Author Topic: 2018 FIRE cohort  (Read 738211 times)

Monkey Uncle

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1150 on: January 30, 2018, 01:16:19 PM »
I gave notice yesterday.  The effusive reaction I received from all the partners in my practice group has completely wrecked my sense of humility.  After the outpouring of praise and affection and blank check offers to get me to stay, I'm going to need to spend my entire FIRE decompression phase trying to deflate my overinflated ego.  Even the worldwide stock market is tanking on the news of my exit from the workforce.

I still need to firm up an official end date, but February 28th is still looking likely.

Congrats on making it official!

brooklynguy

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1151 on: January 30, 2018, 03:04:01 PM »
Thanks, all, for the well-wishes.

Has all the praise made you reconsider whether you want to stay an additional year?

Not for a minute, but it is comforting to know that I theoretically have a standing offer to return, even though I expect to never exercise it.

poppydog

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1152 on: January 30, 2018, 03:13:59 PM »
Well done Brooklynguy, it feels great having given notice doesn’t it? 

PD

FiveSigmas

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1153 on: January 30, 2018, 10:13:02 PM »
Adding in my congratulations, BG. I've always enjoyed your contributions to the discussions here -- hopefully they'll keep coming!

Any epic plans for the near future?

happy

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1154 on: January 31, 2018, 02:29:33 AM »
Congrats BrooklynGuy and to everyone else pulling the plug/resigned so far. My 2018 date might be slipping from my reach due to my work circumstances, but nothing is definite yet, so I will optimistically stay on the list at this point.

brooklynguy

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1155 on: January 31, 2018, 09:03:05 AM »
Any epic plans for the near future?

Not really.  I plan to join my wife in full-time parenthood and generally bum around for a while.  We're planning a family road trip across the country for the summer.  I'm not expecting to commit any heroics, but if events sufficient to qualify that brief odyssey as epic happen to transpire I'll be sure to let you all know.

Gimesalot

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1156 on: January 31, 2018, 09:05:05 AM »
Congratulations @brooklynguy .  A cross country road trip sounds pretty epic!

Patches

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1157 on: January 31, 2018, 10:01:31 AM »
Today is officially my last get-up!  Kinda have some nervous energy going here... but plan on a several-beer lunch with friends and then leaving early to look at piece of industrial property with my business partner. 

Regardless, no more coming to the office for money... what a joy this is.


Gimesalot

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1158 on: January 31, 2018, 12:01:30 PM »
 Yay for @Patches !  Good luck with the industrial property.  Keep us updated!

PizzaSteve

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1159 on: January 31, 2018, 03:30:18 PM »
Thanks, all, for the well-wishes.

Has all the praise made you reconsider whether you want to stay an additional year?

Not for a minute, but it is comforting to know that I theoretically have a standing offer to return, even though I expect to never exercise it.
Proud to go roughly at the same time with you BG, as well as @Patches and the rest of the early 2018 gang.  Have enjoyed your posts.

Wintergreen78

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1160 on: January 31, 2018, 04:47:22 PM »
Done! Had beers with coworkers last night, wrapped things up in the office today, turned in my keys, and left the office for the last time! My alarm clock has been turned off.

Now I’m going to meet a friend at the gym and head out for barbecue this evening.

sol

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1161 on: January 31, 2018, 05:09:08 PM »
Ya'll are not helping me keep my head down.

I'm desperately trying to resist the urge to jump early just because the market giveth so generously as of late.  I've hit the required dollar figure ahead of schedule.   I could be celebrating with you instead of inefficiently slogging through these TPS reports.

There are lots of moving parts to this puzzle.  Announcing your retirement publicly freezes a lot of them in place, and generally not to your advantage.  I think I'm stalling, for now.

Monkey Uncle

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1162 on: January 31, 2018, 05:58:03 PM »
Today is officially my last get-up!  Kinda have some nervous energy going here... but plan on a several-beer lunch with friends and then leaving early to look at piece of industrial property with my business partner. 

Regardless, no more coming to the office for money... what a joy this is.

Congratulations, Patches!  Welcome to the ranks of the FIREd.

