, but I also struggle to manage it.  Some of that may be partly due to my specific circumstances though.   
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: CanuckExpat on May 01, 2017, 08:13:52 AM
I miss the schedule.  I also hated the schedule, but I've learned I'm the type who finds it much easier to get things done when I'm already busy.  It's a bit strange.  I can sleep until 11am and then stay up reading or writing until 3am.  Because I can.  But I don't think it's especially healthy. And I procrastinate a lot more, perhaps because I feel like I have all the time in the world. When I had very limited time, I had to take an open evening or Saturday morning, or whatever time there was, and Get Shit Done.  So I did.  Now, that sense of urgency is gone.   

It's strange because I love having so much free time, but I also struggle to manage it.  Some of that may be partly due to my specific circumstances though.

I can relate to this, and FIRE or not I always knew this was the case. I'm one of those "if it wasn't for the last minute, nothing would get done" people. Tasks will get put off for immediate gratification, or they will grow to consume all available time.

What are your specific circumstances stances that you refer to? If you don't mind sharing, I'm curious given that I find the same patterns occurring.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: pdxbator on May 01, 2017, 08:57:56 AM
I'm with you two on needing some sort of schedule to help me regulate what needs to get done. I've recently gone part time and the days off I find myself whiling away. I don't feel like I'm accomplishing what I need to during the day. I think what the next step will be is to create a set schedule. I'll create some calendar so that from 8 to 9 I'm going to the gym, etc. Of course I can be flexible but I'm not yet used to whole days off to myself.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: AlanStache on May 01, 2017, 10:22:22 AM
I'm with you two on needing some sort of schedule to help me regulate what needs to get done. I've recently gone part time and the days off I find myself whiling away. I don't feel like I'm accomplishing what I need to during the day. I think what the next step will be is to create a set schedule. I'll create some calendar so that from 8 to 9 I'm going to the gym, etc. Of course I can be flexible but I'm not yet used to whole days off to myself.

A lot of people here have noted that the first few months post retirement at filled up with sleep and relaxation before they sort of get down to the business of being retired. 
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Villanelle on May 02, 2017, 01:40:24 AM
I miss the schedule.  I also hated the schedule, but I've learned I'm the type who finds it much easier to get things done when I'm already busy.  It's a bit strange.  I can sleep until 11am and then stay up reading or writing until 3am.  Because I can.  But I don't think it's especially healthy. And I procrastinate a lot more, perhaps because I feel like I have all the time in the world. When I had very limited time, I had to take an open evening or Saturday morning, or whatever time there was, and Get Shit Done.  So I did.  Now, that sense of urgency is gone.   

It's strange because I love having so much free time, but I also struggle to manage it.  Some of that may be partly due to my specific circumstances though.

I can relate to this, and FIRE or not I always knew this was the case. I'm one of those "if it wasn't for the last minute, nothing would get done" people. Tasks will get put off for immediate gratification, or they will grow to consume all available time.

What are your specific circumstances stances that you refer to? If you don't mind sharing, I'm curious given that I find the same patterns occurring.

I didn't choose to stop working, and when I left my last full-time job, at the time it was going to be a 2.5 year hiatus, before we moved back Stateside and I got back to my career.  Fastforward, and now it will be at least 9 years, assuming the Navy sends us back after the current overseas tour.  And it's been tough.  We have no kids, and my career was, in some ways, my Thing.  I don't like not having the means to support myself (even though Husband is completely cool about our shared finances), and it's all a bit of an on-going identity crisis.   So I didn't choose this, exactly, and that makes it more of a struggle, I think, than it would be if I declared FIRE and left the workforce intentionally. 

