Author Topic: Target FIRE: 2017  (Read 449831 times)

dragoncar

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #700 on: February 15, 2017, 06:42:21 PM »
I had a brief lapse when I realized I could potentially get a small bonus if I stay an extra month.  But it's just not worth it, after tax, and might be seen as petty to give notice immediately after (or worse, a month in advance)

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #701 on: February 15, 2017, 07:31:59 PM »
Thanks! 

For statistical purposes, I'll be officially 51, and the husband will be 48 (freedom47).  We are both officially retired as at Apr 28.

He did some early retirement last summer, to sail, but then got the "back to school itch", and happen-stanced on a part-time job.  I must say that it helped solidify, and accelerated FIRE plans. We were tantallizingly close then, but confident now.   It all worked out.

I'm so happy to share this amongst people who understand!

Would your husband like to be added to the Class of 2017 list, or would he prefer to be stealthy?

oneyearfromnow

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #702 on: February 16, 2017, 02:18:15 AM »
Hello FIRE me,

He would be fine with being added to the list!  Thanks!  I have tried unsuccessfully to figure the list thing out.

We are both pretty excited about it being FIRE-d, and can't wait till May.  By then, all of the snow will be gone, and we can start doing some outdoor projects.

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #703 on: February 16, 2017, 10:45:28 AM »
Updating mine...

Threshkin                Oct 31st, 2016    Confirmed
Metta            (at 55) January 1, 2017   Confirmed
MrsWhipple       (at 32) January 1, 2017   Confirmed
FIRE me                  January 3, 2017   Confirmed
FrugalAussie             January 4, 2017   Confirmed
Zineth           (at 49) January 27, 2017  Confirmed
MarciaB          (at 55) January 31, 2017  Confirmed
Mf3333           (at 56) January 31, 2017  MIA
MsGreenStash     (at 51) February 1, 2017  Confirmed
Dragoncar                March 1, 2017
Cottonswab       (at 30) March 1, 2017
Easypeasy        (at 35) March 15, 2017   
Myhotrs          (at 38) March 31, 2017   
Oblivo                   March 31, 2017
John Doe        (Age 50) April 1, 2017.     PT
Daisy            (at 48) April 28, 2017
oneyearfromnow           April 28,2017
MandyM           (at 38) May 1, 2017     
Mrs. Pomodoro    (at 43) May 1, 2017       Part time
Remote_Landlord  (at 39) May 8, 2017
Penguin159               May 12, 2017
Rachael Talcott  (at 42) May 21, 2017
BNgarden         (at 58) May 24, 2017
RedmondStash             May 31, 2017
Jack06           (at 42) June 1, 2017     
Fairviewite      (at 27) June 1, 2017
Romag                    June 1, 2017
Financial Asc.   (at 39) June 1, 2017
Rahby1us                 June, 2017
Charlie Foxtrot  (at 41) July 1, 2017
Bigchrisb        (at 35) July 3, 2017
Freedom17        (at 38) July 28, 2017
UnleashHell              July 28, 2017
Cookie78         (at 39) August 3, 2017
MonkeyJenga      (at 31) Fall 2017
Zephyr911        (at 39) Fall 2017
SachaFiscal      (at 41) December 1, 2017   
Jim2001                  December 31, 2017
SwordGuy         (at 59) OMY
Mrs. SwordGuy            OMY
Noble_goal               OMY
JoJo             43  OMY - but went part time to 70% effective 1/1/2017

Freedom17

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #704 on: February 16, 2017, 11:10:33 AM »
Quote

Threshkin                October 31, 2016  Confirmed
Metta            (at 55) January 1, 2017   Confirmed
MrsWhipple       (at 32) January 1, 2017   Confirmed
FIRE me                  January 3, 2017   Confirmed
FrugalAussie             January 4, 2017   Confirmed
Zineth           (at 49) January 27, 2017  Confirmed
MarciaB          (at 55) January 31, 2017  Confirmed
MsGreenStash     (at 51) February 1, 2017  Confirmed
Dragoncar                March 1, 2017
Cottonswab       (at 30) March 1, 2017
Easypeasy        (at 35) March 15, 2017   
Myhotrs          (at 38) March 31, 2017   
Oblivo                   March 31, 2017
John Doe         (at 50) April 1, 2017     Part time
Daisy            (at 48) April 28, 2017
oneyearfromnow           April 28, 2017
MandyM           (at 38) May 1, 2017     
Mrs. Pomodoro    (at 43) May 1, 2017       Part time
Remote_Landlord  (at 39) May 8, 2017
Penguin159               May 12, 2017
Rachael Talcott  (at 42) May 21, 2017
BNgarden         (at 58) May 24, 2017
RedmondStash             May 31, 2017
Jack06           (at 42) June 1, 2017     
Fairviewite      (at 27) June 1, 2017
Romag                    June 1, 2017
Financial Asc.   (at 39) June 1, 2017
Rahby1us                 June, 2017
Charlie Foxtrot  (at 41) July 1, 2017
Bigchrisb        (at 35) July 3, 2017
Freedom17        (at 38) July 28, 2017
UnleashHell              July 28, 2017
Cookie78         (at 39) August 3, 2017
MonkeyJenga      (at 31) Fall 2017
Zephyr911        (at 39) Fall 2017
SachaFiscal      (at 41) December 1, 2017   
Jim2001                  December 31, 2017
Mf3333           (at 56) MIA
SwordGuy         (at 59) OMY
Mrs. SwordGuy            OMY
Noble_goal               OMY
JoJo             (at 43) OMY - 70% time