Monkey Uncle

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1163 on: January 31, 2018, 05:58:48 PM »
Done! Had beers with coworkers last night, wrapped things up in the office today, turned in my keys, and left the office for the last time! My alarm clock has been turned off.

Now I’m going to meet a friend at the gym and head out for barbecue this evening.

Congrats, Wintergreen!  Welcome to the club!

SwordGuy

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1164 on: January 31, 2018, 09:50:50 PM »
Done! Had beers with coworkers last night, wrapped things up in the office today, turned in my keys, and left the office for the last time! My alarm clock has been turned off.

Now I’m going to meet a friend at the gym and head out for barbecue this evening.

Way to go!

SwordGuy

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1165 on: January 31, 2018, 09:51:58 PM »
Ya'll are not helping me keep my head down.

I'm desperately trying to resist the urge to jump early just because the market giveth so generously as of late.  I've hit the required dollar figure ahead of schedule.   I could be celebrating with you instead of inefficiently slogging through these TPS reports.

There are lots of moving parts to this puzzle.  Announcing your retirement publicly freezes a lot of them in place, and generally not to your advantage.  I think I'm stalling, for now.

If the market drops 30% for 2 years, have you still reached your number?

sol

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1166 on: January 31, 2018, 10:38:40 PM »
If the market drops 30% for 2 years, have you still reached your number?

Does it go back up again afterwards?

You sound like my partner, who recently asked me "what if the market drops by half and then never recovers?"  Um, then we're living in a radioactive wasteland and I will defend you from the zombies hoards?  Because that has literally never happened before and would be some crazy shit. 

Mr Mark

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1167 on: January 31, 2018, 11:00:46 PM »

You sound like my partner, who recently asked me "what if the market drops by half and then never recovers?" 


Yeah, I've been having the same discussion with my DW. So a few days ago I wrote up a pretty professional looking financial status report, with 5 year history and 1 year projection of all our assets, pie chart with a break down by main asset type, exposure to and sensitivity of the 'stash to (1) a 30% drop in equities (2) 20% drop in our key RE market (3) sensitivity to key exchange rate. Also included a section of current and post-FIRE target asset allocation, the high-level strategy to how the 'stash will throw off income, and how the plan is (a)designed to mitigate all the financial risks we are exposed to & (b) the main residual risks and what happens if they come about.

Did it work? Sort of. It certainly helped, but the media and the financial industry have done a wonderful job making people who don't really want to learn about Bogle or the Trinity study feel that the stock market is 'just the same as gambling' and that there is always a significant risk that 'the market can collapse'. In return I've agreed that one of the mitigations will be to have about 2 years of expenses in an FDIC insured CD ladder. That did the trick, and is probably a darn good idea as well.

chasesfish

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1168 on: February 01, 2018, 04:59:41 AM »
Ya'll are not helping me keep my head down.

I'm desperately trying to resist the urge to jump early just because the market giveth so generously as of late.  I've hit the required dollar figure ahead of schedule.   I could be celebrating with you instead of inefficiently slogging through these TPS reports.

There are lots of moving parts to this puzzle.  Announcing your retirement publicly freezes a lot of them in place, and generally not to your advantage.  I think I'm stalling, for now.

If the market drops 30% for 2 years, have you still reached your number?

It depends, is my number based on cash flow or on assets?   In 2009-2012 I could buy plenty of real estate exceeding the 1% rule and there were some REITs without much debt paying 10%...so yeah, I think the number is still there.  High asset prices look nice on paper, but monthly/quarterly cash returns haven't caught up.

3.55% Net Worth Gain in January...

Vegasgirl

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1169 on: February 01, 2018, 06:10:11 AM »
Congrats Patches and Wintergreen !!! I'm w/Sol here - how am I supposed to make it through to FIRE the end of the year with all this going on !!!! It is fun to watch though !!

PhilB

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1170 on: February 01, 2018, 06:59:05 AM »
Congratulations to our latest graduates!
MrsB told her employer yesterday that she's off in October so that's one bridge burned.  One of her colleagues is taking a 1 year break when they adopt a child and so MrsB felt she had to own up before anyone got too far into the process of re-allocating her job amongst the team.  Celebratory cocktails were duly consumed last night.
I'm keeping my powder dry for another few months whilst I decide whether to make a clean break or offer to do a little bit of very part time for a while.