On top of that, in my husband's current position comes with a lot of expectations for me, some of which chafe a bit (and other's of which I find pretty enjoyable).  But it's all sorts of meetings and events and a couple hours here and a long phone call there, and it feels like things are always popping up for which I need to be available, so getting myself on a self-motivated schedule--something I'd struggle with even in ideal circumstances--seems tough. Because on Wednesday and Friday there are evening events that go late at night and have various things to prep for during the day (oh, and hosting the pre-party on Friday, plus getting ready for a formal affair), then on Saturday helping set up a sales booth in the morning and man it for much of the day despite the hangover, then on Monday morning I have a 1045 meeting at my house and the entire afternoon was spent running errands for this friday's event, and then going to a 7 pm meeting tonight.  (Yes, that's actually my schedule for the past week, with a good many things left out.)  So any kind of "wake at 845, workout and then shower and get ready by 10, write for an hour, chores for an hour, lunch at noon..." kind of schedule is pretty much impossible because there's no pattern or consistency to all the other things in my life. 
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: jim555 on May 02, 2017, 08:13:21 AM
I'm with you two on needing some sort of schedule to help me regulate what needs to get done. I've recently gone part time and the days off I find myself whiling away. I don't feel like I'm accomplishing what I need to during the day. I think what the next step will be is to create a set schedule. I'll create some calendar so that from 8 to 9 I'm going to the gym, etc. Of course I can be flexible but I'm not yet used to whole days off to myself.

A lot of people here have noted that the first few months post retirement at filled up with sleep and relaxation before they sort of get down to the business of being retired.
And the business of retirement is...  sleep and relaxation.  :)
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Infraredhead on May 13, 2017, 07:59:18 AM
I taught high school for twenty eight years and honestly the only thing I miss are my students.  They were the best part of my job. I miss NOTHING else.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: bunchbikes on May 14, 2017, 04:14:19 AM
I taught high school for twenty eight years and honestly the only thing I miss are my students.  They were the best part of my job. I miss NOTHING else.

I was a teacher for 5 years.

I miss the 5% of students who gave a shit.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to teach them anything, because I spent 100% of the time trying to manage the kids who didn't.


Having mediocre classroom management skills makes teaching an absolutely miserable profession, especially on top of all the other administrative baloney required of you.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: MsRichLife on May 17, 2017, 04:30:21 AM
Truly...after 6 months of FIRE I have to say I have missed absolutely nothing about work. Before I finished I might have found that hard to believe.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: AlwaysBeenASaver on May 17, 2017, 11:36:10 AM
Almost 2 years in and the only thing I can think of that I miss is dressing up for the annual holiday party!
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Goldielocks on May 31, 2017, 10:56:50 PM
I sort of miss the free coffee, bad as it was.

I surprised myself by "missing" the technical data analysis, when I realized I was spending hours doing technical analysis for anyone who would let me --  I soon replaced it with volunteer work (where I proceeded to do a detailed BTU calculation for the new proposed furnace, complete with IRR for the gas versus electric cost of energy for a typical year..)   

A tiny part of me misses being recognized with respect.  but not really....   maybe that is because I still have teenagers at home who will walk all over me if I let them.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Linea_Norway on June 01, 2017, 04:52:47 AM
Not FIRE, but for the last 7 years I've been either not working at all, or working very part time, due to moving overseas.

I miss the schedule.  I also hated the schedule, but I've learned I'm the type who finds it much easier to get things done when I'm already busy.  It's a bit strange.  I can sleep until 11am and then stay up reading or writing until 3am.  Because I can.  But I don't think it's especially healthy. And I procrastinate a lot more, perhaps because I feel like I have all the time in the world. When I had very limited time, I had to take an open evening or Saturday morning, or whatever time there was, and Get Shit Done.  So I did.  Now, that sense of urgency is gone.   

It's strange because I love having so much free time, but I also struggle to manage it.  Some of that may be partly due to my specific circumstances though.

I am a bit in this camp too, of what I expect might happen. And I think my DH has it, too. I notice this sometimes in a weekend where there is not a pile of things to be done or the weather is bad. It can happen that we are not terribly inspired to do something. Usually I suggest something to do with my DH and he doesn't respond positively on anything. Usually I end up doing something on my own outside, or joining a hiking club for a hike or so.
I have also noticed that I you know a pensioner with the same interest (like finding mushrooms), this person might have a very flexible schedule in joining you somewhere.
I think it is important to have a contact net after FIRE, to maintain contact with other people. And to be able to make new appointments. But luckily, after FIRE, I would be able to make appointments whenever it suits me and not on Monday morning at 08:00, like I was recently called in to at work.

Indeed, the occasional private print and copy will be missed. At the chatting with various colleagues.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: nara on June 04, 2017, 05:29:31 PM
I'm not FI..but I'm predicting structure will be the thing I miss the most.