« Last Edit: February 16, 2017, 11:18:01 AM by Freedom17 »

Freedom17

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #705 on: February 16, 2017, 11:23:31 AM »
How are we doing March cohort? Your time has almost arrived! Are you excited?

dragoncar

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #706 on: February 16, 2017, 11:27:19 AM »
How are we doing March cohort? Your time has almost arrived! Are you excited?

One of my coworkers gave notice a couple days ago so now I'm feeling a little bad, but not really that bad.  It's not a short-staffing situation, just seems like it will stand out.

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #707 on: February 16, 2017, 11:48:00 AM »

Threshkin                October 31, 2016  Confirmed
Metta            (at 55) January 1, 2017   Confirmed
MrsWhipple       (at 32) January 1, 2017   Confirmed
FIRE me                  January 3, 2017   Confirmed
FrugalAussie             January 4, 2017   Confirmed
Zineth           (at 49) January 27, 2017  Confirmed
MarciaB          (at 55) January 31, 2017  Confirmed
MsGreenStash     (at 51) February 1, 2017  Confirmed
Dragoncar                March 1, 2017
Cottonswab       (at 30) March 1, 2017
Easypeasy        (at 35) March 15, 2017   
Myhotrs          (at 38) March 31, 2017   
Oblivo                   March 31, 2017
John Doe         (at 50) April 1, 2017     Part time
Daisy            (at 48) April 28, 2017
oneyearfromnow           April 28, 2017
freedom47                April 28, 2017
MandyM           (at 38) May 1, 2017     
Mrs. Pomodoro    (at 43) May 1, 2017       Part time
Remote_Landlord  (at 39) May 8, 2017
Penguin159               May 12, 2017
Rachael Talcott  (at 42) May 21, 2017
BNgarden         (at 58) May 24, 2017
RedmondStash             May 31, 2017
Jack06           (at 42) June 1, 2017     
Fairviewite      (at 27) June 1, 2017
Romag                    June 1, 2017
Financial Asc.   (at 39) June 1, 2017
Rahby1us                 June, 2017
Charlie Foxtrot  (at 41) July 1, 2017
Bigchrisb        (at 35) July 3, 2017
Freedom17        (at 38) July 28, 2017
UnleashHell              July 28, 2017
Cookie78         (at 39) August 3, 2017
MonkeyJenga      (at 31) Fall 2017
Zephyr911        (at 39) Fall 2017
SachaFiscal      (at 41) December 1, 2017   
Jim2001                  December 31, 2017
Mf3333           (at 56) MIA
SwordGuy         (at 59) OMY
Mrs. SwordGuy            OMY
Noble_goal               OMY
JoJo             (at 43) OMY - 70% time

FIRE me

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #708 on: February 16, 2017, 11:49:28 AM »
How are we doing March cohort? Your time has almost arrived! Are you excited?

One of my coworkers gave notice a couple days ago so now I'm feeling a little bad, but not really that bad.  It's not a short-staffing situation, just seems like it will stand out.

You know the saying:
"Not my circus, not my monkeys."

Freedom17

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #709 on: February 16, 2017, 11:52:08 AM »
How are we doing March cohort? Your time has almost arrived! Are you excited?

One of my coworkers gave notice a couple days ago so now I'm feeling a little bad, but not really that bad.  It's not a short-staffing situation, just seems like it will stand out.

OMY?

FIRE me

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #710 on: February 16, 2017, 11:59:04 AM »
Hello FIRE me,

He would be fine with being added to the list!  Thanks!  I have tried unsuccessfully to figure the list thing out.

We are both pretty excited about it being FIRE-d, and can't wait till May.  By then, all of the snow will be gone, and we can start doing some outdoor projects.

Your hubs is added.

If you want or need to edit the list later, here is the best way to do it.
Just use the font=courier tags at the beginning and end of the list, that keeps it looking neat with a fixed width font.

Like this:

[f o n t=courier]
List goes here
[/font]

It's that simple.

EDIT: added spaces to word "font" to break the html, so it can be seen. Remove spaces from "f o n t" to make it work as intended.

How does health insurance in Canada work for FIRE people? Do you pay, is it free, or what?
« Last Edit: February 16, 2017, 12:02:11 PM by FIRE me »

dragoncar

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #711 on: February 16, 2017, 12:18:10 PM »
How are we doing March cohort? Your time has almost arrived! Are you excited?