CowboyAndIndian

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1171 on: February 01, 2018, 07:01:16 AM »
Congratulations patches and Wintergreen78.

MomCPA, any update? Will PM her.

Removed FIBy30(absent from 9/2017)  and PrePube (absent from 4/2017)


01/01/18  CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18  Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18  Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18  PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18  patches CONFIRMED
01/31/18  Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18  MomCPA
02/01/18  DTaggart
02/09/18  JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18  Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18  Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18  brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18  Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18  Cherry Lane
03/31/18  homestead neohio
03/31/18  Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18  ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18  DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18  Badblackgirl
03/??/18  Clean Shaven
03/??/18  Sofa King
03/??/18  MiserlyMiser
03/??/18  Acastus
04/01/18  Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18  Honeyfill  (at 60)
04/19/18  NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18  poppydog and DW
04/??/18  Calvin
04/??/18  FernFree
04/??/18  Gooki
04/??/18  lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
~04/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
05/01/18  SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18  SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying.   He wants to live.)
05/04/18  wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18  step_away
05/15/18  Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18  Gyosho
05/25/18  CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/??/18  Alim Nassor
05/??/18  msilenus
06/15/18  DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18  MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18  aperture
06/??/18  Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18  dbtx
06/??/18  Omalley
06/??/18  randomgiraffe
06/??/18  SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18  AussieGirl
07/??/18  ChasesFish
07/??/18  Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18  SugarMountain
08/24/18  sol (at 41)
08/??/18  Mr Mark
08/??/18  NorCalistache
08/??/18  RunningWithScissors
09/30/18  SwissMiss
10/05/18  JumboShrimp
10/??/18  Fire1018
10/??/18  Happy
10/??/18  Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18  DeSteeg
11/??/18  Kris
12/01/18  Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18  LateStarter
12/??/18  EnjoyIt
12/??/18  yoda34
??/??/18  Blindsquirrel
??/??/18  Michread
??/??/18  Minnesota_mom
??/??/18  OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18  thriftycanadian
??/??/18  pecunia
??/??/18  FLStache
« Last Edit: February 01, 2018, 07:07:43 AM by CowboyAndIndian »

momcpa

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1172 on: February 01, 2018, 07:38:02 AM »
It's official !   I am an actual RETIRED person as of this morning.  Yesterday, January 31 was my last day at the office.  My co-workers had a little party for me in the afternoon with cake and presented me with a nice Visa gift card.  I brought home the few personal things I still had in my office.   Said my goodbyes, turned in my keys and headed home for the last time from that business.

I had completed 27 years there as of December 1.  So just into year #28.  A couple people have been there just about as long, so I spent a little time with each of them one-on-one visiting about how the organization had changed, developed, etc.  That was kinda special.

My daughter called last night to congratulate me.  She said she heard of people getting up the first morning of their retirement to get a picture of the sunrise.  Kinda a picture of THIS IS MY FIRST DAY OF RETIREMENT momento.  I was up in time, but the clouds and lack of sunrise made my picture of the horizon kinda lacking.

So thanks for all the encouragement I received (and will continue to receive) from everyone here.  Thanks for the 'oomph' I needed when I decided to give my notice. I will certainly continue to follow here for insight, advice, and fellowship as I start what I am calling my New Normal.

NinetyFour

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1173 on: February 01, 2018, 07:55:05 AM »
Congrats, @momcpa !!!!!!

Phenix

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1174 on: February 01, 2018, 08:03:01 AM »
I love following the current year FIRE cohorts; so much inspiration to be found!

Aegishjalmur

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1175 on: February 01, 2018, 08:11:29 AM »
I am struggling mightily with Notgivingashititis. I don't want to be here anymore, I don't want to do this anymore. It's just something to deal with, but I resent the time it takes away from useful things(like sleeping with a dog curled up next to me or cleaning out the house). Even if I was not FIRE-ing, I think this would be my last month, and I would then take a month off to mentally recoup before looking for a job in a completely different field.

homestead neohio

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1176 on: February 01, 2018, 08:16:38 AM »
Congrats to the class of 2018 confirmed retirees!  Especially to momCPA, patches, and Wintergreen78 who helped us finish strong in January. 