My husband and I own a business and sometimes we can have a lot of flexibility with our schedules and vacations. I do feel like when we have periods of non-work we become very lazy and unproductive (i.e. pajamas all day) for days at a time.  Maybe it's just part of enjoying our time off--but I do know that without a routine and a schedule we are all over the place.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: EscapeVelocity2020 on June 04, 2017, 06:29:58 PM
I have a few friends now that have lost their jobs.  They are mostly FI, but enjoyed their career and maybe didn't want to be ER.  They miss the regular paycheck, even if it was superfluous.  Living off of investments in your 40's and even 30's is kinda weird, is the general consensus, even though most can now given the low COL generally.  But having a regular paycheck was nice, seems to be the one lingering complaint.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: kei te pai on June 05, 2017, 03:38:27 AM
Not what I anticipated. There is nothing, absolutely nothing I miss. In fact I rarely even think about my last workplace unless I meet former colleagues. Then I realise everything is just the same there, all the same politics and miseries. And I have a silent woo hoo of happiness moment.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Financial Ascensionist on June 07, 2017, 06:01:55 AM
I have only been FIREd for a fer days now, but I have to say that the pay cheque is probably the only thing at this point. 

I thought about the free snacks for a moment, but it was mostly all junk and not eating this stuff anymore is probably going to give me a year or two of extra life expectancy.  The espresso machine was nice, but I find that I have plenty of time to walk to the coffeeshop and chat with the barista now. 

I suspect I will miss having resources for projects – being able to call out a vision and get money and staff magically allocated to it.  That was pretty awesome, but it's not like this is entirely gone – I can still go to a VC and get the same thing to happen with just a little bit more upfront work.  Besides, it's not like I want to manage any project full time so maybe I should keep these visions to myself. 

I had plenty coworkers who were really nice and I plan on staying in touch with them.  I had a bunch whom I had to deal with and whom I won't miss at all. 

I am obviously still surfing the initial wave of endorphins, but overall I do not miss work. 
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: meadow lark on June 09, 2017, 07:09:14 PM
Well, I retired on Saturday.  I miss the salad bar in the cafeteria.  (It was a really good salad bar.). And the boss used to buy donuts...  and some of my co-workers were really sweet.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: FINate on June 09, 2017, 08:12:56 PM
I always laugh to myself when people ask if I miss work, or the "aren't you bored?" question. WHAT THE HELL PLANET ARE THESE PEOPLE LIVING ON?! I miss absolutely nothing, and I had a great job before FIRE. Pursuing what I'm interested in is way more interesting than being a cog in a corporation. Work was boring compared to post-FIRE life.

My guess is that people are seeking confirmation that their indentured servitude for the next several decades isn't *that* bad.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Dee on June 10, 2017, 06:54:10 AM
The posts upthread about all the bullshit people don't miss reminded me of a brilliant lotto commercial that was airing not that long ago (I think it was for lotto 6/49). It was someone who'd won the jackpot and was leaving the office saying "goodbye" to the various things he was walking away from. He was saying things like "goodbye drab, fake plants" and the camera was panning in on whatever we has saying goodbye to. The best one was where he was saying "goodbye IT department" (or something like that) and the scene was taking place in a cubicle behind him where the IT guy was saying to a young woman "Have you tried turning it on and off?". The tone of his voice and the visual content made it clear this guy would miss none of the things he was saying goodbye to. That's how I expect to feel when I leave the workplace for good!
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: cheapass on June 13, 2017, 02:38:04 PM
I always laugh to myself when people ask if I miss work, or the "aren't you bored?" question. WHAT THE HELL PLANET ARE THESE PEOPLE LIVING ON?! I miss absolutely nothing, and I had a great job before FIRE. Pursuing what I'm interested in is way more interesting than being a cog in a corporation. Work was boring compared to post-FIRE life.

My guess is that people are seeking confirmation that their indentured servitude for the next several decades isn't *that* bad.

I'm not FI yet but when I'm talking about the concepts with people and they talk about how they just couldn't leave their jobs they love so much, blah blah... I ask "if you won the lottery tomorrow, enough to pay your living expenses for life, would you continue going to work?" Typically their mindset changes pretty abruptly.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: FINate on June 13, 2017, 04:23:19 PM
I'm not FI yet but when I'm talking about the concepts with people and they talk about how they just couldn't leave their jobs they love so much, blah blah... I ask "if you won the lottery tomorrow, enough to pay your living expenses for life, would you continue going to work?" Typically their mindset changes pretty abruptly.