One of my coworkers gave notice a couple days ago so now I'm feeling a little bad, but not really that bad.  It's not a short-staffing situation, just seems like it will stand out.

OMY?

I mean, with today's economy, I'll probably never retire.

easypeasy

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #712 on: February 16, 2017, 06:52:03 PM »
How are we doing March cohort? Your time has almost arrived! Are you excited?

Erm, it's complicated?  My update is that I was all fired up and ready to quit in early February and the week I was planning to talk to my boss I completely freaked out.  Like spent a week sleeping poorly, planning lame conflict avoidance strategies, and avoiding talking to my boss.  At first I thought it was an acute case of OMY syndrome but as I thought and talked about it more with DH I realized I also have a pretty big sense of unfinished business (I'm on the leadership team at a startup). 

I decided to ask that we work toward a mutually beneficial solution so they aren't left hanging but that I'm out by later this year.  So this Tuesday I finally put on my big girl pants and talked to my boss.  He was surprised, asked if it was because I'm unhappy with my compensation, and we agreed to talk about it more at our check in tomorrow.  After our conversation it felt like a giant 10 ton weight had been lifted from my shoulders. 

So I'd say at this point March 15 is probably out but I'll know more tomorrow. 

Daisy

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #713 on: February 16, 2017, 06:53:55 PM »
I am waiting for some potentially FIRE affecting news in March so am tempted to move my date a little further back. Since I like number patterns, the sound of 7/7/17 or 7/17/17 sound soothing to me. But keep my 4/28 date on the list for now. It keeps my feet to the FIRE, so to speak.

BTW, I have been part time since mid 2016. Not sure if that should be reflected on the list.
« Last Edit: February 16, 2017, 07:01:27 PM by Daisy »

oneyearfromnow

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #714 on: February 16, 2017, 07:20:58 PM »
How does health insurance in Canada work for FIRE people? Do you pay, is it free, or what?

In Canada most things are included (appendix, dislocated ankle, medically "necessary" cosmetic surgery - yes I know) Some things happen on a wait list depending on location.  The things you pay for are things like prescription medicine, glasses, dental appointments etc.  We currently have benefits through our employers that would reimburse us for some of those costs. 

Benefit providers are insurance salespeople.  Their job is to do their best to not pay out.  Even in the co-ordinated benefits world, they don't fully reimburse you for these expenses. 

We've been researching providers when we are retired, but the pay in cost at our age group doesn't completely reimburse you for your costs.  In essence you pay more in the hopes of paying less in the future.  Perhaps not to the extent of what is experienced in the USofA.

Any other Canadians that have a reasonable benefit provider post retirement?  I'd be interested to know!


dragoncar

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #715 on: February 16, 2017, 08:02:24 PM »
Tomorrow is a general strike day.   Hopefully my boss is in, and it doesn't seem like I'm making a political statement.

myhotrs

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #716 on: February 16, 2017, 11:22:21 PM »


I just thought of a good title: 'Capitalist'. As in what does your daddy do for a living? Oh. He's a capitalist. Sounds good to me :)

Awesome, I am going to use this! Always wanted to be a capitalist (see my signature.)

jack06

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #717 on: February 17, 2017, 05:34:23 AM »
How does health insurance in Canada work for FIRE people? Do you pay, is it free, or what?

Health care is universally free (there aren't real private hospitals in the country), but we need insurance to cover prescription drugs. In some provinces like Quebec, the insurance is mandatory and the premium is the same regardless of age. For instance my parents pay about 600$ each per year for the drug insurance and part of it is refunded through the tax system (when elligible due to low revenues). 

dabears847

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #718 on: February 17, 2017, 07:23:55 AM »
So it is official, I'm part of the 2017 FIRE club. Please add me to the list for those confirmed that have pulled the plug.


markbike528CBX

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #719 on: February 17, 2017, 08:06:49 AM »
dabears847:

Just pulled the plug?  No story (epic or otherwise) for our entertainment?
Congratulations of course (and jealousy too).

dabears847

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #720 on: February 17, 2017, 09:47:28 AM »
Epic, somewhat.

I envisioned a mariachi band or some sort of big I quit, fu... but I chickened out. I was offered a package. I loved the job but the boss was something else, glad to be free, just need to detox from the high level of stress.




FIRE me

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #721 on: February 17, 2017, 10:13:48 AM »
So it is official, I'm part of the 2017 FIRE club. Please add me to the list for those confirmed that have pulled the plug.

Congratulations dabears847!