I have 2 more months and every time a new responsibility shows up I roll my eyes and groan, even though I have plenty of time to do it.  Good thing I'm remote so people don't have to see me doing this.  I really should take my own advice and savor the entire experience, enjoying the anticipation and relishing the expectation of not having to do this kind of work again.  I will practice that today as I slog through all the work I've been putting off.  I can get caught up and then reply to the boss about status.

Also, a big thanks to @CowboyAndIndian for keeping us all up to date.  I'm saying thanks because otherwise it would be a thankless job.

We have 5 folks in March with undecided dates. 

Quote
03/??/18  Badblackgirl
03/??/18  Clean Shaven
03/??/18  Sofa King
03/??/18  MiserlyMiser
03/??/18  Acastus

March is getting pretty close to remain undecided.... 

Any updates @Badblackgirl , @Clean Shaven , @Sofa King , @MiserlyMiser and @Acastus ?

sol

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1177 on: February 01, 2018, 08:38:34 AM »
I resent the time it takes away from useful things(like sleeping with a dog curled up next to me or cleaning out the house).

I admit to being slightly uncomfortable with this realization.  I went to a bunch of fancy schools and got a bunch of fancy degrees so that people would listen to me when I'm acting all fancy smart, and now my life's one true desire is to mow my lawn and take my dog to the park?  These days I'm genuinely more interested in staying home to clean my bathroom than I am going to work to answer email, and some part of me finds that realizations upsetting.  Is it a betrayal of my life's work to just abandon it so easily?

I think I'm going to need to find an alternative venue for acting all fancy smart, after I retire.

brooklynguy

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1178 on: February 01, 2018, 08:56:03 AM »
Is it a betrayal of my life's work to just abandon it so easily?

In my case, it was a betrayal of my nonambition ever to have pursued fancy professional credentials in the first place.  Now that I'm retiring, I'm answering my true calling (to become a gentleman of leisure).

Quote
I think I'm going to need to find an alternative venue for acting all fancy smart, after I retire.

Start a blog!  Then you can keep sharing your fancy smartness with the rest of us.  I'm going to keep taking every available opportunity to continue to pressure you to do it.

Aegishjalmur

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1179 on: February 01, 2018, 08:58:39 AM »
I resent the time it takes away from useful things(like sleeping with a dog curled up next to me or cleaning out the house).

I admit to being slightly uncomfortable with this realization.  I went to a bunch of fancy schools and got a bunch of fancy degrees so that people would listen to me when I'm acting all fancy smart, and now my life's one true desire is to mow my lawn and take my dog to the park?  These days I'm genuinely more interested in staying home to clean my bathroom than I am going to work to answer email, and some part of me finds that realizations upsetting.  Is it a betrayal of my life's work to just abandon it so easily?

I think I'm going to need to find an alternative venue for acting all fancy smart, after I retire.

I think part of it, for me is I get tired of doing the same things over and over again. When you start in school, you have to take a variety of classes so well they may be based on previous classes, it's still new information and new challenges. Then, you graduate and start a job, so again, it's new challenges as you learn the ins and outs of your chosen profession. As you work your way up, you learn new skills. Then, you plateau. No new challenges, the new information is just minor tweeks on what you already know, you're doing the same thing day in and day out.

I don't view it as a betrayal of my life's work, I view it as having worked my butt off to reach a point where I can focus on what I want to, where I can pick out my new challenges.




CheapskateWife

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1180 on: February 01, 2018, 08:59:09 AM »
I resent the time it takes away from useful things(like sleeping with a dog curled up next to me or cleaning out the house).

I admit to being slightly uncomfortable with this realization.  I went to a bunch of fancy schools and got a bunch of fancy degrees so that people would listen to me when I'm acting all fancy smart, and now my life's one true desire is to mow my lawn and take my dog to the park?  These days I'm genuinely more interested in staying home to clean my bathroom than I am going to work to answer email, and some part of me finds that realizations upsetting.  Is it a betrayal of my life's work to just abandon it so easily?