I like that approach, going to borrow it. It's true that people generally see RE through gambling and randomly winning the lottery as acceptable. Yet deliberately saving and investing with the goal of FIRE is viewed with suspicion. I wonder why? 
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: renata ricotta on June 13, 2017, 06:45:20 PM
I may be the wrong person to weigh in, because I'm 1) still working, and 2) mostly interested in FI, not RE.  I find my work to be fulfilling and meaningful much of the time, and I think I'll miss it a lot.  I enjoy steadily getting better at my job and learning new things - not just legal research (which I guess I could do on my own as a hobby?), but also from senior colleagues who have been around the block many more times than I have.  I meet interesting people and work on dynamic teams to solve big, complicated, and often high-profile problems.  I guess I could do pro bono legal work if I retired, but it would be a lot harder without the big firm resources to support that (e.g. Spanish language interpreters), and it would be nearly impossible to get on really cool impact litigation projects (like many biglaw firms, my firm works with non-profits like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood and the NRDC to mount big cases against the federal government and other powerhouse litigants to make changes in the world that I feel strongly about).  Finally, if I'm being honest, I enjoy the prestige and getting praise from important/semi-famous people for my work.   
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: EscapeVelocity2020 on June 14, 2017, 07:51:15 AM
I'm not FI yet but when I'm talking about the concepts with people and they talk about how they just couldn't leave their jobs they love so much, blah blah... I ask "if you won the lottery tomorrow, enough to pay your living expenses for life, would you continue going to work?" Typically their mindset changes pretty abruptly.

I like that approach, going to borrow it. It's true that people generally see RE through gambling and randomly winning the lottery as acceptable. Yet deliberately saving and investing with the goal of FIRE is viewed with suspicion. I wonder why?

Just to take a stab at this interesting question you posed, I think in reality, having more money than a person could ever spend suddenly dumped into their lap would make anyone wonder about new possibilities. 

On the filp side, earning FI and judging the 'enough' / ER timing is such a gradual, intentional process that there is preparation and compromise all along the way.  In my case, barebones FI gives way to comfortable, sustainable FI, and ultimately EscapeVelocity 'holy moley', my net worth is even outstripping any reasonable lifestyle inflation.  At each of these outposts, people get less suspicious (and more jealous) of the feasiblity of ER.

But even EVFI isn't comparable to waking up having suddenly won tens (hundreds) of millions of dollars.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: cheapass on June 14, 2017, 10:16:46 AM
I may be the wrong person to weigh in, because I'm 1) still working, and 2) mostly interested in FI, not RE.  I find my work to be fulfilling and meaningful much of the time, and I think I'll miss it a lot.  I enjoy steadily getting better at my job and learning new things - not just legal research (which I guess I could do on my own as a hobby?), but also from senior colleagues who have been around the block many more times than I have.  I meet interesting people and work on dynamic teams to solve big, complicated, and often high-profile problems.  I guess I could do pro bono legal work if I retired, but it would be a lot harder without the big firm resources to support that (e.g. Spanish language interpreters), and it would be nearly impossible to get on really cool impact litigation projects (like many biglaw firms, my firm works with non-profits like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood and the NRDC to mount big cases against the federal government and other powerhouse litigants to make changes in the world that I feel strongly about).  Finally, if I'm being honest, I enjoy the prestige and getting praise from important/semi-famous people for my work.

I can appreciate that there is some fulfillment that comes with many careers. My big thing is, I'd like to wake up each day and do what I choose to do, not what someone else is telling me to do. Also spending 40-50 hours of my life every week in an office doesn't sound too appealing if a paycheck wasn't part of the equation. Maybe I'll find something part-time that is enjoyable.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: FINate on June 14, 2017, 11:23:23 AM
Just to take a stab at this interesting question you posed, I think in reality, having more money than a person could ever spend suddenly dumped into their lap would make anyone wonder about new possibilities. 

On the filp side, earning FI and judging the 'enough' / ER timing is such a gradual, intentional process that there is preparation and compromise all along the way.  In my case, barebones FI gives way to comfortable, sustainable FI, and ultimately EscapeVelocity 'holy moley', my net worth is even outstripping any reasonable lifestyle inflation.  At each of these outposts, people get less suspicious (and more jealous) of the feasiblity of ER.