FIRE me

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #722 on: February 17, 2017, 10:14:26 AM »

Threshkin                October 31, 2016  Confirmed
Metta            (at 55) January 1, 2017   Confirmed
MrsWhipple       (at 32) January 1, 2017   Confirmed
FIRE me                  January 3, 2017   Confirmed
FrugalAussie             January 4, 2017   Confirmed
Zineth           (at 49) January 27, 2017  Confirmed
MarciaB          (at 55) January 31, 2017  Confirmed
MsGreenStash     (at 51) February 1, 2017  Confirmed
dabears847               February 17, 2017 Confirmed
Dragoncar                March 1, 2017
Cottonswab       (at 30) March 1, 2017
Easypeasy        (at 35) March 15, 2017   
Myhotrs          (at 38) March 31, 2017   
Oblivo                   March 31, 2017
John Doe         (at 50) April 1, 2017     Part time
Daisy            (at 48) April 28, 2017
oneyearfromnow           April 28, 2017
freedom47                April 28, 2017
MandyM           (at 38) May 1, 2017     
Mrs. Pomodoro    (at 43) May 1, 2017       Part time
Remote_Landlord  (at 39) May 8, 2017
Penguin159               May 12, 2017
Rachael Talcott  (at 42) May 21, 2017
BNgarden         (at 58) May 24, 2017
RedmondStash             May 31, 2017
Jack06           (at 42) June 1, 2017     
Fairviewite      (at 27) June 1, 2017
Romag                    June 1, 2017
Financial Asc.   (at 39) June 1, 2017
Rahby1us                 June, 2017
Charlie Foxtrot  (at 41) July 1, 2017
Bigchrisb        (at 35) July 3, 2017
Freedom17        (at 38) July 28, 2017
UnleashHell              July 28, 2017
Cookie78         (at 39) August 3, 2017
MonkeyJenga      (at 31) Fall 2017
Zephyr911        (at 39) Fall 2017
SachaFiscal      (at 41) December 1, 2017   
Jim2001                  December 31, 2017
Mf3333           (at 56) MIA
SwordGuy         (at 59) OMY
Mrs. SwordGuy            OMY
Noble_goal               OMY
JoJo             (at 43) OMY - 70% time

FIRE me

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #723 on: February 17, 2017, 10:23:18 AM »
How does health insurance in Canada work for FIRE people? Do you pay, is it free, or what?

Health care is universally free (there aren't real private hospitals in the country), but we need insurance to cover prescription drugs. In some provinces like Quebec, the insurance is mandatory and the premium is the same regardless of age. For instance my parents pay about 600$ each per year for the drug insurance and part of it is refunded through the tax system (when elligible due to low revenues).

I'm sure the Canadian is not perfect. Nonetheless I wish the USA would adopt your system. Or maybe Japan's, I hear their system is very good too.

It won't be happening of course. The for profit drug companies, the for profit hospitals, and the for profit insurance companies have far too much power in Washington for that to ever happen.

jack06

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #724 on: February 17, 2017, 07:24:37 PM »
How does health insurance in Canada work for FIRE people? Do you pay, is it free, or what?

Health care is universally free (there aren't real private hospitals in the country), but we need insurance to cover prescription drugs. In some provinces like Quebec, the insurance is mandatory and the premium is the same regardless of age. For instance my parents pay about 600$ each per year for the drug insurance and part of it is refunded through the tax system (when elligible due to low revenues).



I'm sure the Canadian is not perfect. Nonetheless I wish the USA would adopt your system. Or maybe Japan's, I hear their system is very good too.

It won't be happening of course. The for profit drug companies, the for profit hospitals, and the for profit insurance companies have far too much power in Washington for that to ever happen.

Oh, it isn't perfect, far from it. Waiting times can be quite long if you happen to have a minor condition. Sometimes I wish I could pay to be on a fast track. Most of the time, I just skip the hospitals. Never been there in the last 10 or 15 years. The hospitals don't really want to see you if you don't have a life-threatening or serious condition. There are private clinics for non urgent stuff, if you just want to consult a physician to get a drug prescription, but they usually don't provide urgent care. Even if they are private owned, these clinics are still funded by the government, since the system is generally a "single payer" system.

Universally "free" means that tax payers subsidize non tax payers. I'm okay with that though, like most Canadians I suppose. But everybody I know who went working in the US said how comfortable and great the hospitals were compared to ours. That said, they are high income earners, their employers provided the health insurance and they worked in wealthy areas (San Francisco or Boston), so I suppose your mileage may vary based on your income and the region where you live.

FrugalAussie

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #725 on: February 20, 2017, 04:15:52 PM »
I now have a final date, my last day of work will be 20 April.  The final push came from meeting Arebelspy and family who have just visited with Mustachians in Western Australia.  They're a great example, travelling the world, loving their life, no regrets.  Thanks Joe and Ali.

Music Festival 21-24 April, recuperation from work for a month then a 5 week trip to Canada via California and the Grand Canyon.  We're having a house (the 'retirement home') built this year so that will keep us busy, then next year moving in and getting the garden established, with quite a bit of travel too. We also have a close friend retiring in October (at 65) so we'll have some good company. I'm pretty sure, despite the occasional pang of loss for my previous work, colleagues and professional identity, I can move on and enjoy the time that I've liberated and the emotional energy I'll have for other challenges.