I think I'm going to need to find an alternative venue for acting all fancy smart, after I retire.
Perhaps where we made the mistake was thinking that this is our life's work.  When I'm home, surrounded by the fella's that love me, that is when I am truly happy.  Not when I make a good TPS report, or put together a good SOW for a future construction project.  Some day, I may drive onto this installation and look again at all the large metal objects that are still standing that I had a hand in.  Or maybe I won't, and I'll focus on the bush beans, the chickens, and my love. 

It is sad but my "life's work" doesn't really feel like something that no-one else could have done.  In fact, there are several someone's in line to replace me in my work of erecting large metal objects. 

I think I'd like to refocus my life's work on something that is uniquely mine.  Let the young kids have their turn at the fun, and get out of the way.

CowboyAndIndian

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1181 on: February 01, 2018, 09:42:35 AM »
Congratulations MomCPA!

Thanks @homestead neohio for the nice words.


01/01/18  CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18  Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18  Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18  PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18  patches CONFIRMED
01/31/18  Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18  MomCPA  CONFIRMED
02/01/18  DTaggart
02/09/18  JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18  Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18  Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18  brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18  Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18  Cherry Lane
03/31/18  homestead neohio
03/31/18  Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18  ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18  DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18  Badblackgirl
03/??/18  Clean Shaven
03/??/18  Sofa King
03/??/18  MiserlyMiser
03/??/18  Acastus
04/01/18  Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18  Honeyfill  (at 60)
04/19/18  NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18  poppydog and DW
04/??/18  Calvin
04/??/18  FernFree
04/??/18  Gooki
04/??/18  lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
~04/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
05/01/18  SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18  SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying.   He wants to live.)
05/04/18  wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18  step_away
05/15/18  Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18  Gyosho
05/25/18  CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/??/18  Alim Nassor
05/??/18  msilenus
06/15/18  DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18  MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18  aperture
06/??/18  Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18  dbtx
06/??/18  Omalley
06/??/18  randomgiraffe
06/??/18  SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18  AussieGirl
07/??/18  ChasesFish
07/??/18  Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18  SugarMountain
08/24/18  sol (at 41)
08/??/18  Mr Mark
08/??/18  NorCalistache
08/??/18  RunningWithScissors
09/30/18  SwissMiss
10/05/18  JumboShrimp
10/??/18  Fire1018
10/??/18  Happy
10/??/18  Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18  DeSteeg
11/??/18  Kris
12/01/18  Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18  LateStarter
12/??/18  EnjoyIt
12/??/18  yoda34
??/??/18  Blindsquirrel
??/??/18  Michread
??/??/18  Minnesota_mom
??/??/18  OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18  thriftycanadian
??/??/18  pecunia
??/??/18  FLStache


sol

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1182 on: February 01, 2018, 09:44:04 AM »
I don't view it as a betrayal of my life's work, I view it as having worked my butt off to reach a point where I can focus on what I want to, where I can pick out my new challenges.

I feel invested in my career path.  I've suffered and toiled for years, built something worthwhile, and now I'm casting it all aside.  Part of me feels the incipient loss.

But I expressed these feelings to my spouse this morning, and she gleefully reminded me that I suffered and toiled for precisely this reason.  I've paid the price to have this option today, so that I can walk away from it all.  The bill is paid, so maybe it's time to claim the prize.

And honestly that journey was worthwhile along the way, too.  Life has to be about the moment, not the future ends, right?  We're all going to die and leave it all behind, so all that matters is what you do along the way.  At each crossroads, I chose the path that most appealled to me, and I'm fitfully trying to mentally reframe this next step as another choice towards another path instead of an abdication of the journey thus far.  I'm not quite there yet.

deeshen13

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1183 on: February 01, 2018, 09:58:44 AM »
I don't view it as a betrayal of my life's work, I view it as having worked my butt off to reach a point where I can focus on what I want to, where I can pick out my new challenges.

I feel invested in my career path.  I've suffered and toiled for years, built something worthwhile, and now I'm casting it all aside.  Part of me feels the incipient loss.

But I expressed these feelings to my spouse this morning, and she gleefully reminded me that I suffered and toiled for precisely this reason.  I've paid the price to have this option today, so that I can walk away from it all.  The bill is paid, so maybe it's time to claim the prize.