But even EVFI isn't comparable to waking up having suddenly won tens (hundreds) of millions of dollars.

Yeah, interesting, maybe it's the timing involved. Perhaps related, as I was thinking about this I was also wondering if people view winning the lottery as being selected by fate/God/whatever and this is acceptable precisely because it wasn't earned. Whereas intentionally pursuing FIRE requires one to work in a deliberate and sustained way against accepted norms? It's still strange to me.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Linea_Norway on June 14, 2017, 12:03:34 PM
I can appreciate that there is some fulfillment that comes with many careers. My big thing is, I'd like to wake up each day and do what I choose to do, not what someone else is telling me to do. Also spending 40-50 hours of my life every week in an office doesn't sound too appealing if a paycheck wasn't part of the equation. Maybe I'll find something part-time that is enjoyable.

This is what my DH also wants to do. Work with his profession a couples of weeks or months a year whenever it suits him. As long as it doesn't prevent us from downsizing to a LCOL area, I am fine with it.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Cossack on June 18, 2017, 07:14:58 PM
I only really miss having a planned part of the day. My days now are pretty loose and I am not very organized.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: deborah on July 10, 2017, 06:14:28 AM
I may be the wrong person to weigh in, because I'm 1) still working, and 2) mostly interested in FI, not RE.  I find my work to be fulfilling and meaningful much of the time, and I think I'll miss it a lot.  I enjoy steadily getting better at my job and learning new things - not just legal research (which I guess I could do on my own as a hobby?), but also from senior colleagues who have been around the block many more times than I have.  I meet interesting people and work on dynamic teams to solve big, complicated, and often high-profile problems.  I guess I could do pro bono legal work if I retired, but it would be a lot harder without the big firm resources to support that (e.g. Spanish language interpreters), and it would be nearly impossible to get on really cool impact litigation projects (like many biglaw firms, my firm works with non-profits like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood and the NRDC to mount big cases against the federal government and other powerhouse litigants to make changes in the world that I feel strongly about).  Finally, if I'm being honest, I enjoy the prestige and getting praise from important/semi-famous people for my work.   
I really thought I would miss solving big, complicated, high profile problems - but I never have.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Evgenia on July 11, 2017, 01:50:33 PM
Nothing. Maybe the health care benefits, but there's not a tremendous difference there, either: it's a few hundred dollars more per month than my share at the last job, but with ACA we were able to keep all the same doctors. So... nothing. Literal nada.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: NoNonsenseLandlord on July 15, 2017, 11:31:20 PM
Nothing!

I still go to lunch with some former co-workers.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: dragoncar on July 16, 2017, 01:52:12 AM
Absolutely nothing at all

(https://media.giphy.com/media/pRpIYysgx0Fq0/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Dicey on July 16, 2017, 05:42:47 AM
I thought I'd posted on this thread. One more for the "nothing" vote.

I am plenty involved in my community and loving it.
Okay, I finally thought of something. It was easier to keep track of the days of the week it was when I was working. Now I just don't GAF, which occasionally causes problems.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Linea_Norway on August 06, 2017, 01:20:10 PM
Recently I asked a retired friend if he missed anything about work. He retired because of old age. He didn't miss a thing. He had an engineering and sometimes management job.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: EscapeVelocity2020 on August 06, 2017, 03:47:20 PM
My Dad once said, the only thing he missed was the paycheck.  But 10 yrs later, he had Social Security and marveled at the feeling of regular pay again, although unnecessary.  He spent his first deposits on wine and Scotch, then eventually got more philanthropic...
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Villanelle on August 07, 2017, 02:38:34 AM
My Dad once said, the only thing he missed was the paycheck.  But 10 yrs later, he had Social Security and marveled at the feeling of regular pay again, although unnecessary.  He spent his first deposits on wine and Scotch, then eventually got more philanthropic...

My dad has retired multiple times.  First from the military after 20 years, then from a county government job for nearly two decades, then after a short break he retired from a civilian job.  Then he had a consulting gig, which was varying levels of busy for another decade or so, which just ended.