The few people we've told are flabbergasted, asking "what will you do all day"?  Another is implying we're selfish for not giving excess funds to our kids. Once again, people are projecting their own values and worries about early retirement, going against the flow, on to us.  To quote my Irish partner "F**k the begrudgers"

So, it's done!

Thanks again to MMM and forum contributors.  The hours and hours I've spent reading the blog posts, comments and forum have kept me focused on getting FIRE'd. Except for my partner, there is not one person in my family or circle of friends who are doing or planning what we've achieved. It can be difficult and isolating to be the exception so finding a like minded community has been a great blessing.

Freedom17

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #726 on: February 20, 2017, 04:28:44 PM »
Quote

Threshkin                October 31, 2016  Confirmed
Metta            (at 55) January 1, 2017   Confirmed
MrsWhipple       (at 32) January 1, 2017   Confirmed
FIRE me                  January 3, 2017   Confirmed
Zineth           (at 49) January 27, 2017  Confirmed
MarciaB          (at 55) January 31, 2017  Confirmed
MsGreenStash     (at 51) February 1, 2017  Confirmed
dabears847               February 17, 2017 Confirmed
Cottonswab       (at 30) March 1, 2017
Dragoncar                March 15, 2017
Easypeasy        (at 35) March 15, 2017   
Myhotrs          (at 38) March 31, 2017   
Oblivo                   March 31, 2017
John Doe         (at 50) April 1, 2017     Part time
FrugalAussie             April 20, 2017
Daisy            (at 48) April 28, 2017
oneyearfromnow           April 28, 2017
freedom47                April 28, 2017
MandyM           (at 38) May 1, 2017     
Mrs. Pomodoro    (at 43) May 1, 2017       Part time
Remote_Landlord  (at 39) May 8, 2017
Penguin159               May 12, 2017
Rachael Talcott  (at 42) May 21, 2017
BNgarden         (at 58) May 24, 2017
RedmondStash             May 31, 2017
Jack06           (at 42) June 1, 2017     
Fairviewite      (at 27) June 1, 2017
Romag                    June 1, 2017
Financial Asc.   (at 39) June 1, 2017
Rahby1us                 June, 2017
Charlie Foxtrot  (at 41) July 1, 2017
Bigchrisb        (at 35) July 3, 2017
Freedom17        (at 38) July 28, 2017
UnleashHell              July 28, 2017
Cookie78         (at 39) August 3, 2017
MonkeyJenga      (at 31) Fall 2017
Zephyr911        (at 39) Fall 2017
SachaFiscal      (at 41) December 1, 2017   
Jim2001                  December 31, 2017
Mf3333           (at 56) MIA
SwordGuy         (at 59) OMY
Mrs. SwordGuy            OMY
Noble_goal               OMY
JoJo             (at 43) OMY - 70% time

« Last Edit: February 20, 2017, 04:52:49 PM by Freedom17 »

dragoncar

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #727 on: February 20, 2017, 04:38:38 PM »
Gave notice, but exact date is up in the air because I agreed to be flexible on finishing some projects that can't be easily transferred.  Hopefully mid-march, but if they want to continue paying me a little longer for very little work I won't complain about that either

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #728 on: February 22, 2017, 01:45:35 PM »
Haven't given notice either, and still have a lot of things up in the air, but somewhere between June and November is my working range. I've been really fed up lately and having crazy thoughts, like quitting even if I have to cash out substantial retirement funds, etc... doing my best to just keep a level head and analyze all options as coldly as possible.

My SEPP level right now would only be about $10K a year, but I'm probably about to jump up to almost $20k/yr in reserve pay - plus, I can volunteer for extra duty if things get tight.

My 2nd startup (on the books since last July, but just now taking off) is starting to attract a lot of investor interest, and while the near-term income has been put on hold, I should be able to bill some labor to it soon. All in all, lots of ways to get the required income level without the bureaucracy. I'm feeling good.

Metta

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #729 on: March 01, 2017, 10:47:32 AM »
So it is official, I'm part of the 2017 FIRE club. Please add me to the list for those confirmed that have pulled the plug.

Congratulations Dabears! I hope you will come back and let us know how it is going once you have rested.

As for me, my second month as a free person flew by. My house is cleaner. I am making progress on my book. My relationship with my husband is better than ever. Doctor/Dentist appointments continue to be part of my life but I fully expect that we will be done, done, done with all that by mid to late March.

We start traveling again in early April and will be various places from April through September: Bloomington, Nashville, Denver, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Nashville, Warwick. Except for Santa Fe and Albuquerque, all of the trips are related to family or research or writing. Now that I am no longer going into the office each day and have freedom to write, hike, and cook to my heart's content, I find that travel is not all that enticing. I feel somewhat burdened by the idea of all these trips (except for Albuquerque and Santa Fe). My husband expects me to get over my travel reluctance sometime in 2018. Of course, if he was offering Crete instead of Bloomington, Indiana, I might feel less burdened and more excited.