And honestly that journey was worthwhile along the way, too.  Life has to be about the moment, not the future ends, right?  We're all going to die and leave it all behind, so all that matters is what you do along the way.  At each crossroads, I chose the path that most appealled to me, and I'm fitfully trying to mentally reframe this next step as another choice towards another path instead of an abdication of the journey thus far.  I'm not quite there yet.

Sol, quick question for you- what happened to your plans to continue working past FIRE and subsequently donate your large earnings to charity. I apologize if you have addressed this change of heart- I don't login all too frequently these days. But I do recall you used to frequently make the case that you continuing to work was able to do so much good that it was immoral for you not to continue to work (paraphrased fairly, I hope). '1 man works a tolerable job to save 1000 lives a year' type argument. Have you changed your mind?

Thanks.

sol

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1184 on: February 01, 2018, 10:10:36 AM »
Sol, quick question for you- what happened to your plans to continue working past FIRE and subsequently donate your large earnings to charity.

My plan was to continue working past my March 30th target date and give away half of my gross salary. 

The new tax law motivated me to give early, before losing the deductibility of charitable donations, so in December I donated $25k to a DAF.  That would require working an extra six months, to earn that much money at a 50% donation rate, since I make about 100k/yr, or working 3 more months if I donate 100% of it (which means paying taxes and insurance and such out of pocket). I then updated my retirement date in this thread to move it forward from March to August.

So it's done before it's done.  The money is already gone, before I am retired, and I have committed myself to working longer to earn it back.  It's a convoluted sort of reasoning, I admit, but the changing tax laws mean I can donate approximately $7k more to charity by doing it this way instead of as originally planned.  Plus there's no backing out now, on the donation side.  The only question is whether I can stick with my plan to continue working, or whether I just decide to give it away without clocking the time at my desk.

PhilB

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1185 on: February 01, 2018, 10:58:23 AM »
Is it a betrayal of my life's work to just abandon it so easily?

In my case, it was a betrayal of my nonambition ever to have pursued fancy professional credentials in the first place.  Now that I'm retiring, I'm answering my true calling (to become a gentleman of leisure).

Exactly this. When the institute finally stops asking me to renew my subscriptions, and throws me out for non-payment,  I am actually looking to being able to described myself as a 'lapsed Chartered Accountant'.  None of the professional and well-regarded work I did today gave me anything like the feeling of achievement and well-being that the half hour's carpentry at lunchtime did.

Clean Shaven

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1186 on: February 01, 2018, 11:04:36 AM »

We have 5 folks in March with undecided dates. 

Quote
03/??/18  Badblackgirl
03/??/18  Clean Shaven
03/??/18  Sofa King
03/??/18  MiserlyMiser
03/??/18  Acastus

March is getting pretty close to remain undecided.... 

Any updates @Badblackgirl , @Clean Shaven , @Sofa King , @MiserlyMiser and @Acastus ?

My job pays out its 401k-type plan at year end, in a roughly 70/30 split.  I received the 70% part and am waiting on the 30% to post.  In past years, it's posted in early February, so hoping it hits soon.

Then I give notice -- probably 30 days.

I'm willing to stay attached to the job on a very very part time basis -- basically project type work -- but I don't think they typically do that, so I doubt it'll be offered.  That's fine by me.

CheapskateWife

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1187 on: February 01, 2018, 11:10:56 AM »
None of the professional and well-regarded work I did today gave me anything like the feeling of achievement and well-being that the half hour's carpentry at lunchtime did.
This is beautiful....

homestead neohio

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1188 on: February 01, 2018, 11:20:46 AM »
My job pays out its 401k-type plan at year end, in a roughly 70/30 split.  I received the 70% part and am waiting on the 30% to post.  In past years, it's posted in early February, so hoping it hits soon.

Then I give notice -- probably 30 days.

I'm willing to stay attached to the job on a very very part time basis -- basically project type work -- but I don't think they typically do that, so I doubt it'll be offered.  That's fine by me.

Thanks for the update @Clean Shaven .  If I were you I'd be checking that account every day so I could turn in that notice.  Always good to have the money in the account so they don't try to prevent you from receiving your benefit.  Some employers will thank you for a job well done and others will turn on you as soon as you announce your intent to leave. 