I think he absolutely missed (misses?) the challenge and the intellectual stimulation. 
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: deborah on August 07, 2017, 02:54:20 AM
I think he absolutely missed (misses?) the challenge and the intellectual stimulation. 
You just need to work out other ways to get the challenge and intellectual stimulation, and you're fine! That was what I THOUGHT I'd miss.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Villanelle on August 07, 2017, 03:32:21 AM
I think he absolutely missed (misses?) the challenge and the intellectual stimulation. 
You just need to work out other ways to get the challenge and intellectual stimulation, and you're fine! That was what I THOUGHT I'd miss.

He's found some, but I don't think any fully replaced what he got from work.  (He was also fortunate to have jobs that absolutely did engage and challenge him.)  He is very active on the HOA board for his very large community, and I know that helps fill the void a bit. 

I've never had a job that really challenged me consistently, so that's definitely not on my "miss" list!
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: rachael talcott on August 07, 2017, 06:21:39 AM
So many people asked me this that I gave it some thought.  What I finally came up with was that I was never happy in the 8 years I worked there. I was constantly stressed by the knowledge that the people around me did not share my values. I've been out for 3 months and I still feel an immense sense of relief.  A few times I've had to go back to drop something off and I had to force myself to drive onto the property.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Goldielocks on August 11, 2017, 12:29:39 PM
I've been out for about 4 months now.   I do think I am missing the paycheck.  The idea that I can save vast swaths of money (IMO) each month was very nice.

Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: mf3333 on August 15, 2017, 05:37:31 AM
FIRED in january 2017.  I miss the guys at work but we get together about once a month at a local restaurant.  I still work, flipping houses as a hobby.  Flipped our last one 3 months ago and are still looking for our next deal.  in the meantime, I am enjoying spending time with my wife and our families.  It seems like our parents and their friends all need us to help them now.   I guess this is our job now, taking care of our elders.  We do go on alot more vacations now though.  It is awesome.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Pigeon on August 15, 2017, 06:03:19 AM
We just had our annual financial review, and our TIAA guy agreed with us that we could RE if we so choose.  We probably aren't going to for about three more years though because I want to be absolutely sure we have enough and once we are done, we aren't going back to work.

The thing I worry about is the social aspect.  Between working full time, one of us having a long commute, being naturally somewhat introverted, and having spent most of our non-work time taking care of recently deceased elderly parents and our kids who are now college aged, we really don't have much in the way of friends.

The friends we do have are through work.  We'll make an effort to do stuff with them, but they aren't retiring soon.  I worry I'll have no social interaction at all.  I've scoped out a few things I could do, like book clubs, volunteer work and a meetup or two.  My introverted self doesn't know if I'll actually make myself do them or if I will make any new friends anyway if I do.

Any introverted people try to  make new friends after FIRE?  How did it go?
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Linea_Norway on August 15, 2017, 06:14:59 AM
Any introverted people try to  make new friends after FIRE?  How did it go?

There is at least one specific thread about this.
In general, I think it is easiest when you start a new hobby and get in touch with a local club for that hobby. And volunteer in all sorts of local events. Join your local facebook groups to find out what happens.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Trudie on August 24, 2017, 06:22:46 PM
We just had our annual financial review, and our TIAA guy agreed with us that we could RE if we so choose.  We probably aren't going to for about three more years though because I want to be absolutely sure we have enough and once we are done, we aren't going back to work.

The thing I worry about is the social aspect.  Between working full time, one of us having a long commute, being naturally somewhat introverted, and having spent most of our non-work time taking care of recently deceased elderly parents and our kids who are now college aged, we really don't have much in the way of friends.

The friends we do have are through work.  We'll make an effort to do stuff with them, but they aren't retiring soon.  I worry I'll have no social interaction at all.  I've scoped out a few things I could do, like book clubs, volunteer work and a meetup or two.  My introverted self doesn't know if I'll actually make myself do them or if I will make any new friends anyway if I do.

Any introverted people try to  make new friends after FIRE?  How did it go?

@ Pigeon

Your situation sounds similar to ours -- right down to the TIAA, which made me do a double-take (only we don't have kids).  We're getting ready to do our annual financial review too.  Also, my husband and I are both pretty introverted.  We talk openly about how we might meet people.

We're both bookish types who love to learn new things.  We've determined that a good public library will be an important connection for being a part of book groups.  Also, we want to retire to a university town with an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute so we can continue to engage with retired, intellectually curious people.  I wouldn't mind being part of a biking or running group.  We each decided that we'll need to find some sort of club like Rotary that is somewhat social/philanthropic to be a part of.  Beyond that, we might print t-shirts that say "Will you be my friend?"  LOL.