I had planned to organize a murder mystery party for March (and write the murder mystery) as a celebration of my freedom. At this point, it seems like I am not ready to do that yet. Having time to do things at my own pace, to be lazy when I feel lazy, to be productive when I feel productive continues to feel amazing. Leisure is the ultimate luxury.

I hope other members of the class of 2017 will pop in and let us know how freedom is working out for them!

Good luck to all the rest of the class! May your coffers fill up and your freedom day arrive swiftly.

Cookie78

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #730 on: March 01, 2017, 11:30:15 AM »
So it is official, I'm part of the 2017 FIRE club. Please add me to the list for those confirmed that have pulled the plug.

Congratulations Dabears! I hope you will come back and let us know how it is going once you have rested.

As for me, my second month as a free person flew by. My house is cleaner. I am making progress on my book. My relationship with my husband is better than ever. Doctor/Dentist appointments continue to be part of my life but I fully expect that we will be done, done, done with all that by mid to late March.

We start traveling again in early April and will be various places from April through September: Bloomington, Nashville, Denver, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Nashville, Warwick. Except for Santa Fe and Albuquerque, all of the trips are related to family or research or writing. Now that I am no longer going into the office each day and have freedom to write, hike, and cook to my heart's content, I find that travel is not all that enticing. I feel somewhat burdened by the idea of all these trips (except for Albuquerque and Santa Fe). My husband expects me to get over my travel reluctance sometime in 2018. Of course, if he was offering Crete instead of Bloomington, Indiana, I might feel less burdened and more excited.

I had planned to organize a murder mystery party for March (and write the murder mystery) as a celebration of my freedom. At this point, it seems like I am not ready to do that yet. Having time to do things at my own pace, to be lazy when I feel lazy, to be productive when I feel productive continues to feel amazing. Leisure is the ultimate luxury.

I hope other members of the class of 2017 will pop in and let us know how freedom is working out for them!

Good luck to all the rest of the class! May your coffers fill up and your freedom day arrive swiftly.


Wow, that sounds amazing!

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #731 on: March 01, 2017, 12:04:36 PM »
OMG you guys, I got so pissed off at work that I called in sick at lunch and am in bed.
All the coping mechanisms I've ever learned in 6.5 years of this job are gradually failing me. The only upside is increased motivation to overcome all challenges and reach my goal.

MarciaB

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #732 on: March 01, 2017, 12:09:41 PM »
OMG you guys, I got so pissed off at work that I called in sick at lunch and am in bed.
All the coping mechanisms I've ever learned in 6.5 years of this job are gradually failing me. The only upside is increased motivation to overcome all challenges and reach my goal.

Wow - what happened??

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #733 on: March 01, 2017, 07:32:53 PM »
OMG you guys, I got so pissed off at work that I called in sick at lunch and am in bed.
All the coping mechanisms I've ever learned in 6.5 years of this job are gradually failing me. The only upside is increased motivation to overcome all challenges and reach my goal.

Wow - what happened??
The funny thing is, nothing terrible happened today. Just another meeting where muddled thinking by ambitious, highly paid senior leaders wasted tons of man-hours and I was stuck in a silent facilitating role, inwardly mourning the fact that nobody has the balls to tell the emperor he has no clothes... least of all me. Took up the first half of the day (setup/conduct/breakdown) and by the time I was done returning all my gear to my workspace, all I could think about was leaving.

It's just been a steady deterioration over the last few months. We're in regime #4 since I got here, and I thought I could handle it all. I would surmise two things. First, I've developed a much better sense of how things should run, by observing, participating and studying, so I pick up a lot more on the failures. Second, setting and sprinting toward financial goals, and building up two startups on the side, have dramatically increased my sense of self-worth... makes it harder to swallow being sidelined in a trivial role where my expertise is wasted.

I mean, I literally made myself a CEO as a side job... makes it harder to stomach being a daytime lackey watching the processes I support get more labor-intensive and less productive in the name of strategy. Most of these people wouldn't know strategy if it drove a tank through their living room. My five-figure LLC is doing a better job matching instruments of power to policy goals.

And, that's pretty much all the ranting I need to do today... LOL. I just need to make it happen... nobody will do this for me.

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #734 on: March 01, 2017, 08:16:40 PM »
It's funny. I actually had a negative comment from a tech lead once that said I like to point out that the emperor has no clothes. When that becomes a criticism it tells you something about the health of an organization. Have you considered giving less of a f%#k? As I've gradually become more financially independent I've become less inhibited and more loose speaking my mind more frankly to people. If they can't handle it it's their problem. It's been extremely liberating and a surprising but welcome side effect is that professionally things have actually gone much better for me as well. At the end of the day people respond to strength and confidence and quickly follow.