Patches

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1189 on: February 01, 2018, 12:05:00 PM »
Thanks for all the encouragement my people. However I want you all to know I've made a terrible mistake.  Retirement is awful.  I need to find a job... Haaaaaa...

Last day at work was a whirlwind and then I was clearly over-served last night.

Hang in there with your plans Sol.  Unless of course you don't want to...

Congratulations to all you people giving notice. Pretty exciting stuff.

Clean Shaven

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1190 on: February 01, 2018, 12:10:19 PM »
Thanks for the update @Clean Shaven .  If I were you I'd be checking that account every day so I could turn in that notice.  Always good to have the money in the account so they don't try to prevent you from receiving your benefit.  Some employers will thank you for a job well done and others will turn on you as soon as you announce your intent to leave.

I'm checking it every day, for sure.  Our policy manual says that in order to receive payment, you have to be employed on the date of payment (or words to that effect).  While I don't think this employer would pull an "___ days notice? Nope, you can leave today" on me, and cut me out of that remaining payment, I'm not taking that chance.

Agent Rosenflower

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1191 on: February 01, 2018, 08:31:16 PM »

One thing I don't get is I'm seeing a lot of people give really long notices.  What's up with that?  Maybe I'm a jerk, but nobody I work with or for is going to know I'm leaving until 2 weeks before I do.

No contractual obligation for me, but it’s the norm in my field to give at least a month’s notice, and more like 2-4 if you’re in a leadership position like mine. Giving 2 weeks’ notice would be bridge-burningly short and many colleagues would assume I was fired for some kind of gross mismanagement. So my proposed timeframe was pretty average. Waiting until June would be more than generous, but I might do it.

Agent Rosenflower

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1192 on: February 01, 2018, 08:43:00 PM »
I resent the time it takes away from useful things(like sleeping with a dog curled up next to me or cleaning out the house).

I admit to being slightly uncomfortable with this realization.  I went to a bunch of fancy schools and got a bunch of fancy degrees so that people would listen to me when I'm acting all fancy smart, and now my life's one true desire is to mow my lawn and take my dog to the park?  These days I'm genuinely more interested in staying home to clean my bathroom than I am going to work to answer email, and some part of me finds that realizations upsetting.  Is it a betrayal of my life's work to just abandon it so easily?

I think I'm going to need to find an alternative venue for acting all fancy smart, after I retire.

I struggle with this quite a bit as well. It’s a big part of the reason I feel like I should do consulting work or start some kind of hifalutin’ business after I FIRE. It’s like I can’t get past the sunk costs of education and still feel like I MUST USE THESE GRADUATE DEGREES or I’m wasting all that money and effort.

DTaggart

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1193 on: February 01, 2018, 08:50:06 PM »
I AM FIRED!!

Had my exit interview, security debriefing, met with payroll, turned in the phone, the car, the laptops, the multiple ID badges and security devices, and have signed NUMEROUS documents.

Today was just so surreal. I declined the usual BBQ lunch our group normally does for people leaving (I'm an oddball like that), but acquiesced to morning bagels and fruit. We had a monthly meeting already scheduled for today so they had a little moment for me there, I got a nice card and they thoughtfully skipped the usual plaque (not my sort of thing) and made a donation to a local charity I've been involved with instead. I didn't really expect to feel so emotional on my last day, but damn it I worked with some good people. In my "goodbye" email (sort of a tradition), I closed with a link to The Who's "I'm Free" on youTube :)

Tomorrow, we're getting up early and going hiking. I'll probably take a nap when we get home. Gotta have goals, yo.

Congrats to everyone else who has pulled the plug so far, I am ecstatic to join your ranks! To everyone else, just keep your heads down, YOU GOT THIS!

Oh and @CowboyAndIndian if you'd like to add my age to the list, I am squeaking in at 40, just a few months to spare :) Thank you for keeping the list up to date and neatly formatted!

Patches

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1194 on: February 01, 2018, 08:55:15 PM »
Niiiice! Welcome!!  Kinda trippy the emotions, right? And strangely exhausting. I was horizontal most of the day today. Hiking (more like snowshoeing here) starts this weekend.

Cowboyandindian, if you wanna add my age at the same time, I'm 33.  Thanks.