I can't say I'd miss my colleagues at my current job though.  We just don't share many common values and I feel like an outsider at work too.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: twistedfirestarter on August 24, 2017, 09:24:20 PM
A lot of people here have noted that the first few months post retirement at filled up with sleep and relaxation before they sort of get down to the business of being retired.

I love the idea of getting down to the business of being retired. Can't wait, I think I'll be really good at it
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: soccerluvof4 on September 04, 2017, 05:32:08 AM
For me I was self employed with up to 35 employees at a time. Though never into big titles and or pushing my weight around etc.. I do miss managing and teaching people the business. That was the only part I enjoyed the later years I absolutely hated everything else about the business I had to get out. I haven't found yet something to replace the feeling on a regular basis but occasionally something comes along that seems to fill that void.  Bit more of that and I think I will be even more a happy camper. Just taking me longer to adjust I guess than others but not to the point I would go back to that madness.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: mjones1234 on September 11, 2017, 11:56:09 AM
Not a single thing. I sweated out the decision for weeks before pulling the trigger. I was sure I would regret those fat paychecks hitting my account every 2 weeks. But now, I keep busy fixing things around the house, spending alot more time with the kids. I now wonder how I ever had time to work a full time job. Best decision I ever made.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: arebelspy on September 12, 2017, 09:22:42 PM
(Former teacher here.)

I miss the kids. They were a hoot.

I miss making real connections with them, and making a difference in their lives.  Seeing them grow, academically, and personally.

I miss colleagues who inspired me.

I miss going into work, and being excited about what I was teaching that day. (I am still excited about the days, but not excited about the work, as it no longer exists.)

I miss some of the structure.

The income would be nice to have now, to increase our donations.

That's off the top of my head in three minutes. Given that, I'm sure there's much more if I sat and thought about it. There's a lot I miss about work.

I very much enjoyed my job. But even with all that, FIRE is still so, so much better.  :)

EDIT: My answer in the "If I was still working, I'd be ..., but instead, I'm... (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/if-i-was-still-working-i'd-be-but-instead-i'm/msg1693511/#msg1693511)" thread is relevant here, too.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: EscapeVelocity2020 on September 12, 2017, 09:28:24 PM
As it should be, retirement should be a happier place to return to for the final swan dive, but it is heart-warming to know that people missed something from their work. 
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: zinnie on September 12, 2017, 11:12:18 PM
I'm not technically FIRE'd--only "taking a break," but I'm close to my FIRE number and so am not sure whether I'll go back. Here is what I miss so far:

-my team, especially one-on-one meetings with my team members. we all had really good relationships and i enjoyed learning about them, coaching, and helping them solve problems.
-relationships with my co-workers and manager
-solving complicated problems for people, marshaling people/resources/things to get the job done
-being around people who know and respect me, who trust me, who ask for my input on important things.
-having a schedule
-the paycheck (of course)

Having to build all of this outside of the work context just feels like starting over, you know? I don't miss the being at work all day part of it, but the types of relationships and being trusted to do important things is something I want to find again.

I know that kind of the point of this site is that people dislike their jobs, and I did too, but I also got SO much out of it. It forced me to grow in ways that I wasn't confident enough to seek out on my own at the time. I don't think I could have stayed any longer, as I was more than ready to take a break and try something new, but I still miss all of these things quite a bit. 
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Linea_Norway on September 18, 2017, 05:27:52 AM
I'm not technically FIRE'd--only "taking a break," but I'm close to my FIRE number and so am not sure whether I'll go back. Here is what I miss so far:

-my team, especially one-on-one meetings with my team members. we all had really good relationships and i enjoyed learning about them, coaching, and helping them solve problems.
-relationships with my co-workers and manager
-solving complicated problems for people, marshaling people/resources/things to get the job done
-being around people who know and respect me, who trust me, who ask for my input on important things.
-having a schedule
-the paycheck (of course)

Having to build all of this outside of the work context just feels like starting over, you know? I don't miss the being at work all day part of it, but the types of relationships and being trusted to do important things is something I want to find again.

I know that kind of the point of this site is that people dislike their jobs, and I did too, but I also got SO much out of it. It forced me to grow in ways that I wasn't confident enough to seek out on my own at the time. I don't think I could have stayed any longer, as I was more than ready to take a break and try something new, but I still miss all of these things quite a bit.