Most of the current trouble stems from the personal ambitions of the head guy in the building, and I honestly think he doesn't care if it's effective as long as it gets him some publicity in DC.
I do spend a lot of time talking with my boss (and his boss) about how misguided and counterproductive all this exhausting process change has been, and continues to be, but that's about as far as it's gone so far. It's a military organization so it would go pretty badly for me if I went beyond that level uninvited.
My worst case departure is 6-8 months at this point, and I could tie up loose ends and bugger off in more like 2-4 if I really needed to, so it is what it is.
I'm 100% with you on the zero-fucksgiving. I really need to develop that skill.

dragoncar

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #735 on: March 01, 2017, 09:15:16 PM »
It's funny. I actually had a negative comment from a tech lead once that said I like to point out that the emperor has no clothes. When that becomes a criticism it tells you something about the health of an organization. Have you considered giving less of a f%#k? As I've gradually become more financially independent I've become less inhibited and more loose speaking my mind more frankly to people. If they can't handle it it's their problem. It's been extremely liberating and a surprising but welcome side effect is that professionally things have actually gone much better for me as well. At the end of the day people respond to strength and confidence and quickly follow.

Most of the current trouble stems from the personal ambitions of the head guy in the building, and I honestly think he doesn't care if it's effective as long as it gets him some publicity in DC.
I do spend a lot of time talking with my boss (and his boss) about how misguided and counterproductive all this exhausting process change has been, and continues to be, but that's about as far as it's gone so far. It's a military organization so it would go pretty badly for me if I went beyond that level uninvited.
My worst case departure is 6-8 months at this point, and I could tie up loose ends and bugger off in more like 2-4 if I really needed to, so it is what it is.
I'm 100% with you on the zero-fucksgiving. I really need to develop that skill.

I find it helps to scale into it. Like care 90%, then 80% and so on. It progresses rapidly from there.



Nobody steal my idea.  I'm going to register howmanyballoons.com

You go there, tell it how much you weigh and it tells you how many standard balloons you need to fly.

Monetizing will be trivial.

MandyM

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #736 on: March 02, 2017, 06:40:22 AM »
It's funny. I actually had a negative comment from a tech lead once that said I like to point out that the emperor has no clothes. When that becomes a criticism it tells you something about the health of an organization. Have you considered giving less of a f%#k? As I've gradually become more financially independent I've become less inhibited and more loose speaking my mind more frankly to people. If they can't handle it it's their problem. It's been extremely liberating and a surprising but welcome side effect is that professionally things have actually gone much better for me as well. At the end of the day people respond to strength and confidence and quickly follow.

A friend of mine once had trouble at work because he told another department that "their baby was ugly." He was right and he proved it to them, but nobody wants to hear that.

I've always had a somewhat irreverent attitude towards my superiors and I think it has generally helped me. I am respectful, but I'm not going to put them on a pedestal or treat them all that much differently than other coworkers. One of my first managers cautioned me to toe the line between assertive and aggressive, ha.

I feel your pain though zephyr - I am basically in agony at work as I swim through an ocean of bs. And truthfully - I have a pretty great job. Good boss, good company, decent projects. But sitting through meetings on our company's "branding" is soul crushing. I was originally planning to go PT this summer and work 3 days per week for ~year...but I am leaning towards quitting outright in 2017. Hoping to hold on until about Sept for various reasons.

Financial Ascensionist

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #737 on: March 02, 2017, 03:47:19 PM »
I have the total opposite reaction as Zephyr.  When I see something that does not make any sense, I want to care, but them I look at the top of the page in my note where I have written the numbers of days I have left and I am immediately filled with peace knowing that I can bend like the reed and let the wind go passed me – this problem is going to stop being mine imminently and since I can't do anything about it now, why bother keeping it on my mind.  I sometimes feel like I should give one last push and fix as many things as possible in the organization before I go, but these aspirations are very short lived now.  Only 90 days left, better spend them putting my focus on which of the free snacks I enjoy the most (I think it's almonds).

sw1tch

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #738 on: March 03, 2017, 12:56:25 PM »
I initially was planning to work for a few more years, but more and more, I'm finding that when we move later this year (by choice) I might not find another place of employment for a few months if not longer.

I do have the benefit that my wife will still be working for a while (she might want to join me sooner rather than later).  Basically what I'm saying is I wasn't planning to FIRE yet but I just might be joining the team in 2017.

Freedom17

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #739 on: March 03, 2017, 01:33:37 PM »
Welcome to the Class of 2017!

Cottonswab did you do it? How did everything go?

woopwoop

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #740 on: March 03, 2017, 06:21:30 PM »
Just got back from a weeklong vacation down to SoCal to visit family. It's so nice to be able to go and spend some time with our daughter's great-grandparents without having to worry about work.