Fresh Bread

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1195 on: February 01, 2018, 11:32:12 PM »
Dtaggart, sounds like you didn't have time for a bbq with all that form filling and badge handing overing. Congrats!

NinetyFour

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1196 on: February 02, 2018, 04:34:37 AM »
YAY Dtaggart!!!  Very happy for you!  Enjoy your hike and afternoon nap!  :)

chasesfish

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1197 on: February 02, 2018, 05:12:56 AM »
Congrats DTaggart, so awesome to hear!

davisgang90

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1198 on: February 02, 2018, 05:46:00 AM »
Congrats Dtaggart!!

CowboyAndIndian

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Re: 2018 FIRE cohort
« Reply #1199 on: February 02, 2018, 07:37:06 AM »
Congratulations DTaggart!


01/01/18  CowboyAndIndian (at 59) CONFIRMED
01/04/18  Gimesalot (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/06/18  Monkey Uncle (at 49) CONFIRMED
01/26/18  PizzaSteve (at 53) CONFIRMED
01/31/18  patches (at 33) CONFIRMED
01/31/18  Wintergreen78 CONFIRMED
01/31/18  MomCPA  CONFIRMED
02/01/18  DTaggart (at 40) CONFIRMED
02/09/18  JLTinVA (at 42)
02/16/18  Gimesalot DH (at 40)
02/26/18  Aegishjalmur (at 35)
02/28/18  brooklynguy (at 37)
02/28/18  Caoineag (at 36)
03/16/18  Cherry Lane
03/31/18  homestead neohio
03/31/18  Mrbeardedbigbucks
03/31/18  ZiziPB (at 50)
03/31/18  DavidAnnArbor (at 52) (Won't renew my office lease)
03/??/18  Badblackgirl
03/??/18  Clean Shaven
03/??/18  Sofa King
03/??/18  MiserlyMiser
03/??/18  Acastus
04/01/18  Mrs. Honeyfill
04/02/18  Honeyfill  (at 60)
04/19/18  NinetyFour (at 56)
04/27/18  poppydog and DW
04/??/18  Calvin
04/??/18  FernFree
04/??/18  Gooki
04/??/18  lostformars
~04/??/18 HappyMargo
~04/??/18 Mother Fussbudget
~04/??/18 Agent Rosenflower
05/01/18  SwordGuy (at 60)
05/08/18  SwordGuy DW (SwordGuy isn't saying.   He wants to live.)
05/04/18  wordnerd and DH (at 30 and 36)
05/04/18  step_away
05/15/18  Markbike528CBX (at 53.5)
05/25/18  Gyosho
05/25/18  CheapskateWife (at 42) and CheapskateHubs (at 49)
05/??/18  Alim Nassor
05/??/18  msilenus
06/15/18  DavisGang90 (at 49)
06/25/18  MaybeBabyMustache (at 42)
06/29/18  aperture
06/??/18  Cheddar Stacker
06/??/18  dbtx
06/??/18  Omalley
06/??/18  randomgiraffe
06/??/18  SwissMiss
~06/??/18 Pylortes
07/??/18  AussieGirl
07/??/18  ChasesFish
07/??/18  Mr Griz
~07/??/18 BackAndForth
~07/??/18 cerat0n1a
~07/??/18 Fresh Bread
~07/??/18 SnidelyWhiplashStache
08/01/18  SugarMountain
08/24/18  sol (at 41)
08/??/18  Mr Mark
08/??/18  NorCalistache
08/??/18  RunningWithScissors
09/30/18  SwissMiss
10/05/18  JumboShrimp
10/??/18  Fire1018
10/??/18  Happy
10/??/18  Irishtache
10/25/18 PhilB (at 52)
11/??/18  DeSteeg
11/??/18  Kris
12/01/18  Vegasgirl (at 49)
12/21/18  LateStarter
12/??/18  EnjoyIt
12/??/18  yoda34
??/??/18  Blindsquirrel
??/??/18  Michread
??/??/18  Minnesota_mom
??/??/18  OzBeach -- WIGLO (When I Get Laid Off)
??/??/18  thriftycanadian
??/??/18  pecunia
??/??/18  FLStache

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!