I can understand that. Is it an option for you to work part time, for example during several months a year when they need you most? Otherwise you could try to join some voluntary organization. I think most clubs and (sports) events could use a good coordinator/problem solver like you.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: zinnie on October 05, 2017, 07:09:44 AM
I'm not technically FIRE'd--only "taking a break," but I'm close to my FIRE number and so am not sure whether I'll go back. Here is what I miss so far:

-my team, especially one-on-one meetings with my team members. we all had really good relationships and i enjoyed learning about them, coaching, and helping them solve problems.
-relationships with my co-workers and manager
-solving complicated problems for people, marshaling people/resources/things to get the job done
-being around people who know and respect me, who trust me, who ask for my input on important things.
-having a schedule
-the paycheck (of course)

Having to build all of this outside of the work context just feels like starting over, you know? I don't miss the being at work all day part of it, but the types of relationships and being trusted to do important things is something I want to find again.

I know that kind of the point of this site is that people dislike their jobs, and I did too, but I also got SO much out of it. It forced me to grow in ways that I wasn't confident enough to seek out on my own at the time. I don't think I could have stayed any longer, as I was more than ready to take a break and try something new, but I still miss all of these things quite a bit.

I can understand that. Is it an option for you to work part time, for example during several months a year when they need you most? Otherwise you could try to join some voluntary organization. I think most clubs and (sports) events could use a good coordinator/problem solver like you.

late response, but good ideas--thanks! :)
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: OlderbutWiser on October 05, 2017, 06:50:58 PM
My last day of work was August 31, 2017.  i was a VP of tax in charge of many employees and made a ton of money.  I truly loved my job but had enough money to retire in comfort...so I did.  I thought for sure that I would miss solving the tax problems/puzzles that had occupied my entire life from 9 - 9 five days of the week.  I am so happy to report that I do not miss the work one iota!! I really can't quite believe it but I have filled my days with all of the things that I have wanted to do but never had the time for....retirement is amazing!!!
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Linea_Norway on October 06, 2017, 12:51:10 AM
My last day of work was August 31, 2017.  i was a VP of tax in charge of many employees and made a ton of money.  I truly loved my job but had enough money to retire in comfort...so I did.  I thought for sure that I would miss solving the tax problems/puzzles that had occupied my entire life from 9 - 9 five days of the week.  I am so happy to report that I do not miss the work one iota!! I really can't quite believe it but I have filled my days with all of the things that I have wanted to do but never had the time for....retirement is amazing!!!

Congratulations, that is great to hear. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Cashonda on November 24, 2017, 06:22:43 PM
I miss the free office supplies. That's a joke.. but not. I really wanted one of those big binder clip things and I just can't bring myself to buy a box.

Other than that I kind of miss having to wear a dress and heels and look decent every day. But I could just dress up and prance around town, so I guess I dont miss it that much or I would do it! :D
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Metta on November 25, 2017, 06:22:12 AM
Up until last weekend the thing I missed most about work (other than the extra flow of money) was my standing desk. But now I have one. I suppose that the thing I miss most after that are the rooms that have white boards walls. My husband says that he will never live in a house where all the walls in a room are written on, so I suppose I will continue to miss this.

I don't miss the people because I make a point of keeping in touch with my friends from work.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Evgenia on January 12, 2018, 07:26:08 PM
I miss the free office supplies. That's a joke.. but not. I really wanted one of those big binder clip things and I just can't bring myself to buy a box.

I'm laughing so hard because SO DO I. I miss the free notebooks and especially the screen wipes. Here we are, FIRE, and I don't want to pay for SCREEN WIPES.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: Linea_Norway on January 13, 2018, 07:09:08 AM

Other than that I kind of miss having to wear a dress and heels and look decent every day. But I could just dress up and prance around town, so I guess I dont miss it that much or I would do it! :D

Depending on how heigh the heels are, your feet will be grateful if you wear flat shoes. High heels cause a lot of strain on the feet.
Title: Re: People who have FIRED - what (if anything) do you miss most about work?
Post by: CHF on April 19, 2018, 08:35:07 AM
what is it?
Taking a relaxed dump and the knowledge that I get payed for it. (seriously!)

Disclosure: Not FIREd yet, takes 10 more weeks...