I feel bad because I would really like to live closer to my inlaws, but the air quality in southern California is just total shit. My husband's asthma flares up whenever we go visit and I don't want to raise my daughter there. Ugh, I almost want to move to a LCOL area just so I can buy houses for everyone I love to come live near me...

zephyr911

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #741 on: March 05, 2017, 04:23:09 AM »
Yeah, come do that in Alabama. xD

Cottonswab

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #742 on: March 05, 2017, 11:46:32 AM »
Welcome to the Class of 2017!

Cottonswab did you do it? How did everything go?

I finished up on March 2. 

Freedom17

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #743 on: March 05, 2017, 11:59:29 AM »
Welcome to the Class of 2017!

Cottonswab did you do it? How did everything go?

I finished up on March 2.

Awesome. Congrats!

How does it feel?

Freedom17

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #744 on: March 05, 2017, 12:00:28 PM »

Threshkin                October 31, 2016  Confirmed
Metta            (at 55) January 1, 2017   Confirmed
MrsWhipple       (at 32) January 1, 2017   Confirmed
FIRE me                  January 3, 2017   Confirmed
Zineth           (at 49) January 27, 2017  Confirmed
MarciaB          (at 55) January 31, 2017  Confirmed
MsGreenStash     (at 51) February 1, 2017  Confirmed
dabears847               February 17, 2017 Confirmed
Cottonswab       (at 30) March 1, 2017     Confirmed
Dragoncar                March 15, 2017
Easypeasy        (at 35) March 15, 2017   
Myhotrs          (at 38) March 31, 2017   
Oblivo                   March 31, 2017
John Doe         (at 50) April 1, 2017     Part time
FrugalAussie             April 20, 2017
Daisy            (at 48) April 28, 2017
oneyearfromnow           April 28, 2017
freedom47                April 28, 2017
MandyM           (at 38) May 1, 2017     
Mrs. Pomodoro    (at 43) May 1, 2017       Part time
Remote_Landlord  (at 39) May 8, 2017
Penguin159               May 12, 2017
Rachael Talcott  (at 42) May 21, 2017
BNgarden         (at 58) May 24, 2017
RedmondStash             May 31, 2017
Jack06           (at 42) June 1, 2017     
Fairviewite      (at 27) June 1, 2017
Romag                    June 1, 2017
Financial Asc.   (at 39) June 1, 2017
Rahby1us                 June, 2017
Charlie Foxtrot  (at 41) July 1, 2017
Bigchrisb        (at 35) July 3, 2017
Freedom17        (at 38) July 28, 2017
UnleashHell              July 28, 2017
Cookie78         (at 39) August 3, 2017
MonkeyJenga      (at 31) Fall 2017
Zephyr911        (at 39) Fall 2017
SachaFiscal      (at 41) December 1, 2017   
Jim2001                  December 31, 2017
Mf3333           (at 56) MIA
SwordGuy         (at 59) OMY
Mrs. SwordGuy            OMY
Noble_goal               OMY
JoJo             (at 43) OMY - 70% time

penguin159

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #745 on: March 05, 2017, 09:27:32 PM »
I submitted my resignation this week.  No one knows yet except for my immediate supervisor, so I don't know the reactions of everyone else yet.

I did a calculation just now, and figured out that a little more than 20% of my department has quit or retired in the last 4 months.  Three more people are either out on sick leave now or going to be on sick leave in the next couple months for planned procedures.  They have only replaced a couple people so far.

Quite a few other people have "other options"--either they have another job, are old enough to retire already but just haven't done it yet, or don't necessarily need to work.

I wonder how much all of this is going to cause other people to jump ship.




Cottonswab

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #746 on: March 06, 2017, 03:06:45 AM »
Welcome to the Class of 2017!

Cottonswab did you do it? How did everything go?

I finished up on March 2.

Awesome. Congrats!

How does it feel?

The RE part is nice, but not earth shattering.  Leaving my job != eternal bliss.  Being FI just removes some of stress associated with no longer having a significant income.  Right now, I am focused on becoming a better friend and climber.  It is still early days, and my life does not yet feel dramatically different.

Cookie78

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #747 on: March 08, 2017, 11:15:29 AM »
Last month I was supposed to schedule a career dialogue with my supervisor. I just can't make myself do it! Every time I sit down to fill out the form and come up with my 5 year career goals etc. I just smile to myself and put the form back in my to do pile. I don't think she wants to hear my real 5 year plan!! And I'm not sure I can summon the energy to create a 'what if I was dependent on this job for income' 5 year plan.

I'll file this under "Problems I'm thankful to have".

dividendman

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #748 on: March 08, 2017, 12:15:19 PM »
Right now I'm in the 2018 cohort so I want to see what people do as their dates approach.

I might also move my date into 2017, we'll see!

MandyM

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Re: Target FIRE: 2017
« Reply #749 on: March 08, 2017, 01:17:46 PM »
Just this week, I've started to take one thing home from my office each day. I don't really have that much stuff here, so I probably can't keep this up very long, but its a fun little game.